Performance and carcass characteristics of Barred Plymouth Rock chickens in comparison to broilers

The popularity of keeping small flocks of chickens has brought with it an interest in the production characteristics of heritage breeds of chicken. The definition of heritage chicken breed is one that physically conforms to the standards of the American Poultry Association; mates naturally; has a long, productive outdoor lifespan; and a slow growth rate. Production information on raising meat Barred Plymouth Rocks is lacking since research focuses have been on diet formulation and genetics for broiler production. This study was undertaken to determine the production efficiency of Barred Plymouth Rocks as compared to broilers in body weight, feed intake, FCR, mortality, footpad lesion scores, carcass dressing percentage, skin color, parts, organ weights, and both bone length and width. There were significant differences in body weight between broilers and Barred Plymouth Rocks throughout the study. Barred Plymouth Rocks took 17 weeks to reach a live body weight that was 17.35 % smaller than that of the broilers at six weeks. The Barred Plymouth Rocks required more than twice as much feed to reach nearly the same body weight as that of the broiler. There was a significant difference between the two breeds with regard to FCR; the broilers being the more efficient breed. The Barred Plymouth Rock had a significantly lower carcass dressing percentage of just under 65 % as compared to just over 68 % in broilers. The Barred Plymouth Rocks were less efficient at developing muscle on the carcass and more efficient at building bones and internal organs, had lower mortality, yellower skin on the breast area, and lower footpad lesions scores. This information will aid producers of niche market heritage chickens in their decision-making when considering this breed for meat production.