The effects of access to pasture on growth performance, behavioural patterns, some blood parameters and carcass yield of a slow-growing broiler genotype

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of access to a pasture on growth performance, behavioural patterns, some blood parameters and carcass yield of a slow-growing broiler genotype. A total of 210 one-day-old male chicks of Hubbard ISA Red JA were used in the experiment. At the 84th day, live weight was determined to be lower in the outdoor rearing system (P < .01). Better feed conversion ratio was found in the indoor rearing system (P < .01). The behaviour of the broilers was compared by observing the behaviour of three randomly selected marked birds on video tape. Eating, drinking, preening, spot pecking, feather pecking, walking-standing and resting-lying were monitored. Broilers from the outdoor rearing system group showed more preening, drinking, spot pecking, walk-stand and feather pecking behaviours as a result of increasing activity. Ratio of breast and thigh (carcass weight%) was higher, whereas abdominal fat was lower in the outdoor group. As a result of this study, access to a pasture improved the behaviours of broilers. ARTICLE HISTORY

Evaluation of access to different legume pastures on performance and welfare of broiler chickens during dry season under tropical environment

“…Overall, the rectal temperatures of broiler chickens in this study were still in the normal range of 41.55°C-41.95°C as reported by Aengwanich and Simaraks (2004) and Attia et al (2011). Similar to our findings, Ipek and Sozcu (2017) reported the rectal temperature of broilers with or without access to pasture were closely related.…”

Supplementation of diets with Brazil nut powder can meet dietary methionine requirement of organic broiler chickens

“…Ponte et al (2008b) reports that broilers with pasture access have improved performance compared to those without pasture access. Conversely, Ipek and Sozcu (2017) observed decreased performance of broilers with pasture access compared to conventionally reared broilers, while Moyle et al (2014) reported no growth differences between pasture and nonpasture raised broilers.…”

“…Fanatico et al (2009) and Moyle et al (2014) also reported similar results in fast-growing broilers with or without access to pasture. However, in slow-growing broiler chickens, Ipek and Sozcu (2017) reported that chickens with access to pasture had lower breast and abdominal fat yields compared to their counterparts raised conventionally with no access to pasture. The current study focused on the utility of Brazil nut as a substitute for synthetic Met in different phases of organic broiler chicken feed.…”

“…In the current study, forage was not analyzed for nutrient availability. Recently, Ipek and Sozcu (2017) reported that slow-growing broiler chickens with access to pasture had lower final BW and FCR (days 42-84) than their counterparts raised in a conventional environment. Possible reasons for this outcome include limited nutrient availability of forage and more exercise and activity from broilers with access to pasture.…”

Visceral composition, carcass yield and meat quality parameters of free-range broilers with diets containing different levels of crushed sugarcane

“…Broiler and organic production systems were developed following a tendency of concerns focused on human health and nutrition (Stadig et al, 2016;Ipek & Sozcu et al, 2017). Consumers attribute higher quality and safety to the meat obtained in these alternative systems This kind of breeding is also associate to excellent levels of animal welfare (Castromán et al, 2013).…”