The Effect of Different Production Systems on Some Morphological Characteristics and Asymmetry in Atak-S Cocks

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of housing system on morphological characteristics of Atak-S cocks reared in closed and free range systems. Cocks were fed with standard feed according to feeding program for seventeen weeks. In order to determine the effect of the housing system on some morphological features and asymmetry, Crest length (İU), Crest width (İG), Eye width (GG), Nose length (BU), Face width (YG), Wattle length (SU), Beak length (GU) in bilateral features, measurements were made from the right and left sides on the head of the cocks. Furthermore, foot features such as Width of tarsometatarsus at the joint with tibiotarsus (EG), Length of tarsometatarsus (TU), Width at 1 cm above the spur of tarsometatarsus (MG1), Width of tarsometatarsus at the spur (MG2), Length of the back toe (AP), Length of the outer toe nail (DT), Length of the fourth phalanx of the outer toe (D4), Length of the third phalanx of the outer toe (D3), Length of the mid toe nail (OT), Length of the fourth phalanx of the mid toe (O4), Length of the third phalanx of the mid toe (O3) measurements were taken on the right and left feet of the cocks. All measurements were made in millimetres (0.01 mm) using a digital caliper. Relative asymmetry (GA) and fluctuating asymmetry (DA) values were calculated for the features showing bilateral symmetry. According to the statistical analysis on the obtained data, the morphological characteristics of ATAK-S cocks were not affected by the housing system, and that the characters underlined in both housing conditions developed in the same way as right and left.