Effects of two rearing systems on the development of digestive organs and slaughter performance of Lushi Green layer birds

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of two management systems (battery cage and semi-intensive) on the digestive organ development and slaughter performance of Lushi green layer birds. Sixty layer chickens, Lushi green, seven weeks old were used. Thirty chickens were placed in each of the two systems. Ten (half male and half female) chickens from each management system were selected randomly for slaughter and relevant indexes were measured. Results showed that the liver, gizzard, pancreas and gizzard organ indexes of the roosters reared under the semi-intensive system were higher than those of the cage reared roosters (P<0.05). The digestive organ index of the hens reared under the semi-intensive system was also higher than that of the cage reared hens (P<0.05). The lengths of the jejunum, ileum, and ceca and the jejunum relatively small intestine index of the chickens reared under the semi-intensive system were higher than those of the cage reared chickens (P<0.05). The thigh muscle and abdominal fat yields of male and female chickens reared under the semi-intensive system were lower compared with those of the cage-reared ones (P<0.05). These results indicated that rearing method influences the slaughter performance and digestive organ development of Lushi chickens. The digestion and absorption abilities of chickens reared under the semi-intensive system were generally better than those of cage-reared ones.