Comparison of the Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Haematological Parameters of Broiler Chicks Reared in Cage and Floor

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effect of housing systems on the performance, carcass characteristics and the haematology of 150 four-week old Anak titan strains of broiler chicks in a completely randomized design. The birds were allocated randomly into two treatment (cage and floor) groups of three replications containing 25 birds per replicate. They were maintained for a period of 4 weeks and data were collected on; final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed:gain and mortality. At the 56th week, carcass yield, cut-up parts and organs weights as well as some parameters were measured. The results showed that feed intake and feed:gain were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the cage system. Dressing percentage and breast weight were higher (p < 0.05) in the floor housing system while drumstick and lung weight were higher in the cage system. No significant (p > 0.05) difference was obtained in the haematology. It was then concluded that an improvement in the floor system could result into a better performance and an increased carcass yield.