WING FLAPPING AND CORRELATION STUDIES OF BROILER CHICKEN BREEDS

This study was designed to observe the effects of wing flapping tests on four breeds of broiler chicken (Marshal, Arbor acre, Cobb 500 and Ross 308) under the same condition and to also perform correlation studies between broiler chicken breeds Cobb 500 and Ross 308. Hundred (100) birds were brooded from day old, and raised till finisher phase at Federal College of Animal Health And Production Technology, Bora farm, Apata, Ibadan Oyo state for six (6) weeks. The wing flapping duration was determined at the 3rd, 4th and 5th week of life, the corresponding body weights and the body measurement (shank length, thigh length, drumstick length, body length, body width and wing length) were also determined. All the data gathered were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), while the means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% confidence, and the body weights and other body measurements were subjected to linear correlation. It revealed that the level of fearfulness of three breeds of broiler chicken (Marshal, Arbor acre and Cobb 500) had the highest wing flapping duration in the fourth week but by the end of the sixth week it had the lowest number recorded while Ross 308 had the highest wing flapping duration at the third week but by the end of the sixth week it had the lowest number recorded. There were no significant changes across board at P > 0.05. The results of the correlation analysis between Cobb 500 and Ross 308 breeds revealed that the high positive and significant correlation between body weights and body measurements (p < 0.01). Considering all the parameters measured, and bearing in mind that genetic relationship exists between the body weight to linear body measurement of commercial broilers. I hereby recommend Ross 308 breed of broiler for commercial purpose.