COMPARATIVE GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS OF TWO BROILER STRAINS RAISED IN THE WET HUMID TROPICS

Abstract

A total of 49 broiler chicks (25 Lohmann Brown and 24 Anak strains) were used in the comparative evaluation of their growth characteristics from day old to 56 days of age. Weekly body weights were taken as well as some linear body measurements such as
chicken height, body length, thigh length, shank length, wing length, head circumference and body circumference. Anak broiler chickens showed superiority in growth of body weight and linear measurements in the 0-56 day study period. Prediction equations
relating body weight (Y) to each of the linear body measurements (x) were established for each of the two broiler strains using the simple linear (Y = a +bx) and the allometric (Y = axh) functions.
Correlation coefficients (r) betwees some of the linear body measurements at 7,21 and 35 days and the tenninal(56 - day) body weights were also established. The terminal body weight was best predicted by 35 -day measurements for both strains. Body circumference
and shank length were better predictors of 56 - day body weights for the two strains. Under similar conditions of management Anak broiler chickens tended to be superior over the Lohmann Brown strain in body weight and linear body growth.