ASSESSMENT OF WEIGHT GAIN IN TWO LINES OF CHICKEN (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) UNDER MANAGEMENT IN NATURAL ENVIRONMENT COOPS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the weight gain in chickens of two genetic lines, which increases the productivity and the economic profitability of farms and improves the producers’ income. Eighty (80) male birds were used, of which 40 were of the Ross 308 line and 40 of the Cobb 500 line as treatments with four repetitions in a completely random design with covariance analysis and means comparison (Tukey 5%). The weight gain variable did not show statistical differences during the first four weeks of the bird’s life; however, the economic analysis of the Cobb 500 line at the end of seven weeks of study showed that the weight of the 40 birds generated a benefitcost relation of $0.73 per kg, plus one of costs, in addition to having less mortality
compared to the Ross 308 line.