CARCASS AND ORGAN TRAITS OF TWO BROILER CHICKEN STRAINS FED DIETARY CITRUS SINENSIS PEEL-BASED DIETS

Abstract

One hundred- and ninety-two-day-old chicks, comprising 96 Abor acres and 96 Cobb 500 breed, were randomly distributed across four different diets with inclusion levels of dried Citrus sinensis peel (DCSP) at 0, 2.50, 5.00, and 7.50% used to substitute wheat offal in the diet. Each treatment group was replicated three times, consist eight birds each in a 2 x 4 factorial design. Carcass and organ parameters were assessed. The highest live, slaughter, and eviscerated weight (2518.33±115.75g, 2379.33±108.81g, 91.20±1.82g respectively) was observed in the control group followed by birds fed
with 2.50% DCSP. Although the highest drumstick mean weight was observed among birds fed with 2.50% DCSP, it was statistically similar to the values recorded among the control group. For carcass cuts- thigh, back, neck, wing, and head, the control group had the highest weight while the least weight was observed among birds fed a diet containing 7.50% DCSP. No breed effect was recorded and the interactive effects were also non-significant (P>0.05). The relative organ weight of the broiler chickens observed was significantly affected (P<0.05) except for the pancreas and lungs. The weight
of the heart (11.78±0.94g), liver (50.72±2.83g), gizzard (54.72±0.37g), proventriculus (10.08±0.48g), and spleen (2.38±0.12g) was highest among the control birds and the least value was also recorded among birds fed with Diet D. Strain did not affect (P>0.05) organs weight except for the heart and proventriculus. Likewise, interaction effects were non-significant (P>0.05). Hence, DCSP can only be utilized at a 2.50% inclusion level for optimal muscle growth, carcass, and organ outcomes.