Performance of Kuroiler and local Ugandan chickens reared under extensive and intensive management systems: Carcass and meat traits

The effect of management system on carcass traits of Kuroiler and local chickens was the focus of this study. Day old chicks were brooded artificially and at three weeks, 240 chicks were distributed to farmers either practicing intensive or extensive system of management. The completely randomized design was used with three replications. At twenty weeks of age cocks from both breeds were selected from each replication and sacrificed for carcass analysis. Cocks of the Kuroiler ecotype had better carcass yield (P<0.05) than local cocks. However, local cocks had higher wing and neck weights. The muscles and breast, drumsticks and thighs of Kuroiler cocks were also significantly heavier (P<0.05) than those of local chickens. Differences in chemical and physical properties of carcasses from Kuroiler and local cocks were only observed with regard to body pH. Kuroiler chickens are better in producing the prized chicken cuts but does not differ much in quality. We conclude that meat from Kuroiler does not differ from that of local chickens and therefore could be promoted as such.