Carcass Characteristics, Digestive System Traits of Spent Broiler Breeder and Dual-Purpose Hens

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The success achieved in the breeding of laying hens and broilers resulted in modern breeding systems. Obtaining meat from laying hens is not a good alternative to intensive broiler production. However, it can be profitable to use this type of production on organic or backyard farms. Dual-purpose hens can be an economical alternative in some production conditions. The aim of the study was to determine the differences between the features of carcasses and the digestive systems of dual-purpose hens and broiler breeders. The compared dual-purpose hens differed significantly (p < 0.05) from broiler breeders in terms of carcass weight and dimensions. Multipurpose hens had significantly lower (p < 0.05) percentages of breast muscles, leg muscles, skin with subcutaneous fat, wings, and carcass remainders. On the other hand, broiler breeders were characterized by significantly greater (p > 0.05) total intestinal length, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and terminal intestine. Significant differences were noted in terms of the diameter of individual intestinal segments, with the exception of the iliac and cecum intestines. Broiler breeder hens also had a greater mass of internal organs compared to the dual-purpose layer hens. ABSTRACT: Raising dual-purpose hens for meat is believed to bring more economic benefits to farmers selling products directly to consumers. The aim of the study was to determine the differences between the carcass features and the digestive system of multipurpose hens and spent broiler breeders. In the experiment, 20 carcasses of 70-week-old Rosa 1 dual-purpose hens and 20 carcasses of 62-week-old Ross 308 broiler breeders were used. Measurements of the length of various sections of the intestine and the diameter of individual intestinal segments were made. During the gutting, proventriculus, gizzard, liver, heart, and spleen were separated and then weighed. Dual-purpose hens differed significantly (p < 0.05) from broiler breeders in weight and carcass dimensions. Multipurpose hens were characterized by significantly lower (p < 0.05) percentages of breast muscles, leg muscles, skin with subcutaneous fat, wings, and carcass remainders. Broiler breeders were characterized by significantly longer (p > 0.05) total intestinal length, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and terminal intestine. Significant differences were confirmed in terms of the diameter of some segments of the intestine. Broiler breeder hens also had a greater mass of internal organs compared to the dual-purpose layer hens.