Effect of recombinant chicken IFN-on the growth performances, carcass traits, conformation traits and cut up parts of broilers

A six week experimental trial was carried out to evaluate growth promoting effect of recombinant chicken IFN-γ using 90 birds randomly distributed in three treatments viz. NDV(T1), NDV+IFN-γ(T2) and IFN-γ(T3). The birds in groups T1 and T2 were vaccinated i/o with RDF1 at 0^th day and i/m on 21^st day. On same days of age rChIFN-γ (50μg/100 μl saline) was injected in T2 and T3 groups. Additional dose of rChIFN-γ (50μg/100 μl saline) was also given intramuscularly in T2 and T3 groups. Results revealed that most of the growth parameters, carcass traits, conformation traits and cut up parts were significantly affected by the rChIFN-γ treatment. Weekly body weights from 2 to 6 week were significantly different among the three groups; highest being in T3 group, followed by T2 group and the least were in T1. Body weights gains (0–3 weeks) differed significantly among the three treatment groups with T3 being the highest and least in T1. T3 group showed significant difference for pre-slaughter weight (1162.350±30.881 g), de-feathered weight (1019.880±27.381 g), eviscerated weight (776.550±19.478 g), and dressing percentage (66.812±0.59) than T1 and T2 groups. Among conformation traits, only keel length showed significant higher values in IFN-γ treated group. Except neck weights all cut up parts were significantly affected in T3 treatment group. The broiler birds treated with rChIFN-γ, exhibited significantly higher means for the growth parameters, carcass and conformation traits and cut up parts which indicates its underlying growth promoting properties but still further confirmation with large samples are warranted.