Enhancing broiler economics via kulang (dakan) crossbreeding

This study investigated methods to enhance the locomotor system of broiler chickens for improved weight-bearing capacity. Ross-308 and Cobb-500 commercial broilers were crossed with local Kulang (Dakan) roosters to produce F1 hybrids. The first-generation offspring from these two distinct crosses were systematically compared, with particular focus on their growth performance, development characteristics, and meat productivity. Analysis revealed that the hybrid vigor effect significantly strengthened the locomotor system in F1 progeny, resulting in 10–13.3% greater viability compared to baseline standards. Furthermore, comparative evaluation demonstrated that crosses between Ross-308 and Kulang roosters produced F1 offspring with 3.84% greater body weight than those from Cobb-500 and Kulang crosses. These findings suggest that strategic crossbreeding with indigenous Kulang roosters can effectively improve both the structural integrity and productive performance of commercial broiler lines.