Economizing Duck Feed using Broken Rice for Meat Production in White Pekin Ducks

A study was conducted in the tropical coastal region of Odisha in 2019 to find out the effect of replacing wheat with broken rice (BR) on nutrients metabolisability, egg production and quality in White Pekin ducks. White Pekin ducks (45, 165 days) were divided into three groups with three replicates in each group and each replicate had five ducks. Three experimental diets without (BR-0) and with BR, replacing 50 (BR-50) and 100 (BR-100), per cent wheat were prepared. The above diets were offered randomly to the groups till 40 weeks followed by conduction of a metabolic trial. The dry matter intake (g/d) was similar among the groups. The metabolisability percentage of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and crude fibre in BR-0 and BR-50 were similar and higher than BR-100. There was no significant difference in N balance (g/d) among the groups. The total egg production, duck day egg production percentage and feed conversion ratio were similar among the groups. The external and internal egg quality parameters were similar among the groups as well. It was concluded that wheat can be replaced with broken rice at 50% level in the diets of White Pekin ducks during first phase of laying under intensive rearing system with increase in the metabolisability of the nutrients of the feed without affecting the performance.

Background: Duck meat consumption has been popularized and augmented during the past few decades and the better growth necessitates optimal mineral requirements. Over the past few decades, the consumption of duck meat has increased and become more popular and its improved growth requires the right minerals. Therefore, the present study was carried out conducted to find out the effect of supplementation of different levels of trace mineral mixture on the performance of White Pekin ducks for meat production purpose. Methods: 180 day-old White Pekin ducks (180; day-old) were divided into three groups; with each group consist of four replicates; and each replicate had 15 ducklings. Three experimental diets feeds were prepared by supplementing a standard starter feed with TMM @ of 100 g (TMM-100), 200 g (TMM-200) and 300 g (TMM-300) per 100 kg diet; and were offered randomly to the above three groups for eight weeks of age. Result: The day-old body weight (51.67- 52.02, g) and 8th week body weight (2155.02- 2176.17, g) of the ducklings were similar among the groups. The daily feed intake at the 8th week of age in TMM-100 group (156.62 g) was similar to both TMM-200 group (154.77 g) and TMM-300 group (160.31 g). However, the cumulative feed intake up to 8 weeks in TMM-100 group (6.83 kg) was similar to TMM-200 group (6.83 kg) and both the groups were recorded higher feed intake than the TMM-300 group (6.60 kg). The feed conversion ratio up to 8 weeks (3.07-3.17) was similar among all the experimental groups. The eviscerated weight percentage (68.98-70.27) was similar among all the treatment groups. There is were no significant differences in various body parts as percentage of eviscerated weight i.e. legs (19.89-20.51), breast (27.99-29.11) and wings (15.57-17.08) among the experimental groups. However, the back expressed as percentage of eviscerated weight in TMM-100 group (23.11) was similar to TMM-200 group (24.23), but lower than TMM-300 group (24.69) recorded higher weight than other two groups. It can be concluded that trace mineral mixture can be supplemented @ 100- 200 g per 100 kg feed in the diet of White Pekin ducks up to 8 weeks of age for resulted better growth rate and meat production.

Background: The variety of indigenous duck germplasm contribute maximum to the poultry industry in India, besides chicken population. In southern part of India, the available duck genetic resource, particularly Arni ducks (comprises of Sanyasi and Keeri ducks) of Tamil Nadu, has its own characteristics with innate potentiality of higher productivity without any input system of management. Genetic characterization and diversity of indigenous duck genetic resources has not been properly studied. In the present study, the genetic diversity of Arni ducks with other indigenous and exotic duck germplasm were analysed with microsatellite markers. Method: Genomic DNA was isolated from the blood samples of six duck populations. Molecular characterization was carried out with duck specific FAO recommended microsatellite markers. The genotyping of ducks was done based on the size of 4324 PCR amplicons of 23 microsatellite loci, which were subjected to capillary electrophoresis using automatic sequencer.Result: A total of 222 alleles in six duck populations across 23 microsatellite loci with a mean of 9.65 ± 0.95 alleles were found. Kuttanad duck variety had the highest number of alleles (139) followed by Sanyasi (136), Keeri (129), Muscovy (118), Assam (91) and White Pekin (78) ducks. The mean observed number of alleles was 6.04 ± 0.59, 5.91 ± 0.76, 5.61 ± 3.17, 5.13 ± 0.44, 3.96 ± 0.76 and 3.39 ± 0.40 in Kuttanad, Sanyasi, Keeri, Muscovy, Assam and White Pekin ducks respectively. The overall mean polymorphism information content (PIC) values among the six duck populations was 0.6269. In most of the duck populations, the mean PIC value was more than 0.5 except in Assam (0.4815) and White Pekin (0.3725) ducks. The observed heterozygosity was the highest in Keeri ducks (0.5217) and lowest in White Pekin ducks (0.2766), while, the mean expected heterozygosity was the highest in Sanyasi (0.5628) and lowest in White Pekin (0.4038) ducks. The variations in the observed and expected number of alleles, differences in PIC of various microsatellite loci might be attributed to the genetic variability of the duck populations, number and type of microsatellite primers utilised for analysis and the genetic diversity of the duck breeds under study. Higher FST value indicates the substantial degree of breed differentiation among the studied duck populations.

This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of an oral irrigator and an interdental brush in patients with peri-implant mucositis clinically and biochemically at different time points (at baseline and at the 2nd, 4th, and 12th weeks). Forty-five patients with at least one implant with peri-implant mucositis were included in the present study (n = 45). The patients were divided into three groups: oral irrigator + toothbrush (OI group, n = 15), interdental brush + toothbrush (IB group, n = 15), and toothbrush only (control) (C group, n = 15). The modified plaque index (mPlI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), probing attachment level (PAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at baseline and at the 2nd, 4th, and 12th weeks. The levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were also determined in the peri-implant crevicular fluid samples biochemically. The mSBI and t-PA at the 2nd week (p = 0.003; p = 0.003); the mPlI, mSBI, BOP, t-PA, and PAI-1 at the 4th week (p < 0.05; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p = 0.015; p = 0.011); and the mPlI, mSBI, IL-1β, t-PA, and PAI-1 at the 12th week (p < 0.05; p < 0.001; p = 0.013; p < 0.001; p = 0.002) were significantly lower in the OI group compared with those in the C group. Meanwhile, PAI-1 at the 2nd week, mSBI at the 4th week, and t-PA at the 12th week were significantly lower in the OI group compared with those in the IB group (p < 0.001; p = 0.011; p = 0.003). At the 2nd, 4th, and 12th weeks, all other parameters were not statistically different in the three groups. The clinical indexes (such as mSBI and BOP) that play an important role in the diagnosis of peri-implant mucositis showed the lowest means (although limited) in the OI group at all evaluation time points. Moreover, when the clinical and biochemistry results were interpreted altogether, it became apparent that the OI group exhibited similar or more effective results than the IB group in resolving peri-implant mucositis. In light of the foregoing, this study concluded that the use of an oral irrigator can be as effective as an interdental brush in interdental cleaning. In this study, it is suggested that the regular use of an oral irrigator along with a toothbrush could be an appropriate alternative to other oral hygiene products such as dental floss and interdental brush for the management of peri-implant mucositis by preventing the accumulation of dental plaque (NCT03844035).

BackgroundInjectable tissue engineered nucleus pulposus is a new idea for minimally invasive repair of degenerative intervertebral disc. The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) could be harvested from autologous tissue easily. PRP contains numerous autologous growth factors and has reticulate fibrous structure which may have the potential to make ADSCs differentiate into nucleus pulposus-like cells. The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of constructing a possible injectable tissue engineered nucleus pulposus with PRP gel scaffold and ADSCs.MethodsAfter identification with flow cytometry, the rabbit ADSCs were seeded into PRP gel and cultured in vitro. At the 2nd, 4th, and 8th week, the PRP gel/ADSCs complex was observed by macroscopy, histological staining, BrdU immunofluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy. The glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in the PRP gel/ADSCs complex were measured by safranin O staining with spectrophotometry. In PRP gel/ADSCs complex, gene expression of HIF-1α, aggrecan, type II collagen were tested by RT-PCR. The injectability of this complex was evaluated.ResultsMacroscopically, the complex was solidified into gel with smooth surface and good elasticity. The safranin O dye was almost no positive staining at 2nd week; however, the positive staining of extracellular matrix was enhanced obviously at 4th and 8th week. The HE staining and SEM demonstrated that the cells were well-distributed in the reticulate scaffold. BrdU immunofluorescence showed that ADSCs can survive and proliferate in PRP gel at each time points. The level of GAG at 4th week was higher than those at 2nd week (P < 0.05), and significant difference was also noted between 4th and 8th week (P < 0.05). HIF-1α, aggrecan, type II collagen gene expression at 4th week were much more than those at 2nd week (P < 0.05), and significant differences were also noted between 4th and 8th week (P < 0.05). The flow rate of complex was 0.287 mL/min when passed through the 19-gauge needle with the 100 mmHg injection pressure.ConclusionsOur preliminary findings suggest that the PRP gel make it possible for rabbit ADSCs differentiated into nucleus pulposus-like cells after coculture in vitro. According to the results, it is a better feasible method for construction of autologous injectable tissue engineered nucleus pulposus.

Objective To investigate the effects of glycyrrhizin on repairing sciatic nerve injury in BALB/c mice. Methods After mouse sciatic nerve injury model was constructed, the mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, low-dose glycyrrhizin group, middle-dose glycyrrhizin group, and high-dose glycyrrhizin group. At 4th and 8th week after sciatic nerve injury, functional outcome measurements were evaluated by the sciatic functional index (SFI). At 1st day, 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 8th week after sciatic nerve injury, spinal cord (L4-L6) at injured side was cut to perform Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein and mRNA levels of growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43) and p75 neurotrophic receptor (p75NTR) were detected. Results SFI values were gradually restored after the surgery, SFI values in treatment groups were significantly better than in control group. SFI mean values in high-, middle-, low-dose and control groups were respectively 61.300±1.319, 63.180±1.030, 68.680±0.653, 72.108±0.823 (4th week), 41.440±0.373, 46.210±0.747, 50.830±0.866, 61.350±1.123 (8th week). SFI values in high-, middle-, low-dose groups compared with in control group, t values were respectively 16.560, 16.504, 8.485 (4th week), 37.581, 25.088, 16.577 (8th week) after surgery. P values were all 0.000. In the spinal cord (L4-L6) at the same side of the injured sciatic nerve, the protein and mRNA expressions of GAP-43 were significantly increased in the treatment groups. mRNA expressions of GAP-43 in high-, middle-, low-dose groups compared with in control group, t values were respectively 114.858, 110.170, 12.810 (1st week); 122.115, 63.360, 30.745 (2nd week); 28.027, 20.757, 15.967 (4th week); 33.467, 27.828, 12.513 (8th week). P values were all 0.000. The protein and mRNA expressions of p75NTR were significantly decreased in the treatment groups. mRNA expressions of p75NTR in high-, middle-, low-dose groups compared with in control group, t values were respectively 55.937, 33.212, 12.364 (1st week); 41.779, 29.553, 14.953 (2nd week); 37.000, 22.638, 18.198 (4th week); 42.345, 26.800, 20.250 (8th week). P values were all 0.000. Conclusion Glycyrrhizin treatment can promote the regeneration of mouse sciatic nerve injury and recovery of motor function, which may be associated with the increase of GAP-43 expression and the decrease of p75NTR expression in the corresponding nerve tissues. Key words: Glycyrrhizin; Sciatic nerve injury; Neural repair

Background: Numerous topical agents are used for chronic diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) care and healing. In most of the hospitals in India povidone iodine is used topically for DFU dressing, however few other agents are more efficacious; the present study was aimed to compare the effect of povidone iodine and normal saline dressing in healing of DFU.Methods: A total of 50 patients (25 patients in each arm of povidone Iodine and Saline dressing group) with complaints of chronic DFU attending surgery outpatient department of Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital were considered in this prospective comparative study from July 2017 to December 2018. Dressings were done on daily basis for a period of 6 weeks, and the results were compared on 2nd, 4th and 6th week, using reduction in surface area of chronic DFU as parameter of healing process.Results: The mean surface area of wound in povidone iodine group was: baseline- 12.2 sq.cm, 2nd week- 11.7 sq.cm, 4th week- 10.6 sq.cm, 6th week- 9.8 sq.cm; While in saline group was: baseline- 13.3 sq.cm, 2nd week- 11.6 sq.cm, 4th week- 10.8 sq.cm, 6th week- 9.6 sq.cm. After 6 weeks, the mean reduction in surface area of wound is more in the saline dressing group compared with the povidone iodine dressing group and the results are statistically significant at a p&lt;0.05.Conclusions: Saline dressing is more effective than povidone iodine dressing in achieving complete healing, reducing wound surface area, and increasing comfort in subjects with chronic DFU.

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are commonly encountered during clinical practice and are often difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of octenidine dihydrochloride dressing and saline dressing in healing diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: A total of 50 patients (25 patients in each group of octenidine dihydrochloride and saline dressing group) with complaints of chronic diabetic foot ulcer attending surgery outpatient department of Sri Ramakrishna Hospital were included in this prospective comparative study from September 2018 to November 2019. Dressings were done on daily basis for a period of 6 weeks, and the results were compared on 2nd, 4th and 6th week, using reduction in surface area of the wound as parameter of healing process. Other parameters such as age, gender, associated co morbidities were assessed. Results: The mean surface area of wound in saline group was: baseline- 10.2 sq.cm, 2nd week- 9.8 sq.cm, 4th week- 8.6 sq.cm, 6th week- 7.5 sq.cm; While in octenidine dihydrochloride group was: baseline- 11.8 sq.cm, 2nd week- 9.6 sq.cm, 4th week- 6.8 sq.cm, 6th week- 5.2 sq.cm. After 6 weeks, the mean reduction in surface area of wound is more in the octenidine dihydrochloride dressing group compared with the slaine dressing group and the results are statistically significant at a p

Background: Aflatoxicosis in ducks is reckoned as a challenge for nutritionists worldwide, for its adverse impacts on growth. A study was conducted to ascertain the precise level of Aflatoxin-tolerance in White Pekin ducklings during juvenile ages. Methods: Day-old-ducklings (240) were randomly distributed into 3 experimental-groups viz., Control ( less than 0.5 ppb), T1 (200 ppb), T2 (400 ppb) and reared for measuring weekly growth, feed efficiency and blood biochemical changes, with treatments terminated at 6weeks age. Result: There was significant depression in live weights for both dietary-toxin groups from 2nd week onwards till completion. Mortality (0-6 weeks) was 85% in T2, while T1 was in between control and T2, both for mortality (45%) and morbidity. Feed-consumption and conversion for either toxin groups remained significantly (p≤0.05) poor, with T2 resulting in erratic FCRs, ranging from 1.23 to 4.95, across weeks. A typical AFB1-induced lameness in ducklings beyond 3 weeks of AFB1-exposure, emerged as a hallmarked morbidity, in varied proportions, in T1 and T2, but not in control. The study confirms that acute-depression of juvenile growth and high-morbidity are distinct outcomes from AFB1’s presence in Pekin diets @ 200 ppb level or higher, with such leg deformities emerging as hallmarked features of Pekins reared on AFB1-spiked diets. It can be concluded that, while the AFB1 content of juvenile White Pekin ducks should be kept limited to the recommended safe levels ( less than 10 ppb); exceeding a threshold of 200 ppb is sure to cause poor growth and FCR, with adverse blood biochemical changes, high mortality, morbidity and lameness.

Objective To discuss the intervention effects and mechanisms for Rapamycin on renal interstitial fibrosis in rats. Methods A total of 72 Wistar male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, normal group(n=24), model group(n=24), treatment group(n=24). The model group and treatment group received adenine 200 mg/kg daily, and the treatment group was also given Rapamycin 5 mg/(kg·d) at the 8th day, the normal group was just given the same amount of normal saline for 6 weeks.In the end of the 2nd, 4th and 6th week, 8 rats in each group were sacrificed respectively.The expression of hepatocyte growth factor(HGF), transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)and neutrophils gelatinases related apolipoprotein(NGAL)in each group were observed.The software of image analysis system was used for semi-quantitative analysis. Results HE and Masson staining results showed that the renal tubular were progressive swelling, and changed with interstitial fibrosis, atrophy and even necrosis in model group from 2 weeks to 6 weeks.The pathological changes of kidney were more ease in the treatment group compared with those in model group.Immunohistochemical staining results showed that HGF expression levels of renal interstitial tissue in model group and treatment group at the 2nd week were significantly higher than those of normal group(P<0.05), and were significantly decreased at the 4th week and 6th week(P<0.05); HGF expression levels of renal interstitial tissue in treatment group were significantly higher than those in model group(P<0.05). NGAL expression levels of renal interstitial tissue in model group and treatment group at the 2nd week were significantly higher than those in normal group(P<0.05), and were significantly decreased at the 4th week and 6th week(P<0.05); NGAL expression levels of renal interstitial tissue in treatment group were significantly higher than those in model group(P<0.05). TGF-β expression levels of renal interstitial tissue in model group and treatment group at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th week were significantly higher than those in normal group(P<0.05), while TGF-β expression levels of renal interstitial tissue in treatment group were significantly lower than those in model group(P<0.05). Conclusion Rapamycin could improve the rat kidney tissue pathology, relieve renal tubular expansion, and slow progression of renal interstitial fibrosis, and has certain protective effect to the kidney. Key words: Rapamycin; Renal interstitial fibrosis; Intervention mechanism

Acidifiers are inorganic chemicals that potentially reduce gastric pH to improve nutrient utilization by suppressing invasion of pathogenic microorganism. One hundred Cobb 500™ broiler chicks were used in a 28-day trial of a completely randomized design to study the effects of acidifier supplementation on performance parameters, carcass characteristics and serum lipoprotein in commercial broiler. Birds were randomly distributed into five dietary treatment groups designated as T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 where acidifier was supplemented at 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% in drinking water, respectively and each treatment was divided into two replicates having 20 birds per replicate. All birds had free access to ad-libitum feed and water. Results indicated that, weight gain decreased (P<0.001) and feed intake differed significantly at 2nd (P<0.01), 3rd (P<0.05) and 4th (P<0.01) weeks. FCR increased significantly at 2nd (P<0.001) and 4th (P<0.05) weeks. The best FCR was recorded in T4 group and the worst in T0 group at 4th week. Abdominal fat decreased significantly (P<0.001) and gizzard weight increased (P<0.05) at 4th week. LDL differed significantly (p<0.01) at 4th week. The highest LDL was recorded in T4 group and lowest in T0 group. The highest HDL was recorded in T4 group and lowest in T3 group at 3rd week. Similar to 3rd week, HDL differed (p<0.01) at 4th week. The highest HDL was recorded in T1 group and lowest in T4 group. It was concluded that, increasing levels of supplemental acidifier substantially improved performance parameter and carcass characteristics of broiler.

An experiment was carried out to assess the efficacy bentonite clay supplementation to the diet of white pekin ducks, experimentally fed with aflatoxin B1 contaminated diet (96 ppb) on production performance, and biochemical parameters including oxidative stress indices. The experimental birds (n=72) were provided with standard duck feed and ad libitum water. The grower white pekin ducks, aged 9 weeks, were randomly divided into six groups containing twelve birds in each group. The birds of group I served as healthy controls and was fed with basal diet without addition of toxin or bentonite clay. The birds of group II were provided with a diet with toxin level of 48 µg/kg of feed. The grower ducklings of group III to VI were fed with a diet containing 96 µg of toxin/kg of feed. The experimental feed was provided from 9th week of age (grower stage) for a period of 6 weeks. The birds of group IV, V and VI were provided with feed containing 96 µg aflatoxin /kg of feed along with bentonite clay the dose rate of 1, 2 or 3g of clay/ kg of feed, respectively. The birds fed with aflatoxin-treated diet showed significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in body weight gain by 4th week of experiment in group II and III. However, the body weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in bentonite clay supplemented group IV, V, and VI, as compared to toxin-exposed positive group II and III. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) increased significantly in Group II and III by 4th week. At the end of 6th week, group II and III showed significantly higher FCR. Significantly decreased serum triglyceride level and increased cholesterol level was recorded in group II and III in comparison to all other groups on 4th week. There was significant decrease in creatinine level in group IV, V, and VI, compared to group II and III on completion of 4th week of the experiment. The activity of GGT increased significantly in all aflatoxin exposed groups. The feeding of aflatoxin contaminated feed increased the erythrocytic malonaldehyde (MDA) production and activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. It is concluded from the experiment that bentonite clay supplementation in the diet at the dose rate of 3g/ kg of feed reduced the toxic effects of aflatoxin on production performance and oxidative stress in white pekin ducks.

The current study was carried out to investigate the immunological and hematological changes due to local transplantation of human umbilical cord-mesenchymal-stem cells (HUC-MSCs) and scaffold-stem cells (SSCs) into the injured radial nerve. Therefore, three equal groups of dogs were subjected to this study; experimental (EG), positive control (PCG) and negative control (NCG). At 1st week, dogs of EG were showed an obvious mobility dysfunction. At 2nd and 4th weeks, there were apparent improvements reported on general and physical activities as well as functional ability of forelimb with the presence of slight lameness that was cured completely at 5th week. Regarding to immunobiomarkers, insignificant differences were showed at 1st week. However, significantly increase in IgG and TNF-α, and decrease in IL-10 was reported at 2nd, 4th, and 6th weeks. Regarding to hematologic parameters, significantly increases were recorded in total WBCs from 2nd week onwards, lymphocytes and neutrophils at 2nd week, monocytes at the 2nd and 4th weeks, and total RBCs at the 8th and 16th weeks. Significant differences were not reported in values of PCV and Hb throughout this study. In conclusion, HUC-MSCs and SSCs confirmed high activities in supporting of immunological and hematological responses, and in restoration of nerve function

Background: White Pekin ducks can be reared under intensive rearing system for meat and egg production. Depending upon the availability, duck farmers use different types of cereals for feeding their ducks. Therefore, a study was conducted to find out the performance of White Pekin ducks during mid phase of layingfed on wheat and/or broken rice based diets under intensive rearing system. Methods: White Pekin laying ducks (45; 41 weeks old) were divided into three groups. Three types of diets without (BR-0) and with broken rice (BR), replacing 50 (BR-50) and 100 (BR-100) per cent of wheat were prepared and offered randomly to the above three groups till the ducks attained 52 weeks of age under standard feeding and management practices. Result: The total egg production (dozen) and duck day egg production (DDEP) % were higher in BR-50 group (4.51 and 64.44) than the BR-100 group (3.85 and 55.00); however, both were similar to BR-0 group (4.09 and 58.49). The total feed intake (12.55-13.80, kg) and feed conversion ratio (feed consumed in kg per dozen eggs produced) (2.93-3.31) were similar among the groups. The cost (Rs.) per egg was lower in BR-50 group (7.79) than the BR-0 group (8.32) and BR-100 group (8.71). The egg weight in BR-50 group (76.61 g) was higher than the BR-0 group (75.42 g); however, both were similar with BR-100 group (76.19 g). There was no significant difference in the egg shape index (68.22-69.69), albumen index (0.13-0.14) and yolk index (0.42-0.44) among the groups. The However, the Haugh unit in BR-100 groups (87.32) was lower than BR-0 group (89.90); but both were similar with BR-50 group (89.56). There were no significant differences in the percentage of albumen (55.09-55.71), yolk (31.75-32.38) and shell (12.45-12.63) among the groups. Similarly, the shell thickness with membrane (0.50-0.52, mm) and without membrane (0.43-0.44, mm) were also similar among the groups. It can be concluded that White Pekin ducks can be raised on wheat and/or broken rice-based diets during mid phase of laying under intensive rearing system; however, mixture of wheat and broken rice in equal ratio increased the performance and was economical.

Two hundred ducklings represent two different genotypes White Pekin and Mule ducks (a sterile hybrid from the interspecific cross of a Pekin duck and Muscovy drake) were used in this study to determine influence of breed of ducks (White Pekin vs. Mule), feeding regime (early feed restriction regime by Skip-a-day program vs. free feeding) on Behaviors, Productive performance, Immune response, corticosterone, fear response and economic parameters of the Mule and Pekin ducks. The obtained results showed that Rearing Mule ducks under skip-a-day program for 7 days led to increase of wall exploratory behavior and decrease of aggressive behavior. Moreover, it had a higher body weight from 3rd to 7th weeks of age in addition a higher weight gain from 4th to 6th weeks of age compared to White Pekin ducks. Induction of feed restriction regime improved walking behavior, wing and leg stretch, wall and floor explorations. Moreover, it motivated occurrence of catch-up growth and improved immunity, but it increased aggressive behavior of ducks. The economic analysis showed that total costs of the ducks fed ad-libitum were greater than those fed on restriction regime. In addition, total veterinary management costs were not statistically significant among Mule and Pekin breed and either ad-libitum or restricted feed regime ducks. With reference to the profitability measures, the results obtained showed that the Pekin ducks achieved higher net return than the Mule ducks. Furthermore, the benefit-cost analysis revealed that the restricted regime ducks data were lower than the ad-libitum duck groups.