Effects of crossbreeding Black Australorp with SassoC431 chickens on F1 growth performance

Abstract

Crossbreeding different breeds can increase productivity without sacrificing genetic merit. The current study compared the live weights, carcass weights, and sensory meat qualities of F1 progeny resulting from the crossbreeding of purebred Black Australorp and purebred SassoC431 chickens within a semi-intensive system. We compared F1 crossbred Black Australorp and SassoC431 (n = 15 males and 15 females) with purebred Black Australorp (n = 15 males and 15 females) and SassoC431 (n = 15 males and 15 females) chickens. The assessed productive traits included growth rate, live body weight and carcass weight. Additionally, sensory meat qualities were evaluated. From the age of 4 to 16 weeks, the chickens' live weight was measured at a two-week interval. Data for productive traits and sensory meat qualities were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Mean comparisons were conducted using the least significant difference test at the 0.05 significance level. Growth curves were computed using the logistic growth model. The study demonstrates that both chicken breed class and sex exerted a significant influence (p < 0.05) on live weight, carcass weight, and sensory meat qualities. From week 4 until slaughter age, males were significantly heavier than their age-matched female counterparts. Furthermore, live weights, carcass weights, and sensory meat qualities were significantly higher in purebred SassoC431, followed by crossbred Black Australorp and SassoC431, and finally, purebred Black Australorp. This research confirms that crossbreeding can effectively enhance the productivity of underperforming breeds.