Effect of Density and Lineage on Dorsal Surface Temperature, Performance, and Carcass Condemnation of Broiler Grillers.

ABSTRACT

The aims of this study were (i) to evaluate the effect of density, lineage, age, and time of day on dorsal surface temperature and (ii) to evaluate the effect of density and lineage on performance and carcass condemnations in broiler grillers. The evaluations were carried out in barns with the Dark House system, with two densities, 17 and 19 chickens/m2 and two lineages, Cobb and Ross. The dorsal surface temperature of the chickens was measured by infrared thermography at 7, 14, 21, 23, 25 and 27 days of age, four times a day. The average daily weight gain, feed conversion, mortality, partial carcass condemnations, as well as those due to arthritis and dermatosis were also evaluated. The highest dorsal surface temperatures were observed in Cobbs housed at a density of 17 chickens/m2, and in Ross housed at a density of 19 chickens/m2. Cobbs housed at a 17 chickens/m2 density showed the lowest feed conversion compared to Ross at the same density. Ross showed higher dorsal surface temperatures when compared to Cobbs at 14, 21, and 27 days. Cobbs showed higher percentages of partial carcass condemnation and arthritis compared to Ross. The higher density of broiler grillers in the Dark House system does not influence the dorsal surface temperature, performance, dermatosis, arthritis, and partial carcass condemnations.