Edible Giblets and Bone Mineral Characteristics of Two Slow-Growing Chicken Genotypes Reared in an Organic System

Abstract

This study was conducted to compare edible giblets weight, tibial bone mineral density (BMD), and bone mineral content (BMC) of two slow-growing broiler genotypes (Hubbard S757; S757 and Hubbard Grey Barred JA; GB-JA) reared with outdoor access, and to determine the relationship between these variables. Day-old chicks (straight-run) of the genotypes S757 (n=120) and GB-JA (n=120) were housed for 98 days. Each genotype was assigned to six pens of 20 birds each. Birds were reared in indoor floor pens and moving shelters with outdoor access (during daylight hours). Absolute body (BW), heart (HW), spleen (SW), liver (LW), gizzard (GW), and abdominal fat pad (AFW) weights of the genotype S757 and male birds were statistically higher than that of the genotype GB-JA and female birds. Genotype statistically affected relative HW, whereas sex affected relative GW. Although BMD values were not influenced by genotype or sex, S757 birds and males presented statistically higher tibial BMC, lean, lean+BMC, total mass values (g) and area (cm 2 ) compared with GB-JA birds and females. BW, HW, SW, LW, GW and AFW were positively correlated with BMC obtained by DXA. In conclusion, the measured traits influenced by genetic strain and sex. The use of the Hubbard S757 genotype in organic production systems with outdoor access is recommend.

Basic morphometry, microcomputed tomography and mechanical evaluation of the tibiotarsal bone of a dual-purpose and a broiler chicken line

“…A recent comparative study between two different slow-growing broiler genotypes showed that the tibiotarsus traits influenced by genetic strain [5]. In earlier studies on rapidly growing meat-producing poultry the tibiotarsal bone was found to be the most affected bone in clinical and subclinical leg problems as tibial dyschondroplasia and rickets [6][7][8].…”

The Effects of Valine Supplementation in the Diet on Growth Performance and Giblet Weight of Native Chicken at the Starter Phase

“…This metabolism process will affect the activity of gizzard, liver and heart. Poultry will increase their metabolism ability to digest crude fiber hence increasing the size of the gizzard, liver and heart [16]. The size of the gizzard is affected by its activity.…”

“…Liver plays a role in bile secretion, fat, protein, carbohydrate, iron and vitamin metabolisms, detoxification, red blood formation, as well as vitamin storage [17]. Eleroglu et al [16] explained that the factors affecting the weight of liver are body weight, species, sex, age, and pathogenic bacteria. Liver weight increases along with age, but the percentage is constant to body weight.…”