Carcass characteristics of South African native chicken lines

Carcass characteristics of the Koekoek, New Hampshire, Naked-Neck, Lebowa-V enda and Ovambo chicken lines were evaluated. The highest dressed-carcass m ass was recorded for Ovambo chickens and the highest percentage breast musc le was recorded for Naked-Neck chickens. Percentage fat and fatty acid comp osition differed between lines (p < 0.05). Carcass mass and fat content of the native chicken lines were less than in a commercial broiler line. It wa s concluded that the Ovambo and New Hampshire chicken lines appear to have the most suitable carcass characteristics for low-input systems where poult ry production is aimed at household food security.