Breeding programs using parents from different genetic companies allow the production of commercial generations of broilers directed to attend diverse market situations, but they also serve to optimize the performance of the breeder female. However, this is not a current practice in Brazil where most of the commercial broilers being raised are originated from crosses within the same genetic company. The use of nipple drinkers in broiler houses has increased in the last few years; however, practical benefits have not been proved yet. This study evaluated the development of the digestive organs, live performance and carcass and cut up yields from broilers originated of the crossing between breeder males from four commercial strains (R, I, S, and H) with females also from various origins (R, I, and H) raised in pens with bell or nipple drinkers. Birds’ growth curves varied with strain cross and led to better body weight at marketing for the RR strain cross. Breast yield, however, was better for the cross IH. The SH strain cross showed a consistently lower body weight and carcass yield at all ages. The type of drinker did not affect any measured response regardless of the strain cross. Strain crosses or type of drinkers did not affect development of the digestive organs.
Broiler; strain cross; carcass yield; drinker; digestive organs
