Effects of Genotype and Diet on Performance, Carcass Traits, and Blood Profiles of Slow-Growing Chicks Obtained by Crosses of Local Breed with Commercial Genotype

Abstract

The effects of genotype and diet on growth performance, carcass traits and blood metabolites were investigated. The commercial Ross 308 (R) chickens genotype, a local Black Transylvanian Naked Neck (BTNN) breed, and their crosses were used in an 81-day study. A total of 720 one-d-old chicks were allotted into eight groups in a 4 × 2 factorial design with 4 genotypes: Rmale × Rfemale (R), BTNNmale × Rfemale (BTNN-R), BTNNmale × BTNNfemale (BTNN), Rmale × BTNNfemale (R-BTNN), and 2 diets: control and low-metabolisable energy (LME). Genotype affected performance parameters, namely body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), energy intake (EI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), energy conversion ratio (ECR), and production efficiency factor (PEF), irrespective of growth phase (p < 0.05). Diet had no significant effect on overall BWG, EI, ECR and PEF, except that it increased FI and FCR. Genotype influenced the carcass and organ yields (p < 0.05), except bursa weight, while diet had no significant effect. Blood parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, albumin and phosphorus) were affected only by genotype (p < 0.05). In summary, results show that from the two crossbreedings obtained between R and BTNN genotypes, the BTNN-R growth performance and carcass traits were superior to R-BTNN, even though both have had a similar improved plasma response. Lowering the ME level did not significantly affect the BWG but increased FI and FCR, whereas the production index was similar regardless of the genotype. Based on the present results, we concluded that the BTNN-R crosses are the most suitable for use in alternative rearing systems for slow-growing chickens.

Comparative Analysis of Production and Slaughter Parameters of Fast-Growing Broiler Hybrids

“…However, the increase persisted for an extended period, specifically until the 5th week of age, following which the average daily gain decreased in the final week. Consistent with our findings, Pascalau et al (2017) and Tudorache et al (2022) also observed notable differences in production outcomes influenced by genotype. A comparison of the production results from our test with those of Petričević et al (2011) and Bjedov et al (2011) the evident genetic and overall progress of both hybrids over the past period.…”

Effects of genotype and Phytolacca dodecandra (Endod) supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, blood profiles, and breast meat quality of chickens

“…Our results showed that total protein concentration varied among the genotypes with lower values observed in the exotic ThT than in the other chicken genotypes. Consistent with this [ 30 ], observed that the R genotype displayed the highest Alb value in comparison to other genotypes. Based on [ 53 ] findings, an increase in the overall amount of proteins in the plasma indicates the essential role of globulin in enhancing the immune system.…”

“…[ 14 ]. Carcass cut-up parts, including breast, thing, drumstick, wings, back, and internal organs, were removed and weighed, and their relative weights were expressed as % of BW at slaughter following [ 30 ].…”

Monitoring physiological processes of fast-growing broilers during the whole life cycle: Changes of redox-homeostasis effected to trassulfuration pathway predicting the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

“…The results of the current study indicate that the performance of the experimental subjects corresponds to the values typical of fast-growing broilers. The data also show that the performance of broilers did not indicate the presence of metabolic diseases among the livestock [66][67][68][69].…”