This study aimed to assess the quality of 3-day-old chicks and maternally derived antibodies (MDAs) in different strains of broiler chickens. The research was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Ekiti State University, Nigeria. Three strains of broiler chickens (Arbor Acres, Cobb-500 and Ross 308) were evaluated for qualitative and quantitative properties. The results showed that the frequency distribution of qualitative parameters was similar (P>0.05) among the strains, while significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in quantitative parameters such as body weight, net weight, and body length. The study also found that the mean antibody titers for infectious bursa disease virus (IBDV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and Avian Retrovirus (ARV) were similar (P>0.05) among the strains. The findings of this study highlight the importance of assessing 3-day-old chicks and MDAs in broiler chickens to enhance poultry production and disease management.

Keywords: 3-day-old chicks, maternally derived antibodies, qualitative properties, quantitative properties, frequency distribution