Comparative study of body characteristics of different strains of broiler chickens

Body characteristics have been suggested as possible predisposing factors for disease conditions such as skin scratches and cellulitis in broiler chickens. In this study, two experiments were conducted to investigate the relationship between certain body characteristics and to compare two different strains of broiler chickens. In the first experiment, the association between body weight and total skin surface area (TSSA) and abdominal skin surface area (ASSA) was investigated in 30 male birds from one genetic line. Body weight was significantly associated with total skin surface area (P less than or equal to.0001) and abdominal skin surface area (P less than or equal to.0001). In the second experiment, 30 male birds each from two different stains (A and B) were examined to investigate whether significant differences existed regarding certain body characteristics. Strain A had a significantly greater abdominal circumference and shorter legs than Strain B. However, no significant difference was observed in body weight or abdominal skin surface area.