Carcass Characteristics and Digestive Organ Weights of IPB D3 Chickens under Different Rearing Systems Pengaruh Sistem Pemeliharaan yang Berbeda terhadap Karakteristik Karkas dan Berat Organ Pencernaan Ayam IPB D3

Abstract

Digestive organs are essential for nutrient absorption and utilization, supporting poultry growth and
carcass development. Their performance can be influenced by rearing systems, which also affect animal welfare, productivity, and product quality. This study evaluated the impact of intensive and freerange systems on digestive organ development and carcass characteristics in IPB D3 chickens. Ninety 12-week-old chickens were randomly allocated to two rearing systems (n = 45 per group) for 15 weeks. Observed parameters included ambient temperature and humidity (morning, daytime, afternoon) and weights of the ventriculus, proventriculus, gizzard, pancreas, heart, liver, bile, spleen, and small intestine. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests (α = 0.05). Daytime temperature and humidity differed significantly between systems (P< 0.05), while morning and afternoon values did not (P>0.05). No significant differences were found in ventriculus, proventriculus, pancreas, heart, liver, bile, spleen, and small intestine weights (P>0.05), but gizzard weight was significantly higher in free-range system (P<0.05). Slaughter weight and carcass weight were not significantly affected by rearing system (P>0.05). In conclusion, IPB D3 chickens showed stable digestive organ performance and carcass characteristics under both systems, indicating strong adaptability.