Influence of season, form of feed, dietary energy level, age and sex on broiler organ biometry

In a 3 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 factorial experiment, 864 broiler chicks were raised in cages. The treatments were, three levels of ME (2500, 2700 and 2900 KCal/kg) x mash s. pellets x summer vs. winter x male vs. female x 6th vs. 8th week of age (48 treatments); with 4 replicates per treatment having 18 chicks per replicate. Eight birds per treatment (4 males and 4 females) were slaughtered and the biometry of various organs were studied. The intestine length was longer in winter raised and pellet fed birds. Males had longer intestines than females. Caecal length was significantly longer in winter raised birds and males. Proventriculus weight and thickness was significantly higher in winter raised birds. At six weeks of age, birds raised in winter had significantly higher liver weights; but at eight weeks of age, high energy diet fed birds had the highest liver and heart weight. Pellet fed birds had significantly (P<0.05) lower gizzard weight irrespective of other factors.