Performance and quality of carcass and meat of chickens raised in an alternative system

Abstract

This work was intended to evaluate the performance characteristics of the Paraíso Pedrês and Pescoço Pelado strain in the alternative raising system. The determinations of Live Weight (PV), Daily Average Weight Gain (GMPD), Feed Consumption (CR) and Feed Conversion (CA) were performed. Those determinations were undertaken at start phase (1 to 28 days), with the animals confined receiving the diet ad libitum and at finish phase (29 to 95 days) with restriction of the furnishing of feed for 10h on the day. The results showed higher PV, CR and GMPD for the Paraíso Pedrês strain. The Pescoço Pelado strain presented greater growth rate till 45 days, while for Paraíso Pedrês this value was reached at 48 days. Feed consumption and GMPD were similar at start phase and finish phase; they showed segregation for both strains, with a higher value in both for the Paraíso Pedrês strain. Feed conversion showed lower values for Paraíso Pedrês. The results found in this work indicated better performance for the Paraíso Pedrês strain due to this presenting higher live weight values and lower feed conversion values.