Carcass Characteristics and Economic Performance of Reciprocal Cross Hybrids between Anatolian-T and Commercial Broiler Parent Stocks

Abstract

In the present study, Anadolu-T chickens and reciprocal cross hybrids obtained from Anatolian-T and Commercial Broiler parent stocks were used as experimental material to evaluate and compare carcass characteristics, meat quality and economic performance. The experiment comprised four primary treatment groups, each representing a different genotype. Each group included four replicates, with 24 chicks assigned to each replicate pen, totaling 380 chicks (4 genotypes × 4 replicates × 28 chicks). A total of 96 birds, following a 12-hour feed withdrawal period with ad libitum access to water, were processed.

Genotype and sex significantly influenced absolute carcass traits, with Commercial Broiler genotypes (CC and AC) exhibiting the highest hot and cold carcass weights and marketed cut-up part weights, while AA birds showed the lowest values. Males consistently had higher carcass and cut-up part weights than females across all genotypes. In contrast, carcass proportions relative to live body weight were generally stable, with only breast and thigh proportions showing genotype- and sex-dependent variations.

Back fat weight was significantly affected by genotype and sex, whereas abdominal fat was primarily influenced when expressed relative to cold carcass weight. These findings highlight differential fat deposition patterns associated with genetic background and sex. Meat quality analysis revealed that water-holding capacity and pH were largely influenced by genotype and carcass region, with sex showing minimal effect. Hue angle, chroma, and total color difference indicated that meat color traits were primarily shaped by carcass region and sex, while genotype had a limited impact, particularly on color tone (H°).

Economic evaluation demonstrated that feed costs per bird were comparable across genotypes, but total production cost, revenue, net profit, and profitability differed significantly. CC and AC genotypes achieved higher revenues and net profits, with AC showing the most favorable cost per kilogram of live weight and overall profitability.

Overall, these results indicate that genetic background and sex predominantly affect absolute carcass traits, fat deposition, and specific meat quality parameters, whereas proportional carcass yields and certain color traits are more stable. Moreover, crossbred genotypes, particularly AC and CC, provide economic advantages, underscoring the value of reciprocal crossing strategies for improving productivity, carcass composition, meat quality, and profitability in commercial broiler production. These findings offer practical insights for selecting parental lines and optimizing hybrid breeding programs.