Suitability of dual-purpose cockerels of 3 different genetic origins for fattening under free-range conditions

The utilization of male chickens for fattening constitutes a potential advantage of the dual-purpose concept. In addition to the use of commercial hybrids, producers could introduce alternative chicken genotypes or further develop local breeds. To gain more information about the genetic effect on growth performance, carcass characteristics, physicochemical meat traits, and sensory attributes, 60 cockerels belonging to Les Bleues (developed from the French breed Bresse Gauloise), Canarian (Spanish local breed), and Dominant Red Barred D459 (DRB D459; commercial dual-purpose hybrid) genotypes were reared under free-range conditions in a warm tropical climate and slaughtered at 15 wk of age. The major findings were as follows: (i) Les Bleues chickens exhibited the best growth rate and the body weight of 2.44 kg reached by this strain at 15 wk would be gained only after 18 to 19 wk with DRB D459 and it would take even 2 wk longer for Canarian breed, according to the growth modeling using the Morgan equation, although the body weights between the latter were statistical similar at 15 wk; (ii) Les Bleues strain had a good capability in terms of meat production performance, presenting carcasses with significantly heavier commercial cuts, and higher fleshiness than the other 2 genotypes; (iii) although significant differences among genotypes appeared in the physical characteristics of the breast meat, especially those concerning the skin and meat color and water-holding capacity, which was significantly reduced for Canarian chickens, no significant differences were detected in the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the breast meat; (iv) trained panelists (n = 8) pointed out that leg meat of none of the genotypes is better in terms of global appreciation, but untrained consumers (n = 99) perceived that the Les Bleues leg meat was significantly more palatable than the DRB D459 leg meat.