Effect of Caponization on Body Weight, Hematological Traits and Blood Cholesterol Concentration of Nara Chicken

Abstract

A total of 21 four weeks old Nara males divided into 3 groups as A-non-caponized, B-chemically and C-surgically caponized birds having 7 males each. The birds were caponized at 4 weeks of age and reared on individual cages up to 16 weeks of age to assess the body weight gain, hematological traits and blood cholesterol concentration. The weight gain was significantly increased in caponized birds compared to non-caponized birds (p<0.01). However, surgically caponized birds gained the highest body weight. Total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentration were significantly reduced in caponized birds compared to non-caponized birds (p<0.01). Testis weight of group A and B at 16 weeks of age were 19.20 and 2.58 g/bird respectively. The highest enlargement of liver and spleen was found in group-C followed by group-A and B. Adrenal gland weight of A, B and C were 0.14, 0.21 and 0.26g/bird respectively (p<0.01). Reduced comb, wattle and head of caponized birds were observed compared to the non-caponized birds. Caponization is the most suitable technique to have maximum meat from chicken. However, surgically caponization may be the best technique for maximum growth.