Feed and Water Withdrawal Time Relationship to Processing Yield and Potential Fecal Contamination of Broilers

Abstract

Trials were conducted to determine feed and water withdrawal times for broilers prior to slaughter which would result in lowest loss in eviscerated yield and lessen potential for fecal contamination of carcasses. Percent loss in live weight expressed as shrink showed a linear relationship with time. Loss at the twenty-four hour period was approximately double that at the twelfth hour. Eviscerated yield when based on initial weight showed a tendency for loss in yield with increasing withdrawal time whereas the opposite trend was shown when yield was based on weight at time of slaughter. Least differences were noted from the eighth to tenth hour of holding. Fecal contents were lowest at the eighth to tenth hour of withdrawal. This would be conducive to a lessened possibility for fecal contamination. The data points out the need for more precise scheduling of withdrawal and holding period prior to slaughter to reduce losses due to yields and fecal contamination of carcasses.