Could vitamin supplementation unlock the hidden potential of the indigenous Gerze chicken?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4314/sajas.v55i1.03Keywords:
alternative poultry production, broiler chickens, carcass composition, local chickens, meat qualityAbstract
In this study, the broiler performance of Turkish Gerze chickens was investigated. One hundred and thirty day-old chicks were reared under intensive conditions until 20 weeks of age to examine whether administering a vitamin supplement via their drinking water would affect broiler performance. During this period, one group received the vitamin supplement, starting at four weeks of age, and the other (the control group) did not. At 20 weeks old, the chickens given the vitamin supplement had an average live weight of 1686 g and a feed conversion ratio of 4.47, while the control group was significantly lighter, at 1408 g, with a feed conversion ratio of 4.63. Dressing percentages were not significantly affected by vitamin supplementation, and averaged around 68%. The proportion of edible giblets also did not significantly differ between the two groups, contributing approximately 5%–6% of the carcass. The largest carcass component in both treatment groups was the legs, constituting 32%–33% of the carcass in males and 28% in females. Breast meat made up 22%–27% of the carcass, and this was not significantly influenced by vitamin supplementation. The pH and colour of the breast and leg meat were evaluated as meat quality traits, and these quality parameters were within acceptable limits for poultry meat for all groups.
Submitted 17 October 2024; Accepted 30 December 2024; Published January 20250.120
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Significance of research to South African science
The article explores how vitamin supplementation can improve growth and feed efficiency in the indigenous Gerze chicken. Although focused on a Turkish breed, it has relevance for South Africa by demonstrating how targeted nutrition can unlock the potential of local poultry breeds. This supports sustainable, small-scale farming and genetic conservation—key priorities in South African agricultural science.
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