Abstract
Aim: Sonali chicken serves as a dependable source of poultry meat, holding a prominent position alongside indigenous chicken. In this context, the caponized Sonali cockerels could be deemed pragmatic for meat production. This study investigated the effects of caponization on feed intake, growth performance, carcass yield, meat composition, and a certain phenotypic trait (comb height) in Sonali chicken cockerels.
Methods: Thirty Sonali cockerels, appearing in good health, were chosen through block randomization and divided equally into three groups: group I (control), group II (sham), and group III (capon). All cockerels received formulated poultry feed and were reared with intensive care. The group III birds underwent caponization at 8 weeks of age, whereas sham operations were performed in group II birds at the same age, and group I birds were intact. Daily feed intake, weight gain, live weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and comb height were recorded in all cockerels from 8 to 13 weeks. After slaughtering at 13 weeks, the weights of dressed carcasses, leg (thigh+drumstick), breast, liver, heart, and spleen were documented, and proximate analysis of breast meats was performed.
Results: The caponized birds (capons) exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher daily feed intake, weight gain, and live weight with an improved FCR, including heavier leg, breast, liver, and spleen, in comparison to their counterparts. However, a gradual and significant decrease (P<0.05) in the comb height was noted in the capons throughout the experiment. The capon meat showed significantly greater (P<0.05) percentages of fat, ash, and nitrogen-free extract than those of the sham and control, but minor variations were observed in meat protein and dry matter percentages among the groups.
Conclusion: Caponization in Sonali cockerels remarkably enhances growth for meat production and certainly impacts the comb height and carcass characteristics.