Evaluation of the Parameters Needed To Describe the Growth Traits of Two Commercial Broiler Strains

Abstract

The study focused on the effect of strain on growth traits of two commercial broiler chickens. Data were collected from 150 broiler chickens consisting of 75 each of Cobb and Marshall birds respectively. They were kept in separate pen and parameters measured at 1- 8 weeks of age and were analyzed for the effect of strain in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Significant strain (P˂0.05) differences were obtained among the growth traits. Generally, the results showed an increase in the live body measurements as the birds matured, indicating a direct relationship between body weight and growth traits measured. Cobb birds were mostly superior in the growth traits measured than their Marshall counterparts. Cobb birds had higher values for body weight and keel length at weeks 1, 2 and 4 than their Marshall counterparts.  Meanwhile, Marshall birds were superior in shank length at weeks 2 and 3 of the starter phase. However, at 7^th and 8^th weeks, Cobb birds had superior values for body weight, body length, breast girth, and drum stick length than their Marshall counterparts. The values obtained for body weight and some growth traits coupled with the ability of Cobb and Marshall birds offered the baseline that will assist in evaluating the various growth patterns of broilers in this part of the country.

Keywords: Cobb bird, Marshall bird, broilers, growth traits