Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare egg quality, carcass, meat characteristics, and bone properties of Taihang chickens in 2 different housing systems at various ages. A total of 168 birds were selected and randomly allocated to 2 groups at 23 wks and raised in conventional cage (CC) or flattening on floor (FF) housing system, respectively. FF hens' egg weight, albumen height, and Haugh unit were higher (P < 0.05), and yolk weight was lower (P < 0.001) than those of the CC hens. Egg quantity of FF hens was higher than that of the CC hens (P < 0.01). The FF hens' weight (P < 0.05) and breast meat percent (P < 0.01) were higher than those of the CC hens. The highest live body and carcass weight were observed at 57 wk (both P < 0.01), whereas the highest semieviscerated percentage (P < 0.01) and meat weight of breast and thigh (P < 0.05) were shown at 49 wk. The highest eviscerated percentage and thigh meat were displayed at 41 and 32 wk, respectively (P < 0.01). For meat color, the lightness of both breast and thigh meat in the FF group was significantly reduced compared with those of the CC group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). FF hens' humerus weight and breaking strength (both P < 0.01) and tibia breaking strength (P < 0.05) were significantly higher than those of the CC hens. Femur breaking strength was significantly affected by hens' age (P < 0.01). Egg weight, albumen height, Haugh unit, yolk color (all P < 0.01), pH of thigh meat, semieviscerated, and eviscerated weight (all P < 0.05) were influenced by the interaction of housing system and age, whereas no change in moisture loss rate, meat color, shearing force, and bone quality was found (P > 0.05). In summary, in the 2 housing systems, hens' age and their interaction could affect slaughter performance, quality of egg, meat, and bone of Taihang chickens. In addition, the results of the present study support a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of Taihang chickens in accordance with the FF system.