Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and profitability of raising male layer chickens (Dekalb White and Hyline Brown) under free-range production system
2023
Lumbo, N.B. | Salces, A.J. | Oliveros, M.C.R. | Nuez, J.A.I. III | Albaladejo, B,H,M. | Dominguez, J.M.D.
The increase in the demand for poultry products resulted to the increase in poultry population including male layer chickens. These male layer chickens are considered production wastes in the layer industry and are commonly killed after hatching. However, the demand for an alternative utilization of male layer chickens heightened due to ethical concerns in disposing these chickens. Hence this study was conducted to determine the meat production traits and profitability of raising 250 Dekalb White and 250 Hyline Brown under free-range production following the Philippine National Standard for Free-range Chicken. Hyline Brown had significantly higher body weight, average daily gain and feed-to-gain ratio compared to Dekalb White. In terms of carcass characteristics, Hyline Brown obtained a significantly higher carcass weight, and leg yield than the Dekalb White. On the other hand, breast yield is higher in Dekalb White. It was also observed that both the breast and legs of Dekalb White have higher skin-and-fat percentage, while both the breast and legs of Hyline Brown have higher bone percentage. Furthermore, Hyline Brown also had better margin over feed cost. In conclusion, despite of having different performances, both Hyline Brown and Dekalb White are suitable and profitable to be raised under free-range production system. This study also proves that raising male layer chickens under free-range production system can be a profitable business venture and can be an additional source of chicken meat in the Philippines.
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