Effects of Restricted Feed on Carcass Traits in Slow Growing Free Range Broilers

The study was carried out to see the effects of carcass traits on slow growing broilers in free range system. In the experiment, 480 slow-growing male Hubbard Isa Red-J broiler chicks with 28th days age were divided into 4 main groups and 4 subgroups in each main group. In the experiment, feed was given ad libitum to the control group (group 1). 2th, 3th and 4th groups were fed %75, %50, %25 of food consumed by control group. The chicks in the experimental groups were released to the pasture between at 7:00 - 19:00. Chicks in the experimental groups were fed with alfalfa, unbranched bromine and thyme grass on free range area. At 42 and 84th days, 128 chicks taken randomly and equally from each group were slaughtered to examine carcass traits. In terms of most of carcass traits; even though similar results were seen between %75 restricted groups and control group in 42th, significant differences were sharpened among control and treatment groups in 84th day. It can be concluded from this study that carcass traits of slow growing chickens were affected by feed restriction especially at 84th slaughter age.