Effect of protease on meat yield of broilers

Abstract

This study reports the effect of protease and reduced crude protein content on carcass weight and dressing percentage in fast-growing Cobb 500 broilers. The length of fattening was 49 days. E-I and E-II experimental broilers were fed complete feeds containing 0.2 and 0.3% (Ronozyme Pro Act) protease supplementation and crude protein levels reduced by 4% and 6%, respectively, compared to control broilers (C). Performance traits were evaluated. At the end of the fattening trial on day 49, 10 male and 10 female birds were randomly sacrificed from each experimental group to determine body weight, conventionally dressed, ready-to-roast and ready-to-grill carcass weights, and abdominal fat weight. The results suggest no significant effect of dietary treatments on carcass weight, dressing percentage, weight and abdominal fat content. Significant differences were observed in carcass weight and carcass yield between female and male broilers, whereas broiler sex had no significant effect on abdominal fat percentage.