Effects of Dietary Apparent Metabolizable Energy and Protein Concentrations on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Quality of Korean Native Ducks

Abstract

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary apparent metabolizable energy and protein concentrations on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestibility of Korean native ducks. In 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, 1-d-old Korean native ducks were completely randomized to experimental diets with 2,800 and 2,900 kcal of AMEn/kgofdiet, respectively, from 0 to 21 d of age. From 22 to 56 d of age, experimental diets 3,000 and 3,100 kcal of, and contained 16% and 17% CP, respectively. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. And BW gain were higher during 0 to 21 d (P<0.01) in AME 2,800 kcal/kg and CP 21% diet treatment than other treatments. As AME increased from 2,800 to 2,900 kcal/kg, feed intake was decreased (P<0.05) during 0 to 21 d. From 22 to 56 d of age, the, BW gain, feed intake and were not different among the treatments. Carcass ratio, relative weight per 100 of BW (wing, back, neck, breast, and leg), nutrient digestibility, meat color and nutrient composition in breast meat the treatments. In conclusion, diets with 2,800 kcal of AME/kg and 21% CP or with 3,000 kcal of AME/kg and 17% CP at 0 to 21 d and 22 to 56 d, respectively, were more efficient. (