title: Comparison of the performance, carcass characteristics and haematological parameters of broiler chicks reared in cage and floor.
abstract: This study was conducted to determine the effect of housing systems on the performance, carcass characteristics and the haematology of 150 four-week old Anak titan strains of broiler chicks in a completely randomized design. The birds were allocated randomly into two treatment (cage and floor) groups of three replications containing 25 birds per replicate. They were maintained for a period of 4 weeks and data were collected on; final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed:gain and mortality. At the 56th week, carcass yield, cut-up parts and organs weights as well as some parameters were measured. The results showed that feed intake and feed:gain were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the cage system. Dressing percentage and breast weight were higher (p < 0.05) in the floor housing system while drumstick and lung weight were higher in the cage system. No significant (p > 0.05) difference was obtained in the haematology. It was then concluded that an improvement in the floor system could result into a better performance and an increased carcass yield.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
authors.forename: O M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Sogunle
authors.forename: L T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Egbeyale
authors.forename: T T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Bajomo
authors.forename: O V
authors.initials: OV
authors.lastname: Bamigboje
authors.forename: A O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Fanimo
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D006405:Hematology