Effect of Beak Color on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Pekin Ducks

Abstract

Background: Pekin ducks are broadly raised over the world, particularly in Asia continent, moreover, they are famous for the delightful taste of Beijing roast duck around the world. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of beak color on growth performance, carcass traits and sexual dimorphism of Pekin ducks. Methods: A total of 250 one-day-old Pekin ducks were separated according to beak color into two groups, yellow beak (YB) and blue beak (BB). Body weight and body weight gain were recorded from the first week to the marketing age (6 wks). Carcass traits were taken at the marketing age (20 ducks /each phenotype). Sexual dimorphism was calculated for live body weight and carcass traits at marketing age. Result: show that YB ducks have significantly heavier body weight at 1 and 5 wks of age compared to BB, however the body weight of BB ducks was higher at 3 and 4 wks of age. At marketing age, the differences in body weight between two phenotypes were not significant. Generally, BB ducks have significantly higher body weight gain and growth rate compared to YB ducks. The mortality and defect ratio were affecting beak color, the blue beak ducks recorded higher relative mortality rate and lower defect ratio compared to yellow beak ducks. There was no effect of beak color on carcass traits. However, the sexual dimorphism was significantly higher for the YB ducks for most traits compared to BB. In conclusion, we concluded has a significant effect beak color on growth performance and sexual dimorphism of Pekin ducks.