Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the osteometric parameters of Noiler and Black Harco cockerels subjected to four different dietary protein sources over a period of 13 weeks.

Materials and Methods: A total of 240 cockerels, comprising both caponized and intact birds, were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The effects of different protein sources on bone development were assessed through various osteometric measurements, including weight, length, and diameters of the tibia and femur.

Results: Significant differences in skeletal development were observed across the treatment groups. In un-caponized Noiler, Treatment 1 had the highest live weight (3.11 kg) and tibia weight (36.71 g), while Treatment 4 had the lowest (2.61 kg and 20.41 g, respectively). Caponized Noiler had the heaviest tibia in Treatment 2 (38.61 g). For intact Black Harco, the largest femur (18.31g) was in Treatment 1, while Treatment 2 had the least weight of 15.21g. Caponized Black Harco recorded the widest tibia midshaft diameter (8.61 mm) in Treatment 3, compared to the least value of 7.71mm in Treatment 2.

Conclusion: It was concluded that both dietary protein sources and caponization significantly affected bone growth in Noiler and Black Harco cockerels. Specific protein source combinations contributed to improved skeletal structure, suggesting their potential for optimizing cockerel performance and welfare.

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