Influence of low levels of protein and sex on carcass traits and nutrient content in broiler meats

Abstract

The aim of this experiment was to study how a reduced content of protein and sex during raising influences breast and leg fattiness and, in consequence, the chemical composition in 6-week-old broilers. A total of 1214 one-day-old of ROSS 308 broilers were divided into three experimental groups. The group 1 (control) received feeds with a nutritional value recommended by feeding standards for growing broilers, while the group 2 (T1) and 3 (T2) received rations with reduced levels of protein in all feeds for the raising period. The breast and leg percentages were determined. Chemical analyses (dry matter, protein, fat and ash content) were carried out. The results of the study allowed us to conclude that sex significantly (P<0.05) affected the percentage of the legs; while a lower level of protein content in the diet reduced the breast percentage non-significantly. Most remaining meat quality traits tested were similar to those obtained in the control group, and differences between groups were non-significant (P>0.01).