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PubMed1994

Feed and water consumption, growth, and mortality of male broilers.

Daily feed use, water use, body weight, and mortality of Cobb x Cobb male broilers over 8-wk growout periods were measured for 10 consecutive growouts in four commercial-scale broiler houses (121.0 x 12.1 m each). Polynomial equations were developed to relate bird age to body weight, daily feed and water use, cumulative weekly feed and water use, and cumulative mortality. Weekly feed conversion was derived from growth and feed use data and was depicted by a third-order polynomial equation. Dead bird weight was calculated using mortality and body weight of the broilers and related to bird age with three polynomial equations over the growth period. Total dead bird weight averaged 76 kg per 1,000 birds placed, of which 10 kg or 13% occurred during the first 5 wk and the remaining 66 kg or 87% occurred during the last 3 wk of the growout periods. Results of this study provide a realistic data base for mathematical modeling of production responses and a guideline for management planning in commercial male broiler operation.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Feeding value of poultry by-products extruded with cassava, barley, and wheat middlings for broiler chicks: the effect of ensiling poultry by-products as a preservation method prior to extrusion.

In one experiment, six treatment diets including two levels of cassava meal, barley, or wheat middlings extruded with poultry by-products (PBP; a 3:1 ratio of broiler offal and condemned carcasses) were compared with a corn and soybean meal control diet for broiler performance from 1 d to 3 wk of age. No treatment differences in body weight (P > .05) were observed, and all chicks averaged 166, 421, and 788 g at 1, 2, and 3 wk of age, respectively. Weight gain and feed consumption were not affected by the experimental diets (P < .05). Birds fed the control diet had better overall feed conversion (1.24) than birds fed the diet containing 20% extruded barley and PBP (1.37) (P < .05). Feeding PBP extruded with cassava (10 and 20%) or barley (10%) resulted in equal broiler performance at less cost than birds fed the control diet. In a second experiment, 10% sucrose was mixed with PBP by weight and ensiled for 7 d at ambient temperatures in an anaerobic vessel. Diets containing cassava extruded with fresh and ensiled PBP (FR-PBP and EN-PBP, respectively) were compared with control diets (CON) for broilers to 6 wk of age. No differences in body weight were observed by 6 wk. Feed conversion of the CON birds was poorer than the birds fed the FR-PBP (P < .05). Chilled carcass yield was better for the CON compared with the EN-PBP treatment; however, dietary treatment had no effect on the percentage breast meat, thigh, drumstick, wing, or cage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1994

A nonlinear dynamical (chaos) approach to the analysis of broiler growth.

Mathematical chaos has been observed in a number of biological areas, suggesting that order can be found in systems previously described as random. Nonlinear analyses were conducted to determine whether periodicity or chaos was evident in the growth responses of broiler chickens. Analyses of the absolute growth rate and growth rate acceleration were conducted for four lines of broilers selected at 14 or 42 d for high or low growth rates (Experiment 1) and for a commercial broiler strain (Experiment 2). Resulting Lyapunov exponents (LE) and correlation dimensions (CD) were statistically evaluated. Time series and return map graphics were analyzed. In both experiments, independence of day-to-day growth responses was indicated by low r2 values. In Experiment 1, there were significant differences between lines in growth rate (low, 9.1 +/- .3; high, 12.9 +/- .5 g/d) and the standard deviation of growth rate (low, 5.8 +/- .2; high 7.3 +/- .3 g/d). There were no significant differences for LE or CD values between lines or day of selection. In general, the positive LE, noninteger values of CD, and return map graphics in both experiments suggested the presence of chaotic dynamics. Evaluation of mathematical chaos in broiler growth may give insight into the dynamics and modeling of growth and diseases associated with growth.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Cecal carriage of Campylobacter and Salmonella in Dutch broiler flocks at slaughter: a one-year study.

From March 1992 to March 1993, 187 Dutch broiler flocks were screened to assess their Campylobacter and Salmonella carriage. Every 4 wk at least 10 flocks, at three different slaughterhouses, were screened for presence of these bacteria. Twenty-five cecal samples were taken from each flock. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 153 out of 187 broiler flocks (82%). Campylobacter carriage of flocks showed seasonal variation, with the highest contamination rate (100%) during the period June to September and the lowest (50%) in March. Salmonella carriage of the flocks did not show a distinct seasonal variation. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 49 out of 181 broiler flocks (27%). A positive correlation was found between Campylobacter and Salmonella colonization within flocks. Data on farming conditions and husbandry practices were studied to identify possible risk factors for Campylobacter and Salmonella colonization of Dutch broiler flocks.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed1994

Serum total calcium, phosphorus, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, and endochondral ossification defects in commercial broiler chickens.

The research described in this paper relates the changes in serum concentration of calcium, phosphorus, and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3] to changes in tibial ash percentage and the incidence of endochondral ossification defects (EOD) in flocks of commercially reared broiler chickens at 14 d of age. Sequential studies of six Australian broiler flocks representing three major genetic lines were undertaken at weekly intervals from 1 to 28 d of age. Serum collected from birds was analyzed for total calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and 1,25(OH)2D3. Tibial ash percentage was also determined at weekly intervals, and the incidence of EOD was determined at 14 d of age by examining sagittal sections of the proximal tibiotarsus. The EOD observed in the 14-d-old broiler chickens were characterized by enlarged zones of proliferating chondrocytes, similar to that which occurs during calcium- or vitamin D-dependent rickets. Three flocks had a 50% incidence of EOD at 14 d of age and were classified as severely affected. The other three flocks had incidences ranging from 12 to 16% and were classified as mildly affected. Broiler flocks severely affected with EOD (50% incidence at Day 14) had lower (P < or = .05) concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3 than flocks mildly affected (12 to 16% incidence). Tibial ash percentages were lower (P < or = .05) in the severely affected flocks between Days 14 to 28, and it is likely that a lower rate of ash accretion between Days 7 to 14 precedes the development of the EOD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1994

The influence of extended posthatch holding time and placement density on broiler performance.

Extended posthatch holding (in the hatcher) has been reported to dehydrate chicks, reduce broiler performance, and depress immune response. Nevertheless, some commercial hatcheries are increasing incubation time in an attempt to minimize possible bacterial contamination of incompletely healed navels. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of posthatch holding on broiler performance and the effects of bird density and additive stress on performance and immune response. Twelve hundred broiler eggs (58 to 70 g) were incubated. Chicks were removed from the hatcher after 528 h of incubation, banded, and weighed. Half of the chicks were returned to the hatcher for an additional 24 h (HELD). Both hatcher treatments were placed at two densities (.07 and .12 m2 per bird). Individual BW were taken at 21 and 43 d of placement and 43 d of age. The HELD chicks weighed significantly less than controls at time of placement. At 21 d postplacement the HELD broilers were significantly heavier than controls, but were similar by 43 d. Total feed conversion was not affected in the HELD treatment, but birds in the .07 m2 per bird density were less efficient in terms of total feed conversion. Chick holding time and density seemed to affect antibody titers at 5 wk. Although holding chicks in the hatcher for 24 h did not clinically dehydrate chicks or affect performance, it decreased immune response. In addition to less efficient growth, birds in the more crowded pens had depressed immune response.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Effect of early nutrient restriction on broiler chickens. 1. Performance and development of the gastrointestinal tract.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of early nutrient restriction on performance and development of the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens. Four hundred male broiler (Ross x Ross) chicks raised in floor pens were assigned to two treatment groups. One group was given ad libitum access to feed from 1 to 48 d of age. The second group was feed restricted from 7 to 14 d of age to an energy intake of 1.5 x BW.67 kcal ME/d and then given ad libitum access to feed from 14 to 48 d. Body weight and feed intake were determined weekly. At 49 d of age, birds were processed for carcass yield, abdominal fat pad measurement, and body composition analysis. Broilers were also sampled at 7, 14, 21, and 41 d of age for proventriculus, gizzard, small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), pancreas, and liver weights and for intestinal length measurements. Total DNA, protein:DNA, and RNA:DNA ratios of livers and jejuna were determined as indexes of changes in cell size and number. Feed-restricted broilers failed to catch up to the Control birds in BW at 48 d of age but were superior (P < .01) in overall feed efficiency. No treatment effects were observed on breast meat yields or abdominal fat. Moreover, percentage carcass fat, crude protein, ash, and dry matter were not affected by restricted feeding. Body weight and weights of gastrointestinal organs were reduced (P < .01) by feed restriction at 14 d of age. Restricted feeding, however, did not decrease the relative weights of organs, except for liver. Feed restriction also resulted in a reduction (P < .01) of liver cell number and size and a decrease in jejunum cell number. All organs recovered normal weight on refeeding, and all cellular constituent ratios (e.g., RNA:DNA, RNA:protein, and protein:DNA) returned to normal by 41 d of age. Absolute and relative weights of supply organs (e.g., proventriculus, gizzard, small intestine, liver, and pancreas) were less affected by feed restriction and responded more quickly to refeeding than the whole body.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

PubMed1995

A comparison of argon, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen in a broiler killing system.

Argon, CO2, and N2 gasses were each evaluated in a broiler chicken gas killing system. Birds were killed by individual exposure to one of the three gasses for 2 min in a flow-through system. The gasses were evaluated by determining the time, in seconds, for the following responses: first reaction to the gas, loss of posture, eye closure, initiation of death struggle, and cessation of respiration. Percentage blood loss over a 3-min bleed time was determined by weight loss. Breast muscle pH values were determined at 15 min and 24 h post-mortem on the Pectoralis major muscle. Carbon dioxide resulted in the earliest first reaction, loss of posture, eye closure, and initiation of struggle. Argon and N2 exhibited a delayed first reaction, a less severe early reaction, but a more severe unconscious death struggle. All birds died in approximately 75 s. Results indicate that the flow-through gas system takes longer to kill broilers than the immersion systems previously reported. Gas killing resulted in lower (P < .05) blood loss. Initial breast muscle pH values were significantly highest for the birds killed with CO2, followed by the control treatment, which was significantly higher than the values for broilers killed with either Ar or N2. After 24 h of chilling, there were no differences in broiler breast muscle pH among the four treatments. These results indicated that a flow-through gassing chamber may be a feasible, although slower, method of performing gas killing as compared to an immersion system.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed1995

Effect of alpha-tocopherol on antioxidants, lipid peroxidation, and the incidence of pulmonary hypertension syndrome (ascites) in broilers.

Research has demonstrated a compromised antioxidant capacity in broilers with pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS). Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess the effects of vitamin E on PHS-induced mortality, tissue antioxidants, and plasma lipid peroxides in male broilers. Control broilers were provided normal ventilation but others, maintained under low ventilation conditions to induce PHS, were randomly assigned to nonimplanted (NI), placebo (PL), or vitamin E (VE) implanted groups. The VE implant released a total of 15 mg of alpha-tocopherol from 0 to 3 wk of age. Tissues and blood samples were obtained at 3 and 5 wk of age from birds with (PHS+) and without (PHS-) PHS. Five-week PHS cumulative mortality was lowered by alpha-tocopherol with mortality rates of 3.6, 4.2, 11.9, and 11.8%, for Controls, VE, NI, and PL groups, respectively. The PHS+ birds exhibited lower body weights, higher hematocrit, right ventricular hypertrophy, lower alpha-tocopherol and glutathione (GSH) concentrations in liver and lung, as well as indicators of oxidative stress, including elevated plasma lipid peroxides and lower oxidized GSH in liver and erythrocytes, at 5 wk of age. All birds exhibited lower erythrocyte catalase activity at 5 than at 3 wk of age. An improved antioxidant capacity was observed in VE birds, including higher liver and lung alpha-tocopherol at 3 and 5 wk, higher liver GSH at 3 wk, and lower plasma lipid peroxide values at 5 wk of age. Direct correlations observed between body weight and plasma lipid peroxides at 3 wk (r = .45) and between right ventricular hypertrophy and plasma lipid peroxides at 5 wk (r = .48), suggests that lipid peroxidation plays a role in the etiology of PHS. The results indicate that the VE implant was effective in lowering PHS-induced mortality in broilers apparently by attenuating processes leading to lipid peroxidation.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1995

Mitigating the effects of halofuginone on skin strength by feeding L-proline to broiler chickens.

Two experiments were conducted to determine whether supplemental levels of L-proline in the diets of broiler chickens would mitigate the skin weakening effect caused by continuous feeding of the anticoccidial halofuginone. In Experiment 1, tensile strength and collagen levels in thigh apteria skin were determined at 21 and 42 d of age in male broilers fed 0, .5, and 1% L-proline with either halofuginone (3 mg/kg) or salinomycin (61 mg/kg). In Experiment 2, the same measurements were made on female broilers receiving diets containing halofuginone and supplemented with 0, .5, or 1% L-proline, 1% L-proline through 21 d of age, or 1% L-glutamic acid through 21 d of age, or a diet containing high L-proline feedstuffs (corn gluten meal and ring dried blood meal). In Experiment 1, dermis thickness of thigh apteria was measured in the males at Day 21. Skin strength was increased in male and female broilers fed halofuginone with addition of .5 and 1% L-proline, respectively, at 21 and 42 d of age. Continuous incorporation of synthetic L-proline into diets was shown to improve skin strength in females, whereas diets formulated to contain high levels of L-proline from feedstuffs, 21-d feeding of L-proline, or L-glutamic acid did not increase skin strength.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

The effects of continuously or diurnally fed melatonin on broiler performance and health.

An experiment was designed to investigate the effects of dietary melatonin (MEL) on the performance and health of broiler chicks. Chicks raised under constant lighting were fed practical broiler diets in mash form containing 0, 20, or 40 ppm MEL from 0 to 3 wk. A fourth treatment (0 ppm MEL: 6h/d; 20 ppm MEL: 18 h/d) was used to mimic a diurnal light:dark cycle. Commercial broiler grower diets without MEL supplementation were fed from 3 to 6 wk of age. A small dose-related decrease was observed in weight gain (0 to 14 d) and feed consumption (0 to 21 d) due to continuous feeding of MEL. Continuously fed MEL also improved feed efficiency in the first 3 wk vs the control (0 ppm). Growth and feed consumption from 0 to 21 d were not affected by the diurnally fed diet when compared with the control treatment. No effects were found for mortality. However, the incidence of sudden death syndrome (SDS) was numerically less for the diurnal (3.56%) and 40 ppm (3.76%) diets from 0 to 42 d than for the control treatment 5.56%. Skeletal disease was generally unaffected, with the exception of the incidence of crooked toes at 42 d (0 ppm MEL: 8.67% vs diurnal: 4.89%). Dietary MEL fed either continuously or in a diurnal pattern had a minor effect on the performance and health of broiler chickens.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Utilization of defatted rice bran by broiler chickens.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the influence of dietary concentration of defatted rice bran (DRB) and phytase and fiber-degrading enzyme (FDE) supplementation of DRB-containing diets on performance, characteristics of selected parts of the gastrointestinal tract, and tibia ash of broiler chickens. In Experiment 1, four concentrations of DRB (0, 7.5, 15, and 22.5%) were tested in diets formulated to be isonitrogenous (22% CP) and isocaloric (3,000 kcal MEn/kg). Body weight and feed to gain ratio of broilers from 4 to 35 d of age were not affected by DRB concentration. A decrease in percentage tibia ash (P < 0.08) as dietary DRB increased was indicated. In Experiment 2, diets containing 22.5% DRB were supplemented with phytase (0 and 665 units/kg of diet) and FDE (equivalent to 0 and 1,000 units of xylanase/kg) in a complete factorial arrangement. A corn-soybean meal diet (CS) was included as a fifth treatment. No significant differences among dietary treatments were observed for weight gain and feed efficiency of broilers from 4 to 35 d of age. The MEn values of the DRB diets were greater (P < 0.01) than those of the CS diet, although phytase supplementation of the DRB diet, with or without FDE, reduced (P < 0.01) MEn. Phytase supplementation did not affect percentage tibia ash of chicks fed the DRB diet. The results show that up to 22.5% dietary DRB can be used successfully for broiler chickens when diets are supplemented with available P and fat.

6-Phytase↗

PubMed1996

The effect of brooding temperature on broiler performance.

In response to the energy crisis of the 1970s, this laboratory recommended that initial brooding temperatures for broilers be reduced to 29.4 C from 32.2 or 35 C. Because environmental temperature has been implicated in the ascites syndrome, this work was conducted to see whether the recommended brooding temperature of 29.4 C the 1st wk, 26.7 C the 2nd wk, and 23.9 C the 3rd wk would be satisfactory for broiler production when compared with higher brooding temperature regimens starting at 32.2 or 35 C. Brooding chicks at a temperature of 29.4 C the 1st wk, 26.7 C the 2nd wk, and 23.9 C the 3rd wk did not adversely affect broiler performance at 6 wk of age, when compared with higher brooding temperature regimens. Under the conditions of this experiment, brooding chicks at a temperature of 29.4 C the 1st wk, 26.7 C the 2nd wk, and 23.9 C the 3rd wk was satisfactory when compared with the higher temperature brooding regimens. Mortality due to ascites and total mortality significantly increased for broilers brooded in the negative control temperature regimen of 26.7 C the 1st wk, 23.9 C the 2nd wk, and 21.1 C when compared with some or all of the higher brooding temperature regimens. Heat loss calculations based on a commercial setting show an 18% savings in liquified petroleum (LP) gas usage for chicks brooded at 29.4 vs 35 C and a savings of 10% in LP gas usage for chicks brooded at 29.4 vs 32.2 C on a winter day.

Aging↗

PubMed1996

Blood viscosity in broilers: influence on pulmonary hypertension syndrome.

Elevation in apparent blood viscosity may enhance the pulmonary hypertension that leads to pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) and ascites in fast-growing broilers. We investigated the importance of packed cell volume (PCV) and shear rate in modifying apparent viscosity of the blood from broilers assigned to normal, preascites, and ascites groups. Apparent viscosity of broiler blood increased at all shear rates as PCV increased; the increase in apparent viscosity became greater as the shear rate decreased at PCV above 0.30. At the PCV of normal broilers (0.30 or below), apparent viscosity was nearly shear rate independent, at least down to 11.25 per second, the lowest shear rate studied. Apparent viscosity, at any given PCV and shear rate, was significantly lower in the blood of birds with ascites than in normal birds; however, the relative viscosity was not different between those groups, indicating that lower plasma viscosity in the birds with PHS was responsible for the finding. The results show that the principal factor responsible for increased apparent viscosity of blood in birds with PHS is the increase in PCV. The increased resistance to flow of blood as the result of higher blood viscosity may contribute to the pulmonary hypertension.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Evaluation of the toxicity of alum (aluminum sulfate) in young broiler chickens.

Two experiments were conducted to characterize the toxicity and evaluate the efficacy of alum to increase intestinal strength in young broiler chicks. Cobb x Cobb male broiler chicks were placed in an experimental design consisting of six dietary treatments of alum (control, 0.23, 0.47, 0.93, 1.9, and 3.7%) with four replicate pens of 10 broilers per pen. The chicks were housed in electrically heated batteries and provided the treatments for ad libitum consumption from 1 d to 3 wk of age. Alum significantly (P < or = 0.05) decreased body weights at 1.9 and 3.7% in Experiment 1 and at 0.93, 1.9, and 3.7% in Experiment 2. Feed conversion and the relative weight of the gizzard were increased in both experiments at 3.7%. Serum phosphorus was decreased at 1.9 and 3.7% in Experiment 1 and at 3.7% in Experiment 2. Intestinal and bone strength were decreased in both experiments at 3.7%. Bone ash was reduced at 3.7% in Experiment 2, bone S levels increased at 1.9 and 3.7% in Experiment 1 and at 3.7% in Experiment 2, and bone Al levels were elevated in both experiments at 3.7%. Muscle levels of P and S decreased, and that of Ca increased at 3.7%. Aluminum levels were not elevated in muscle tissues. These data indicate that alum can be toxic to young broiler chicks, but at levels that would not be expected to be reached through litter consumption, and that alum did not increase intestinal strength.

Alum Compounds↗

PubMed2000

Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in poultry broilers and shell eggs in Korea.

This study was conducted to determine the presence of Salmonella spp. in raw broilers and shell eggs in Korea. In total, 135 dozen shell eggs and 27 raw broilers were tested. None of the egg yolks were found to contain Salmonella organisms but Escherichia coli, Escherichia hermanii, and Citrobacter freundii were isolated from egg shells. Salmonella spp. were detected in 25.9% of raw broilers, and Salmonella serotypes isolated from raw broilers were Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Virchow, and Salmonella Virginia. D-values and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella isolates were also investigated. D-values of Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella Virginia, and Salmonella Virchow in tryptic soy broth at 55 degrees C were 2.36, 2.13, and 0.70 min and 0.53, 0.37, and 0.20 min at 60 degrees C, respectively. All Salmonella isolates showed multiple antibiotic resistance patterns and were resistant to penicillin and vancomycin. One strain of Salmonella Enteritidis showed resistance to 12 antibiotics used in this study.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Efficacy of nisin-coated polymer films to inactivate Salmonella Typhimurium on fresh broiler skin.

Nisin is an antimicrobial peptide produced by the food-grade microorganism Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis. This peptide inhibits many gram-positive bacteria, and when combined with chelating agents it inhibits gram-negative bacteria such as Salmonella sp. The efficacy of packaging films treated with nisin-containing formulations to reduce Salmonella contamination of fresh broiler drumstick skin and increase the refrigerated shelf life was investigated. Three films (5.1 cm2) of varying hydrophobicities (polyvinyl chloride [PVC], linear low density polyethylene, nylon) were coated with one of three liquid formulations (pH 3.5 to 3.8) composed of 100 microg/ml nisin and varying concentrations of citric acid, EDTA, and Tween 80. The treated films were applied either wet or dry to 5.1-cm2 broiler drumstick skin samples inoculated with a nalidixic acid-resistant (NAr) strain of Salmonella Typhimurium. After incubation at 4 degrees C for 24 h the populations of surviving Salmonella TyphimuriumNAr organisms were recovered from the skin and film samples using a rinse procedure and enumerated on brain heart infusion agar containing 800 ppm NA. Log reductions (untreated versus treated skin) in Salmonella TyphimuriumNAr populations ranged from 0.4 to 2.1. Treatment formulation compositions and wet versus dry treatment application also influenced the extent of kill. The shelf life of refrigerated broiler drumsticks was extended by 0.6 to 2.2 days following a 3-min immersion in a nisin-containing treatment solution and subsequent storage in a foam tray pack containing a nisin-treated PVC overwrap and a nisin-treated absorbent tray pad. These findings demonstrated that Salmonella Typhimurium and spoilage microorganism populations on the surface of fresh broiler skin and drumsticks can be significantly reduced using immersion treatments, absorbent tray pads, and packaging films treated with nisin-containing formulations.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Presence and level of Campylobacter, coliforms, Escherichia coli, and total aerobic bacteria recovered from broiler parts with and without skin.

This study was undertaken to determine if broiler chicken parts without skin are less contaminated with Campylobacter than those with skin. Samples were taken in a commercial plant from defeathered carcasses before evisceration. Bacterial counts from rinse of aseptically removed meat samples were lower than those from stomached skin samples. No Campylobacter were recovered from meat collected from the breasts or thighs, and only 2 of 10 drumstick meat samples had detectable levels of Campylobacter. However, 9 of 10 breast skin, 10 of 10 thigh skin, and 8 of 10 drumstick skin samples were positive for Campylobacter, with between 2 and 3 log10 CFU/g of Campylobacter. Breasts, thighs, and drumsticks were removed from broiler carcasses following evisceration before entering the chill tank. There was a significant difference (50 to 90%) in the levels of Campylobacter on breasts, thighs, and drumsticks with and without skin. Similar trends were noted for coliform, Escherichia coli, and total aerobic bacterial counts from samples collected in the plant. Broiler part samples were also collected at retail outlets. These samples were either skin on and skinned in the laboratory or skin off at purchase. Aseptic removal of skin from broiler breasts, thighs, and drumsticks did not cause change in Campylobacter, coliform, E. coli, or total aerobic counts recovered from the skinned part. Likewise, parts purchased without skin did not have different bacterial counts than paired parts purchased with the skin on. Consumers should not expect to significantly lower the number of bacteria present on a chicken breast, thigh, or drumstick by removing the skin.

Animals↗