EFFECT OF BEDDING MATERIALS ON MORPHOMETRIC AND GROWTH TRAITS IN TWO STRAINS OF BROILER CHICKENS

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of bedding material (wood shavings and rice husk) on the morphometric and growth traits in two strains of broiler chicken (cobb 500 and arbor acre). The research aimed to evaluate how the choice of bedding material influences the development and physical characteristics of the two different broiler chicken strains. Data were collected on body weight (BW) and shank length (SL), as well as body girth (BG), wing length (WL), keel length (KL), thigh length (THL), body length (BL), and body depth (BD). The results show that Cobb 500 generally exhibited better growth performance, particularly in body weight, compared to Arbor Acre. The bedding material had minimal impact on growth parameters, though significant differences in shank length were observed, suggesting differential effects on linear body growth. Cobb 500 broilers raised on wood shavings showed higher morphometric measurements compared to those raised on rice offal. Additionally, Cobb 500 had higher giblet weights, particularly for the liver and kidneys, when raised on wood shavings. These findings provide valuable insights for poultry farmers and researchers aiming to optimize growth conditions and select appropriate breeds for specific production goals. Further research is recommended to explore the underlying reasons for the observed differences and to investigate additional substrates and management practices.