https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Index en-us 5 https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27307 Wed 13 Mar 2024 11:29:58 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29334 0.05) amongst the treatments. The most cost efficient feed (which accumulated the cheapest cost feed per kg were) T1 (R11.32) and T3 (R11.32) although there was a slight difference in the gross profit of these treatments T1 (R45.71) and T3 (R44.48). Carcass characteristics were the same (P > 0.05) across the treatments except for the wing, thigh, drumstick and the breast (P < 0.05). T2 had the highest wing weight (166.63±8.60), T1 (113.03±8.60) and the lowest in T3 (74.46±8.60). The thigh weight were greater (P<0.05) in T2 (185.69±4.34); T1 (185.54±4.34) compared to T3 (166.97±4.34) which was lower. Treatments 1 (204.17±6.57), T2 (197±6.57) had heavier (P<0.05) breast weights than T3 (186.06±6.57). Dietary treatments had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on pH of the breast meat. No differences were observed in colour during the 1 hour period after slaughter. At 24 hours after slaughter, the L* values were different (P < 0.05) in T1 and T2 (44.3 ± 0.37; 43.7 ± 0.37), respectively, T1 and T3 were the same. The a*-values were different (P < 0.05) at 48 hours after slaughter for T1 and T3 (4.5 ± 0.27; 3.4 ± 0.27), T2 was the same as T1. It was therefore, concluded that since manipulation of starter phase did not have adverse effects on growth performance, gross profit, slight statistical difference in meat quality attributes and carcass characteristics. Therefore, the manipulation of starter diet has the potential to be used in broiler production.]]> Tue 07 May 2024 10:54:19 SAST ]]>