Influence of modified incubation factors on carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

• Published in: Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry (Serbia) Vol. 27; no. 4; pp. 1621 - 1627
• Main Authors: Stojanovic, S., Kanacki, Z., Uscebrka, G., Zikic, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: ACCOUVAGE; BROILER CHICKENS; CARCASS COMPOSITION; COMPOSICIAN DE LA CANAL; COMPOSITION DE LA CARCASSE; EGG INCUBATION; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_16168; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_2497; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_9435; INCUBACIAN DE HUEVOS; POLLO DE ENGORDE; POULET DE CHAIR
• DOI: 10.2298/BAH1104621S
• ISSN: 1450-9156

Incubation factors have a great influence on embryonic and postnatal development of broiler chickens. The aim of changing of incubation factors is to obtain the best possible production characteristics of broilers. In previous studies, it was determined that the application of monochromatic green light and thermal conditioning during incubation give the most satisfactory results on the postnatal development of chickens. This paper examines the effects of green monochromatic light and thermal conditioning during incubation on the carcass characteristics of broilers. In this paper four experimental groups were set. The first group was incubated under the standard conditions (37.8 deg C, no light). In the second group incubation temperature were increased, while in the third group incubation was carried out under green monochromatic light. In the fourth group temperature and light conditions of incubation were changed simultaneously. In all groups, changes of incubation factors were made at precisely defined time intervals. After hatching, chickens were grown up to day 42, when they were sacrificed and their carcass characteristics examined. Analysis of results showed that all treated groups have significant higher body weight, weight of drumsticks, thighs and toes. The fourth group have significant higher weight of breasts and wings compared to control group. These results are explained by the influence of the temperature and light changes during incubation on the increased proliferation of myoblasts, the growth of skeletal muscle cells, and the activity of satellite cells, which are reflected in changes of carcass characteristics.