Genetic Variability in Growth Performance of Three Meat-type Chickens (Abor Acre, Ross 308 and FUNAAB Alpha Broiler Line) based on different Flock Compositions

Abstract

A total of 450 chicks comprising 150 each of Arbor Acre, Ross 308 and FUNAAB Alpha broiler line chickens were used for this study on flock composition. The birds were sexed at 3 weeks and randomly distributed into three different flocks which includes mono-sex of female only (50), male only (50) and mixed-sex (50) for the three genotypes. These birds were managed intensively for 8 weeks and their productive performance were compared. Data collected was analysed using the Generalized Linear Model of SAS (2002). Significant means were separated using least significant difference (LSD). Arbor Acre and Ross 308 broiler chickens were significantly superior to FUNAAB Alpha broiler line chickens for body weight and linear body measurements at all weeks except for shank length were the reverse was the case at week 6. Male birds in male flock composition only and mixed pens were consistently better (p<0.05) than the other flock compositions for both body weight and body circumference at weeks 4, 6 and 8 while for thigh and wing lengths similar performance was recorded at only week 8. Genotype by flock composition on parameters revealed that among the 12 interactive groups, flocks consisting of Arbor Acre and Ross 308 broiler male chickens in both mixed and male only flocks were superior in body weight and most of the linear body measurements from week 2 to 8. It is recommended that broiler chickens should be raised separately as mono-sex as against mixed rearing from fourth week of age to slaughter.