The Effects of Surgical Caponization on Production Efficiency and Carcass Yield of Roosters

An experiment was conducted with cockerels to determine the effects of caponization and feed energy levels on weight gain, feed efficiency, dressing and cooking losses, and taste preference. Meat strain cockerels were surgically caponized or untreated at 5 weeks of age and fed varying energy diets until processed at 18-1/2 weeks of age. Capons gained significantly more weight than controls during the 13-1/2 week trial period. Feed efficiency was significantly (P < 0.05) better for controls while capons had a heavier live and dressed weight. Dressing percentage and cooking loss were not affected by treatment and capons averaged a slightly more desirable overall taste preference rating than controls.