The meat quality of layer males from three exotic chickens

In chick hatcheries, males of laying hybrids are considered to be “waste” and the majority of these males are killed just after hatching. On the other hand, the interest of consumers in products from alternative systems (organic) is increasing. The idea was to evaluate the meat quality of these males when they have access to commercial feed because there is not much such a study available. The aim of this study was to compare the meat quality characteristics and chemical (proximate) results of the three meats of layer males at the same age when all had access to commercial feeds and when they were fed up to 16 weeks of age. Novo Brown, Lohman Brown and Dominant Sussex breed layer males were kept in intensive management conditions to evaluate carcass and meat quality at 16 weeks of age. Novo brown cockerels show significantly higher live weight and lower carcass yield performance in comparison with other breeds (P<0.05). The proportions of moisture in the breast meat were significantly lower (P<0.05) in Lohman brown cockerels. The value of protein was significantly higher in Lohman brown cockerels (P<0.05). The laying males are acceptable for an intensive system of poultry meat production from the aspect of meat quality.The quality was comparable in comparison with fast-growing chickens.