Abstract
This study was aimed at determining the effect of housing systems on the growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR), meatiness and size of muscle fibres of Pekin (P44) and Muscovy (MR71) ducks. Each genetic group included 360 birds (180 males and 180 females). The ducks were divided into four experimental groups according to their sex and housing system: intensive system (IS) and outdoor system (OS). A significant effect of housing system on the final body weight and FCR value was noted only in P44 birds of both sexes, with OS birds having higher body weights than the IS birds. As a result, the OS MR71 drakes were characterized by a significantly higher slaughter yield, weight and content of breast muscles in the carcass. The OS MR71 ducks showed a lower slaughter yield and a higher content of leg muscles in the carcass compared to IS MR71 ducks. In contrast, the housing system had no significant effect on the meatiness of P44 ducks. A greater diameter of muscle fibres in both sexes of P44 ducks and in both sexes of MR71 ducks was observed in the OS compared to IS flocks. A greater cross section of muscle fibres was also noted in the ducks from the OS system, however with significant differences confirmed only in pectoralis superficialis and biceps femoris in MR71 drakes as well as in the biceps femoris of P44 drakes. These data show differences between duck genotypes and indicate the efficiency and potential of outdoor poultry systems.Keywords: Poultry production; outdoor system; intensive system; Pekin; Muscovy
Highlights
Ducks are reared in all regions of the world, whilst the size and trends of their production are strongly diversified as affected by tradition and culture of particular countries
Results & Discussion In the current experiment, MR71 ducks reached body weights (Figure 1), which were higher than values reported earlier by other authors (Baéza et al, 1998; Wawro et al, 2004)
Different housing conditions had a significant effect on the course of MR71 drakes’ growth, in the case of which higher body weights were noted for the intensive system (IS) birds in weeks 7, 8, 9 (P
Summary
Ducks are reared in all regions of the world, whilst the size and trends of their production are strongly diversified as affected by tradition and culture of particular countries. Lines and strains of Anatini ducks, including Pekin, Aylesbury or Rouen, are used for meat production in Asia, America and in most European countries. An exception is France where, as reported by Sauveur (1990), 85% of production is based on Muscovy duck. This breed is often called a “French duck” or “Barbarie duck”. In response to a growing interest in higher-quality products originating from animals kept under conditions ensuring their welfare (Horne & Achterbosch, 2008), a study was undertaken with the aim of comparing the growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR), meatiness and histological structure of muscles of Pekin and Muscovy ducks reared under two production systems
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