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Implications of Preslaughter Feeding Cues for Broiler Behavior and Carcass Quality

M. J. Zuidhof^*, R. H. McGovern^*, B. L. Schneider^*, J. J. R. Feddes, F. E. Robinson and D. R. Korver

^* Livestock Development Division, Pork, Poultry and Dairy Branch, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, 204 J. G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000-113 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5

Correspondence: M. J. Zuidhof, E-mail: martin.zuidhof{at}gov.ab.ca

Feed withdrawal management has significant effects on contamination of commercial broiler chickens. The effect of a cue (short period of feed withdrawal) on broiler behavior, carcass yield, and carcass quality (carcass scratches, trimming, condemnations, and fecal contamination) was evaluated using 2,400 female broilers. Cues were applied for 3 consecutive days prior to slaughter by lifting the feeders in each pen for 0, 1, 2, or 4 h. Bird behavior was monitored to determine the effect of the cue on feeding patterns. The effect of the cue on carcass yield and quality (carcass scratches, trimming, condemnations, and internal contamination) at the time of processing was determined.

Cueing for 1 (CUE1), 2 (CUE2), and 4 (CUE4) h resulted in an increase in activity at the feeders compared with the control treatment (CUE0); higher activity resulted from longer cues. During the cue, live BW loss was greatest in the CUE4 treatment at 24.8 g. Birds in the CUE1 treatment gained 11.3 g during application of the cue. Uniformity of cecal contents was improved in the CUE4 treatment. No differences in carcass yield among cueing treatments were observed. The incidence of new scratches, a possible entry point for cellulitis infections, was lowest in the CUE0 and CUE4 treatments. Contamination scores were highest in the CUE1 treatment and lowest in the CUE0 and CUE4 treatments.

The data suggest that feeding cues of up to 4 h may be used without compromising processing yield or carcass quality. Benefits may be limited to improved uniformity of cecal emptying.

Key Words: broiler processing • gut clearance • contamination • food safety • uniformity • feed withdrawal • behavior