INFLUENCE OF CATHOLYTE ON SLAUGHTER PARAMETERS IN DUCKS

Abstract

Electro-activated (dissociated) water (EAW) has been growing in popularity in recent years in many countries. It is used as a cleaning agent and disinfectant in the food industry, as well as a disinfectant of river water used as drinking water for animals. Catholyte has a beneficial effect on productivity and some physiological parameters, and is a cheap, safe, non-toxic and effective option for improving the overall production parameters in mammals and birds. In the present study, the effect of catholyte on some carcass parameters in White Pekin duck was examined. Live weight, weight of fresh eviscerated carcass, weight of feathers and blood, head, legs, intestines, gizzard, heart, spleen and liver were measured. The results showed an increase in the carcass weight of the experimental group of ducks, drinking catholyte, compared to the control group – drinking tap water. There was also an increase in the weight of the head, legs, feathers and blood, and all the internal organs of the experimental group of birds, compared to the control group, except for the gizzards. The use of catholyte does not affect significantly the yield of the carcass.