Carcass yield of three genetic groups of broiler chickens submitted to diets with different protein levels

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the carcass yield of three genetic groups of broilers chickens, obtained at UFV, called UFV1, UFV2 and UFV3. The chicks were fed an,unique diet during the initial phase period and isocaloric diet containing 16.5, 18.0, 19.5, and 21.0% of crude protein (CP) at the finishing phase. Two hundred and forty chicks of each genetic group, totaling 720 chicks, were allotted to 48 floor pens up to 42 days of age. At 43(rd) day, two males and two females of each pen were weighed and slaughtered for the determination of the carcass yield. A completely randomized experimental design was used in a 3x4x2 factorial arrangement (genetic group, protein level and sex) with four replications, totaling 192 chicks. The values of two chickens data per sex were used in the mean calculation. There were differences among genetic groups for yields of carcass, breast and thigh, and UFV1 group showed the best results. Males had higher yields of thigh and drumstick, however, higher breast and abdominal fat yields were observed for females. As dietary CP levels increased, carcass yield and abdominal fat reduced and thigh yield increased (linear effect). No significant effect was observed for single interaction involving genetic group, protein levels and sex.