The study of the broiler chickens’ growth by X-ray computerized tomography

Abstract

Non-invasive computerized tomography was performed on commercial broiler chickens, in both sexes, between 4 to 18 weeks of age, to determine the growth rate of tissues. On the basis of 16-32 scans gathered from each bird during the scanning procedure the volumetric measurement of the breast muscle was performed. These values were the 259, 493, 786 cm3 and 195, 460, 668 cm3 in male and female birds at the age of 6, 12 and 18 weeks, respectively. The total body fat content was characterized by the so called „fat index”, a value independent of the live weight. This indices were 7.3, 7.14, 9.48 and 8.8, 13.3, 21.6 following the above order. Total body fat content was determined both by CT and chemical analysis. The investigation of the tissue development in the body was carried out by means of 3D histograms, which shows the tissue composition of chicken bodies, with different peaks corresponding to the breast, drumstick and thighs muscles. Fat depots were also definitely showed, with different peaks in the neck- and abdominal regions. The volume and the anatomical location of both fat and muscle tissue were determined.