Growth Performance of Intergeneric Mule and Hinny Ducks In a Humid Tropical Environment

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics of intergeneric mule and hinny ducks in a rainforest environment. Result of study showed that both mule and hinny ducks had comparable hatch weight. However, mule ducklings showed marked increase in body weight up to 6weeks. Thereafter, the hinny ducklings outperformed the mule ducks finishing with 2237.50±56.09 g for drakelets and 2065±36.32 g for ducklets while mule drakelets had 2065±36.32 g and ducklets had 1460.00±30.30 g. It was evident in this study that intergeneric hybrid mule and hinny ducklings grew fast attaining desirable market weight at 10 weeks of age and both hybrids dressed out more than 80% meat at this age. The mules showed uniform body development in both sexes, while the hinnies manifested evidence of sexual dimorphism with the males having higher body weight and higher linear body parameters than the females. The hinnies also showed some juvenile characteristics indicating that they needed more than 10 weeks to mature unlike the mules which appeared well-finished at this age.