CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS AND SENSORY ASSESSMENT OF FUNNAB ALPHA BROILER CHICKENS FED DIFFERENT PROTEIN LEVELS

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to determine the carcass characteristics and sensory attributes of FUNAAB Alpha broiler chickens fed diets containing different protein levels. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) day-old FUNAAB Alpha chicks were used for the study. The chicks were randomly allocated to four varying dietary protein levels of 14, 17, 20 and 23 % CP and were tagged CP14, CP17, CP20 and CP23, respectively. The birds were allocated to the four treatments using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each treatment group was replicated thrice with ten birds per replicate. The birds were housed in deep litter system where they received uniform care and management. The experiment lasted for thirteen weeks. Light was provided 24 hours daily, while feed and clean drinking water were given ad libitum. At the thirteenth week, data on carcass and sensory attributes were taken. Results showed that dietary treatment did not influence (P>0.05) all carcass characteristics measured except wing weight.Sensory assessment results showed that there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in all the parameters measured except in Aroma. Meat from birds fed CP23 diet had better (P<0.05) aroma than those fed other diets. It is, thus recommended that a CP level of 23 % can be used in diet of FUNAAB Alpha chickens for improved wing weight and better aroma.