Effect of light and stocking density on performance, breast muscle yield and potential damage caused by feather pecking in two strains of commercial Pekin ducks

Abstract

Context Minimal information is available as to the optimal stocking density and light intensity for best performance of commercial ducks. Aims To investigate the effects of stocking density and light intensity on commercial Pekin duck production. Methods Cherry Valley and Grimaud Freres Pekin ducks were housed at stocking densities of 4.4 (low), 5.2 (medium) and 6 (high) birds/m2 and from 8 to 41 days of age at 6 lux (low) and 45 lux (moderate) light intensities. On Days 14, 28, and 41 of age all ducks were individually weighed, and pen feed and water intakes recorded. On Day 41, one male and female from each pen was euthanised and breast muscle weight determined. At Weeks 3 and 4 all birds were individually examined, for extent of feather and skin damage. Key results In all weeks, the Grimaud Freres birds had higher liveweight than Cherry Valley birds. Only at Week 4, birds under low light had higher liveweight than those at moderate light intensity. At Week 4, birds at low densities had higher liveweight, while at Week 6 birds at low and medium stocking densities had higher liveweight than those at high stocking densities. At Week 4, the feed to gain ratio was poorer when birds were housed in moderate light intensity. The stocking density had no effect on the feed to gain ratio. Light and stocking density had no effect on any of the breast muscle measures. In Week 4, the birds housed at medium density had a higher feather and skin damage. At Week 3, more damage was directed to the wings than the thigh regions. There was a higher incidence of damage in some pens irrespective of treatments. Conclusions The medium stocking density supported performance equivalent to that at low density and better than at the high density. Ideally the density recommendation should be based on ‘weight density’ (kg/m2) and the current results indicate this was between 16.49 and 19.0 kg/m2. The birds performed similarly under both light intensities. Implications The suitable stocking density for efficient production is 16.5–19.0 kg/m2 and housing at 6 or 45 lux had no influence on performance. Best performance and breast muscle yield was from the Grimaud Freres strain.