Production traits of broiler chicken strains fed Ad Libitum and raised on deep litter system in the humid tropics

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of strain and age on production traits of commercial broiler chickens reared on full-feeding, and under the same housing, feeding regime, agro-climatic zone and management practices. A total number of 150 broiler dayold chicks, that, is 50 chicks each of Arbor Acres (strain A), Hubbard (strain B) and Marshall (strain C) were purchased from local hatcheries, and raised on deep litter in separate pens for 49 days (7 weeks). Data collected include live body weight, body length, breast girth, shank length and thigh length. In addition, data on feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency at two weeks interval beginning from 1st week were taken. Analyzed results showed that genotype and age of birds had highly significant (P<0.01) effects on all the performance traits of broiler chickens. Strains A and B appeared superior to strain C in body weight, but the latter was better (P<0.01) in shank length and breast girth than the former. As regards feed conversion, strain C was the poorest, intermediate in strain B, and strain A the best. The feed efficiency and feed conversion ratio were related but in a reverse manner. Strain A was adjudged good and profitable because the strain had the highest mean values in body weight and feed efficiency coupled with the lowest feed conversion ratio at maturity, and could be recommended to poultry farmers in this zone for increased productivity, income generation and maximum profit.Keywords: Poultry, Broiler, Strain, Traits, Body weight, Feed efficiency, Feed conversion, Feed efficiencyAnimal Research International (2012) 9(1): 1529 – 153