The effects of different feeding conditions on performance and carcass characteristics of pekin, local, and crossbred ducks

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate performance and carcass quality of Pekin, local, and cross-breed ducks raised under different feeding (varied in protein and fiber levels). A total of 180 male ducks aged 14 days, consisting of 60 Pekin ducks, 60 local ducks (Mojosari), and 60 cross-breed (Mojosari + Alabio) ducks were used in the study. Each type of duck was randomly divided into 36 units of cages, each of which was filled with 5 ducks. The data obtained from the study were analyzed according to a completely randomized design with 2×3 factorial pattern. Initial body weight of local ducks at 14 days was significantly (P<0.01) lower than that of Pekin and cross-breed ducks, while, Pekin ducks were higher than the other two types of ducks. On the other hand, feed consumption was significantly (P<0.01) influenced by the type of diet and breed. While carcass percentage was significantly (P<0.01) influenced by breed and diet types. The percentage of Pekin duck carcasses that received diet A (low protein and fiber) was significantly different (P<0.05) from cross-breed ducks, in comparison to local ducks. In conclusion the feed conversion rate and final body weight for diet A showed better results than diet B (high protein and high fiber) on the Pekin duck. Meanwhile, the carcass characteristics like abdominal fat of diet B (for pekin, local duck, and cross breed) were better than diet A (for Pekin and local duck). It’s suggested to use Pekin ducks with low protein and low fiber diet to get the better performance, in compared with local ducks which needs high protein and high fiber content in diet.