MLBA7: February / March 2009
Evaluating uniformity in broilers
The processing plant requires uniform flocks with the correct average bodyweight (without too much deviation from the sample weights taken at the farm) to satisfy the demands of the modern distribution network.
When a broiler flock is processed, a complete histogram on the range of carcass weights can be produced. The percentage of carcasses within the desired weight range is a very important measure for the processing plant.
In the end, uniformity is a good indicator of the production process; in fact all technical or health problems, starting from the day old breeder up to the broiler delivered to the processing plant, impacts the broiler uniformity at the time of slaughter.
Before reviewing the principal factors affecting uniformity, it is necessary to define the characteristics of a "standard" broiler population.
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