Comparing slow-growing chickens produced by two- and three-way crossings with commercial genotypes. 2. Carcass quality and blood parameters

This study examined live weight, carcass traits, meat quality and blood parameters of slow-and medium-growing chickens at 84 days of age and compared them with those of commercial slow-and fast-growing genotypes. A total of 2,240 chicks were used in the study. Day-old chicks were wing-banded, and 280 mixed male and female chicks from each genotype were randomly allocated to one of four 1.7 x 3 m compartments. At 84 days of age, 10 males and 10 females per genotype from each compartment were slaughtered, and the following characteristics were evaluated: slaughter weight and carcass traits; meat pH, color values (L* a* b*), water-holding capacity (WHC), chemical composition and texture, blood-serum parameters.