Evolution of the weight of carcasses and offal of Cobb 500 broiler chickens according to the age of slaughter

The quality of poultry meat is a major asset for consumers. However, the cost of production remains a real obstacle for poultry farmers. The general objective of this study was to contribute to improving the quality of broiler meat produced in Ivory Coast. To achieve this objective, 75 Cobb 500 strain chicks with an average weight of 42 g were used. They were divided into 3 batches of 25 chicks each. All batches were fed the same type of feed. Zootechnical parameters such as live weight and average daily gain (ADG) were determined throughout the rearing period. Regarding the characteristics of carcasses and offal, they were determined at the fourth, fifth and sixth week of age. Thus, in each batch, four chickens were randomly selected, slaughtered, plucked and eviscerated. The carcasses obtained were weighed while still hot. From each of the chickens slaughtered at each age, the heart, liver, intestines, gizzard and feet were removed and weighed while still hot. The results showed that chickens slaughtered at the 6th week recorded average live weights of 2313.33 g and ADGs of 60.95 g, significantly higher (p≤0.05) than those at the 5th week (1886.67 g and 47.11 g) and at the 4th week (1556.9 g and 70.32 g). Carcass yields were also significantly different (p≤0.05) with 74.92%; 74.80% and 74.60% respectively for the 4th, 5th and 6th weeks of slaughter. Significant differences were also observed for the weights of the offal studied. Ultimately, the early sale of broiler chickens does not seem to be solely motivated by reasons related to the growth of the animals. In-depth economic studies would be necessary to better understand the economic determinants of the slaughter age.