Phenotypic Profiles of Exotic Broiler Genotypes in Ghana

2015

English

The current study was conducted to determine body weight, feed efficiency, immune competence, heterophil-lymphocyte ratio, mortality and carcass parameters of different broiler genotypes in tropical environment. A total of 800 unsexed day-old chicks from four exotic commercial broiler genotypes were assessed for their phenotypic performance. All the genotypes were kept under the same feeding regime of 3 weeks starter diet and a subsequent 3 weeks finisher diet. Feed and water were provided for ad libitum consumption. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in body weight at 3 and 6 weeks among the four genotypes however, the ranking of genotypes changed with age suggesting a genotype by age interaction. Significant differences (P<0.05) also existed among the broiler genotypes for feed intake at 3 weeks but not 6 weeks whilst they showed significant difference (P<0.05) for feed efficiency at 6 weeks but not 3 weeks. Broiler genotypes in this study further showed significant differences (P<0.05) for primary and secondary responses to sheep red blood cell (SRBC), heterophil-lymphocyte ratio and mortalities at 3 and 6 weeks of age but no differences in leg deformities. With the exception of gastro-intestinal tract (GIT), there were no significant differences (P>0.05) for the carcass parameters studied. The results from this study suggest that significant differences in phenotypic performance of commercial broiler genotypes under tropical conditions exist and should influence the choice of genotypes to be used for commercial broiler production.

Lamptey, V. K.; Hagan, B. A.; Asafu-Adjaye, A.; Adu-Aboagye, G.; Darfour-Oduro, K. A.; Boa-Amponsem, K.