Volume 59 (2009) Issue: 2009 No#1

The effect of genotype of broiler chickens on carcass quality in extensive rearing system

Author(s): Blagojević M, Pavlovski Zlatica, Škrbić Zdenka, Lukić M, Milošević N, Perić Lidija

Keywords:genotype, extensive system, carcass quality

Research was carried out on chickens of four genotypes: two slow-growing genotypes, Master Gris (MG) and Farm Q (FQ), one fastgrowing, Hubbard Classic (HC) and one medium-growing Red Bro (RB). To the age of 3 weeks, chickens were reared according to all technological norms for intensive production. After that period, chickens were moved and fattening in extensive conditions resumed, using unlimited free range. The significance of genotype on body mass was established. The greatest final body mass was established in chickens of the Master Gris genotype (1983 g) and the lowest in Farm Q (1371 g). Fast-growing chickens of genotype Hubbard Classic at the age of 84 days had body mass at the level of medium-growing Red Bro genotype at the age of 91 days (1730 g, and 1759 g, respectively). In accordance to the established body mass, slaughter yields of Farm Q broilers were significantly the lowest. Also, chickens of this genotype also had significantly (p<0.05) lower share of abdominal fat compared to other genotypes. Chickens of Master Gris and Red Bro genotypes had significantly greater shank length (22.57 and 21.01 g/mm, respectively), whereas in fast-growing genotype Hubbard Classic a significantly greater breast angle (90.15 degrees) was determined. Accordingly, share of breast (15.90 %), as well as share of breast meat (10.11 %) was significantly greater in carcasses of Hubbard Classic chickens.