Research Article Olusegun O. Ikusika, Andrew B. Falowo*, Conference T. Mpendulo, Titus J. Zindove, Anthony I. Okoh Effect of strain, sex and slaughter weight on growth performance, carcass yield and quality of broiler meat https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2020-0056 received December 13, 2019; accepted April 21, 2020 Abstract: This study examined strain, sex and slaughter weight effect on performance, meat quality and yield of broiler chicken. One hundred and fifty-day-old chicks (broilers) were distributed randomly in a 3 × 2 × 4 factorial experiment, with 50 birds per strain (Ross, Aboaca and Anak) and 25 birds per sex. After trial, 32 birds per strain and 16 per sex were slaughtered at 4 different body weights (1,000, 1,500, 2,000, and 2,500 g) to determine carcass yield and meat quality. The results revealed significant strain and sex effect (P < 0.05) on growth performance of the broiler chicken. Ross strain had the highest feed intake (4883.25 g) and final body weight (2440.25 g) compared to Aboaca and Anak strains. Female broiler having heavier body weight (2431.66 g) and feed intake (4864.83 g) than the males for all strains. Aboaca birds had the highest carcass yields for all slaughter weight than Anak and Ross. The slaughter weight, irrespective sex and strains signifi- cantly influenced the carcass yield (P < 0.001) with birds slaughtered at 2,500 g having (P < 0.001) highest values compared to other slaughtered weights. As slaughter weight increases, cooking loss and thermal shortening decreases while water holding capacity and shear force values increases. Overall, Aboaca strain was considered to have best performances for production. Keywords: broiler, strain, sex, slaughter weight, perfor- mance, carcass traits 1 Introduction Broiler birds are specifically bred for rapid growth (Packard 2014) to attain mature body size within 7–10 weeks depending on the strain, sex and management (Alzenbarakji 2011; Abdollahi et al. 2017). There are numerous strains of broilers worldwide. The strains that are used by farmers depend among many factors on the type of strain available in the locality or country. Flemming et al. (1999) recognized Ross, Cobb, Hubbard, Arbor Acres and Isa Vidette as strains of broilers that are commonly grown in many places. Likewise, Olawumi et al. (2012) identified Arbor Acres, Marshall, Hubbard, Anak and Aboaca are breeds of broilers that are commonly used for commercial purposes. Most of the hatchery sells unsexed broiler chicks. However, male broiler is mostly preferred because it grows faster and has higher live weight (Ojedapo et al. 2008; Olawumi et al. 2012). Broiler meat has been reported to be healthier than red meat because it has low cholesterol and fat content (Farrell 2013). In addition, broiler meat is succulent, a good source of animal protein, minerals and vitamins that are key to human growth (Obasoyo et al. 2005). Unlike pork and beef, no religious beliefs forbid their consumption (Olawumi and Fagbuaro 2011). Many Olusegun O. Ikusika: Department of Livestock & Pasture Science, Faculty of Science & Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, South Africa; SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, South Africa  * Corresponding author: Andrew B. Falowo, Department of Livestock & Pasture Science, Faculty of Science & Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, South Africa; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria, e-mail: anddele2013@gmail.com Conference T. Mpendulo: Department of Livestock & Pasture Science, Faculty of Science & Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, South Africa Titus J. Zindove: Department of Animal Science, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Fiji National University, Nasinu, Fiji Anthony I. Okoh: SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, South Africa; Applied Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Biochemistry & Microbiology Department, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, South Africa ORCID: Andrew B. Falowo 0000-0002-4712-0398 Open Agriculture 2020; 5: 607–616 Open Access. © 2020 Olusegun O. Ikusika et al., published by De Gruyter. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.