Authors: HAYRİYE DEĞER ORAL TOPLU, SERAP ÜNÜBOL AYPAK, AHMET NAZLIGÜL, MEHMET KAYA

Abstract: This study was planned to determine the effects of feed restriction applied at different times and levels on the occurrence of white striping and wooden breast myopathies, performance, carcass characteristics and some blood parameters in broilers. In total, 600 male broilers were randomly placed to 5 groups with eight replicates. Control group was fed ad libitum throughout experimental period. T1 and T2 groups received feed as 80% and 70% of control group from 11 to 24 days of age, respectively. T3 and T4 groups received feed as 80% and 70% of control group from 25 to 39 days of age, respectively. T2, T3 and T4 groups had the lower mean values for feed intake and body weight gain from 0 to 49 days of age, final body weight, carcass weight, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, compared to control group. T3 and T4 groups had lower dressing percentage, breast meat yield, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) levels than control. T2, T3 and T4 groups had lower incidence for white striping and wooden breast myopathies than control. T3 and T4 groups had also the lower incidence for severe degree white striping and wooden breast myopathies than control. In conclusion, feed restriction to 70% of ad libitum intake between 11 and 24 days of age and feed restriction to 80% and 70% of ad libitum intake between 25 and 39 days of age may reduce the incidence and severeness of white striping and wooden breast myopathies, although there is some loss in performance traits. Feed restrictions to 80% and 70% levels of ad libitum intake between 25 and 39 days of age may be more effective in reducing these myopathies on pectoralis major muscle of broilers.

Keywords: Broiler, feed restriction, white striping, wooden breast

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