Broiler Skin Strength: Influence of Age, Sex, and Feathering Rate

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Abstract
Male and female broilers from slow- and fast-feathering strain-crosses were grown to 56 days of age to assess skin strength using a punch technique. Broilers were grown under standard management procedures and were provided starter, grower, finisher, and withdrawal diets from 1-21, 22-35, 36-49, and 50-56 days of age, respectively. Skin strength measurements were made weekly on dry, hand-picked skin from the pelvic back region. In addition to live performance, significant differences in skin strength were observed. Skin puncture strength was higher for males than females, and increased linearly with age for both sexes. Skin from slow-feathering strain-crosses appeared to be less elastic than those from fast-feathering strain-crosses. Maturational differences in skin strength due to feathering rate, sex, and age may partially explain skin-related downgrading problems in the processing plant.