Domestic Muscovy Ducks Research Articles

Comparison of several techniques to determine the lipid profile in “muscovy duck” cairina moschata, Linnaeus, 1758 (Anseriformes: Anatidae)

The lipid metabolism of domesticated birds has been studied by altering their diet to increase the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the triglycerides and decrease the total cholesterol in the blood and yolk, which is used for human consumption. The Cairina moschata domestica species can be used to produce meat and eggs. The animals were raised at Vereda Morro Gordo, El Remanso Farm, located in the municipality of Manizales (Colombia), at 1800 m above sea level (23 °C). A total of 79 creole ducks (37 females and 42 males) were raised for 6 months and put under a 12 hours-of-light regime. Several methods to determine the lipid profile in this species were examined: two for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and three for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). All the reagents belonged to BioSystems S.A. laboratories, from Barcelona, Spain. Assays were carried out in the RAYTORT-1904C device, a semiautomatic chemistry analyser. In both cases the direct determination method is recommended; however, TAG levels should not exceed the maximum permitted by manufacturing laboratories. Females showed hypertriglyceridemia when compared to males. There are statistically significant differences as per sex in the values of HDL-cholesterol, LDLcholesterol, and triglycerides, but not in the total cholesterol values.

Entopallium Lost GFAP Immunoreactivity during Avian Evolution: Is GFAP a “Condition Sine Qua Non”?

Introduction: The present study demonstrates that in the same brain area the astroglia can express GFAP (the main cytoskeletal protein of astroglia) in some species but not in the others of the same vertebrate class. It contrasts the former opinions that the distribution of GFAP found in a species is characteristic of the entire class. The present study investigated birds in different phylogenetic positions: duck (Cairina moschata domestica), chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), and quails (Coturnix japonica and Excalfactoria chinensis) of Galloanserae; pigeon (Columba livia domestica) of a group of Neoaves, in comparison with representatives of other Neoaves lineages, which emerged more recently in evolution: finches (Taeniopygia guttata and Erythrura gouldiae), magpie (Pica pica), and parrots (Melopsittacus undulatus and Nymphicus hollandicus). Methods: Following a perfusion with 4% buffered paraformaldehyde, immunoperoxidase reactions were performed with two types of anti-GFAP: monoclonal and polyclonal, on floating sections. Results: The entopallium (formerly “ectostriatum,” a telencephalic area in birds) was GFAP-immunopositive in pigeon and in the representatives of Galloanserae but not in songbirds and parrots, which emerged more recently in evolution. The lack of GFAP expression of a brain area, however, does not mean the lack of astroglia. Lesions induced GFAP expression in the territory of GFAP-immunonegative entopallia. It proved that the GFAP immunonegativity is not due to the lack of capability, but rather the suppression of GFAP production of the astrocytes in this territory. In the other areas investigated besides the entopallium (optic tectum and cerebellum), no considerable interspecific differences of GFAP immunopositivity were found. It proved that the immunonegativity of entopallium is due to neither the general lack of GFAP expression nor the incapability of our reagents to detect GFAP in these species. Conclusion: The data are congruent with our proposal that a lack of GFAP expression has evolved in different brain areas in vertebrate evolution, typically in lineages that emerged more recently. Comparative studies on GFAP-immunopositive and GFAP-immunonegative entopallia may promote understanding the role of GFAP in neural networks.

Effects of partially defatted larvae meal of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) on caecal microbiota and volatile compounds of Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domestica)

The present study explored the effects of substituting maize gluten meal with increasing levels of partially defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) in Muscovy ducks’ diets on their caecal microbiota and organic volatile compounds. The ducks were divided into four groups, each receiving a diet containing 0%, 3%, 6%, or 9% BSFLM (HI0, HI3, HI6, and HI9, respectively). At slaughter (50 days of age), caecal samples were collected and analysed. The alpha diversity indexes were lower in the HI9 than in the HI0 and HI3 treatments that did not differ between them. Bacteroidetes in the HI0 and Firmicutes in the HI6 treatment showed a higher abundance than in the HI9 treatment. Faecalibacterium and Megamonas were more abundant in the HI6 than in the HI9 treatment. Abundance of Clostridium and unclassified Coriobacteriaceae were higher and lower, respectively, in the HI9 than in the HI0 treatment. Canonical discriminant analysis revealed that Faecalibacterium, unclassified Victivallaceae and Megamonas in relation to Ruminococcus would separate the HI6 and HI9 treatments, while unclassified Coriobacteriaceae in relation to Streptococcus and Faecalibacterium would distinguish the HI0 and HI3 from the HI6 and HI9 treatments. Eleven volatile compounds were more abundant HI9 than in the HI6 treatment. Five of them were negatively correlated with Faecalibacterium and two with Megamonas. These findings indicate that diets with 6% and 9% BSFLM alter the caecal microbiota in Muscovy ducks, while a diet with 3% BSFLM has no effect. The distinct abundance of several volatile compounds in the 6% and 9% BSFLM treatments suggests a relationship between their characteristic microbiota profile and those compounds that warrants further investigation.

Genetic diversity and population structure of muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) from Nigeria.

The domestic Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) provide unique genetic resources patterned by both tropical environmental conditions and human activities, the evaluation of their genetic diversity and population structure will shade light on the mechanism of their remarkable adaptive capacities. We therefore analyzed the variation in mtDNA cytochrome b and nuclear DNA CYP2U1 sequences of 378 Nigerian Muscovy ducks (comprising of 287 de novo and 91 downloaded) plus 80 published sequences of Muscovy ducks from India. The results showed high haplotype diversity (0.800 ± 0.023) among Nigerian Muscovy duck populations with 91 distinct haplotypes for the nuclear DNA CYP2U1 gene but low (0.266 ± 0.033) for cytochrome b with 31 haplotypes. The median-joining networks of both markers grouped Nigerian Muscovy ducks into two; the first group consisting of only Nigerian Muscovy duck populations, and the second group Nigerian with Indian populations. Neutrality test results indicated that Nigerian populations experienced recent population expansion and/or genetic hitchhiking. A geographic signal was absent in line with previously studied poultry species in Nigeria. The most prominent haplotype dominated across all regions in Nigeria, which may be due to extensive genetic intermixing except for the Indian population (FST = 0.02550, P = 0.01075). This indicated low genetic differentiation between and within Nigerian Muscovy duck as revealed by the suitability of the nuclear DNA CYP2U1 gene.

Identification of the avian tracheal trematode Typhlocoelum cucumerinum (Trematoda: Cyclocoelidae) in a host-parasite-environment system: diagnosis, life cycle and molecular phylogeny.

Typhlocoelum cucumerinum is a tracheal parasite of birds widely distributed across the globe. Nevertheless, aspects of the biology of this cyclocoelid are still poorly understood. Herein, we report the finding of T. cucumerinum in definitive and intermediate hosts from an urban waterbody of Brazil. The parasite was initially detected during the necropsy of domestic Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) found dead in the locality. Coproparasitological tests in live animals revealed that 12/47 (25.53%) Muscovy ducks and 2/8 (25%) mallards (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos) were infected with T. cucumerinum. Moreover, rediae and metacercariae morphologically similar to T. cucumerinum were found in 3/248 (1.33%) Biomphalaria straminea collected in the same waterbody frequented by the birds. The conspecificity between the adult and the larval stages was confirmed molecularly (100% similarity in Cox-1). Moreover, the phylogenetic position of T. cucumerinum was determined for the first time based on partial fragments of the 28S, Cox-1 and Nad-1 genes. The species grouped with other members of the subfamily Typhlocoelinae with sequences available, but the data obtained do not support the distinctiveness of the genera Typhlocoelum and Tracheophilus. Further studies involving a broader range of species can result in taxonomic rearrangements in Typhlocoelinae.

Black soldier fly larva in Muscovy duck diets: effects on duck growth, carcass property, and meat quality

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of partially defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, HI) larva meal on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domestica). A total of 192 female ducks aged 3 d were divided between 4 dietary treatments (6 pens/treatment; 8 birds/pen), characterized by increasing levels of substitution of corn gluten meal with HI meal (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%; HI0, HI3, HI6, and HI9, respectively), and reared until 50 days of age. Twelve birds/treatment (2 birds/pen) were slaughtered on d 51 to evaluate the slaughter traits (i.e., carcass, breast, thigh, and organs weights), carcass yield and meat quality. The slaughter weight, hot and chilled carcass weights, and abdominal fat weight showed a quadratic response to HI meal (minimum for the HI6 group, P < 0.05). Dietary HI meal inclusion did not influence the ultimate pH, the color, the proximate composition or the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values in either the breast or thigh meat. The mineral profile of the meat was slightly affected by the dietary treatment, with a linear increase in the Cu content of the thigh meat (P < 0.05), whereas no differences were observed for Zn, Mn, or Fe. Dietary HI meal inclusion increased the saturated fatty acid rate in the thigh meat (maximum for the HI9 group, P < 0.05), and the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid content in the breast meat (maximum for the HI0 and HI9 groups, respectively, P < 0.05). The ∑n-6/∑n-3 ratio decreased linearly in both the breast and thigh meat, with the HI9 group showing the lowest values (P < 0.05). Finally, the heavy metal concentrations were below the EU limits for poultry meat. To conclude, the inclusion up to 9% of partially defatted HI larva meal in the diet of Muscovy ducks did not affect the slaughter traits or the meat quality, although it did affect the meat fatty acid profile.

Nesting Observations on a South American Subspecies of Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus brachyrhynchus)

Despite a wide distribution over much of the New World, the behavior of the Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus) is still poorly known, and most ecological studies have been performed on Northern Hemisphere subspecies. This note reports two observations during breeding in the South American subspecies T. d. brachyrhynchus. Deliberate egg-covering to hide an active nest from an approaching threat was observed, coupled with elusive “hiding” behavior during an opportunistic breeding attempt in a novel habitat (xeric Chaco). Photographic documentation of egg destruction by a domestic Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) at a Least Grebe nest is also reported.

The Degree of Sex Reversal in Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata domestica) Induced by an Aromatase Inhibitor

Under the same feeding conditions, the growth and development of male Muscovy ducks is significantly greater than that of females. Thus, controlling their sex expression can have economic benefits. However, reports on the degree of sex reversal in Muscovy ducks are scarce. In this study, we obtained sex-reversed Muscovy ducks by injecting letrozole before sex differentiation. We analyzed the degree of sex reversal in Muscovy ducks in terms of hormone levels, gonadal tissue development, and growth and found that the estradiol levels of AI-females (letrozole-induced female-to-male sex reversal) were not significantly different from those of normal males (p > 0.05), but the testosterone levels were significantly lower than those in normal males (p < 0.05). AI-female gonad tissue had changed, and the right gonad presented ovotestis tissue. The growth and development of AI-females was significantly less than that of normal males (p < 0.05) but was not significantly different from that of normal females (p > 0.05). Letrozole can induce female Muscovy ducks to convert into males, but the reversal cannot be completed. Thus, further studies are needed to elucidate how to entirely attain the change.

Effects of the Dietary Inclusion of Partially Defatted Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Meal on the Blood Chemistry and Tissue (Spleen, Liver, Thymus, and Bursa of Fabricius) Histology of Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata domestica).

Simple SummaryInsects represent a promising feed ingredient for poultry diets, as an alternative to conventional feedstuffs. Black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) larvae are processed to obtain two main products: the protein and fat fractions. The possible utilization of BSF defatted meal in Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata domestica) diets has been poorly investigated. However, its effect on in vivo and post-mortem traits, which are extremely important for animal welfare, has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the present study has evaluated the effect of 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% dietary BSF meal replacement on the in vivo haematological parameters and on the post-mortem organ traits. Overall, the obtained results are encouraging as increasing dietary BSF meal did not impair the growth performance or the haematological traits. Furthermore, both the liver and renal function were unaffected or even improved. The antioxidant picture appeared improved and the histological traits were not influenced by the dietary inclusion of BSF meal. From a productive and biological point of view, the dietary replacement up to 9% of BSF meal in Muscovy duck diet is feasible and BSF meal could represent a promising feed ingredient.The present study has evaluated the effects of dietary partially-defatted black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens L.) larva meal on the blood parameters, antioxidant status, and histological features of the organs of broiler ducks. A total of 192 female 3-days of age Muscovy ducklings (Cairina moschata domestica) were divided into four dietary treatments (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% BSF meal inclusion; 6 pens/treatment, 8 birds/pen). A total of 12 ducks/treatment (2 birds/pen) were slaughtered at 51 days of age and blood samples were collected to evaluate the haematological traits, serum protein, lipid and minerals, liver and renal function serum enzymes, plasma oxidative enzymes, and metabolites. Liver, spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius samples were submitted to histopathological investigations. Between the serum and plasma traits, triglycerides, cholesterol, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, magnesium, malondialdehyde, and nitrotyrosine showed a linear decrease for increasing amounts of dietary BSF meal (p <0.01); in contrast, the serum iron concentration showed a linear increase (p <0.01). Moreover, the histopathological findings were not significantly affected by the dietary BSF larva meal inclusion. The results showed that the inclusion of up to 9% BSF larva meal represents a promising feed ingredient for Muscovy duck nutrition, and improved blood traits were observed.

Analgesic Efficacy of Tramadol Compared With Meloxicam in Ducks (Cairina moschata domestica) Evaluated by Ground-Reactive Forces.

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of tramadol and meloxicam in an induced, temporary arthritis model in ducks as assessed by ground-reactive forces measured by a pressure-sensitive walkway (PSW) system. Twelve ducks (Cairina moschata domestica) were randomly separated into 3 equal groups of 4 birds each: water control, tramadol treatment, and meloxicam treatment. Baseline measurements were collected by having all ducks walk along a 3-m-long PSW in a custom-built corral before anesthesia and induction of arthritis. Arthritis was induced in all groups through injection, under anesthesia, of a 3% monosodium urate (MSU) solution into the intertarsal joint. One hour after MSU injection, birds were orally gavage fed 1 mL of tap water (control), tramadol (30 mg/kg), or meloxicam (1 mg/kg). After treatments, all ducks were reevaluated on the PSW at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 24 hours post-MSU injection. The difference in maximum force was significantly greater in the control group than in both the tramadol- (P = .006) and meloxicam-treated (P = .03) individuals. Post hoc comparisons revealed differences between control and treated birds occurred only at the 3- and 4-hour time points after administration. No differences were found in the absolute difference in maximum force between tramadol- and meloxicam-treated birds at any time point (P > .05). Results of this study support the hypothesis that tramadol (30 mg/kg PO) and meloxicam (1 mg/kg PO) improve certain objective variables in an induced arthritis model in ducks. Our findings also support studies in other avian species that determined that both tramadol and meloxicam are effective analgesic drugs in some birds.

DETECTION OF DNA ALTERATIONS IN MUSCOVY DUCKS (CAIRINA MOSCHATA) NATURALLY INFECTED WITH HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS SUBTYPE H5N1

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 is circulating in Egypt since 2006, with escalating apprehension about its possibility to become more transmissible amongst humans. In this study, three serial outbreaks of HPAIV H5N1 in domestic Muscovy ducks in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt were investigated. Nervous signs with 62% mortality were observed in Muscovy ducklings. Gross examination revealed severely congested meningeal vessels, hemorrhages on the duodenum, pancreas, and coronary fat. Perivascular lymphocytic cuffing, gliosis and vacuolation of the neuropil were observed in the brain microscopically. Viral antigens were identified in the neurons and the glial cells of the cerebral cortex, submucosal Meissner's plexus neurons of the intestine and the hepatic Kupffer cells by immunohistochemistry. The HPAIV subtype H5N1 was isolated from different duck tissues in 66.7% of examined duck samples. Using RAPD-PCR fingerprinting, there were different patterns in the DNA of Muscovy ducks naturally infected with AIV (24, 48 and 72 hours post appearance of clinical signs) compared to uninfected birds. Differences in RAPD-PCR profiles between infected and uninfected ducks, and genomic instability percent (37.7%±1.76) pointed to the incidence of DNA alterations induced at 24 hours following the appearance of clinical signs. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments need to be done to determine the relative importance of these findings.

Circulation of influenza in backyard productive systems in central Chile and evidence of spillover from wild birds

Backyard productive systems (BPS) are recognized as the most common form of animal production in the world. However, BPS frequently exhibit inherent biosecurity deficiencies, and could play a major role in the epidemiology of animal diseases and zoonoses. The aim of this study was to determine if influenza A viruses (IAV) were prevalent in backyard poultry and swine BPS in central Chile. Through active surveillance in Valparaiso and Metropolitan regions from 2012 – 2014, we found that influenza virus positivity by real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) ranged from 0% during winter 2012–45.8% during fall 2014 at the farm level. We also obtained an H12 hemagglutinin (HA) sequence of wild bird origin from a domestic Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata), indicating spillover from wild birds into backyard poultry populations. Furthermore, a one-year sampling effort in 113 BPS in the Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins (LGB ÓHiggins) region showed that 12.6% of poultry and 2.4% of swine were positive for IAV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indicative of previous exposure of farm animals to IAV. This study highlights the need for improved IAV surveillance in backyard populations given the close interaction between domestic animals, wild birds and people in these farms, particularly in an understudied region, like South America.

Genetic diversity and relationship of Indian Muscovy duck populations

Assessment of genetic diversity within and between populations is a prerequisite for sustainable utilization of domestic species. The domestic Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is an economically important species around the world for its unique meat taste and low-caloric content. It is one of the important domestic species in India as it ensures food security to the rural sectors. In this study, we have analyzed the genetic diversity and relationship of four Muscovy duck populations collected from different states (Assam, Mizoram, Odisha and Kerala) of India using mtDNA cytochrome b and nuclear DNA CYP2U1 genes. The results showed low genetic diversity among populations for both the genes. Kerala population showed significant genetic differences from the other three populations. The median joining network of cytochrome b gene suggested that the domestic Muscovy ducks present in India are the product of a single domestication event and probably introduced to India several years ago, as reported elsewhere. This study has also showed the suitability of nuclear DNA CYP2U1 gene in genetic diversity analysis.

Primer registro de Typhlocoelum cucumerinum (Trematoda: Typhlocoelidae) en Cairina moschata domestica (aves: Anatidae) en Colombia

En el presente estudio se registra por primera vez para Colombia el trematodo Typhlocoelum cucumerinum (Rudolphi, 1809) en el pato criollo doméstico (Cairina moschata domestica). Se colectaron un total de 210 trematodos en 42 individuos adultos, 26 machos y 16 hembras. Se encontró una frecuencia parasitaria del 57,14 % y una intensidad parasitaria promedio de 8,75 parásitos por animal. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran la presencia del trematodo en ecosistemas acuáticos del departamento de Córdoba, Colombia.

Characterization of Batai virus isolated from a domestic Muscovy duck (Cairina moschate).

Batai virus (BATV) belongs to the genus Orthobunyavirus of the family Bunyaviridae. It has been isolated from mosquitos, pigs, cattle, and humans throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe, and causes clinical signs in domestic animals and humans. Here, we report the isolation of BATV from a domestic duck flock. Genome sequence analysis revealed clustering of this isolate in the Africa-Asia lineage. The virus replicated in mosquitos and vertebrate host cells, showing different phenotypic characteristics, and showed the potential to infect mice. This is the first report of BATV in domestic birds and indicates the wide circulation of BATV in China.

H5-based DNA constructs derived from selected highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus induce high levels of humoral antibodies in Muscovy ducks against low pathogenic viruses.

BackgroundH5 low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) infection in domestic ducks is a major problem in duck producing countries. Their silent circulation is an ongoing source of potential highly pathogenic or zoonotic emerging strains. To prevent such events, vaccination of domestic ducks might be attempted but remains challenging. Currently licensed vector vaccines derived from H5N1 HPAIV possess clade 0, clade 2.2 or clade 2.3.4 HA sequences: selection of the best HA candidate inducing the largest cross protection is a key issue. For this purpose, DNA immunization of specific pathogen free Muscovy ducks was performed using different synthetic codon optimized (opt) or native HA genes from H5N2 LPAIV and several H5N1 HPAIV clade 2.1, 2.2.1 and 2.3.4. Humoral cross-immunity was assessed 3 weeks after boost by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (VN) against three French H5 LPAIV antigens.FindingsVaccination with LP H5N2 HA induced the highest VN antibody titre against the homologous antigen; however, the corresponding HI titre was lower and comparable to HI titres obtained after immunization with opt HA derived from clades 2.3.4 or 2.1. Compared to the other HPAIV-derived constructs, vaccination with clade 2.3.4 opt HA consistently induced the highest antibody titres in HI and VN, when tested against all three H5 LPAIV antigens and H5N2 LPAIV, respectively: differences in titres against this last strain were statistically significant.ConclusionThe present study provides a standardized method to assess cross-immunity based on HA immunogenicity alone, and suggests that clade 2.3.4-derived recombinant vaccines might be the optimal candidates for further challenge testing to vaccinate domestic Muscovy ducks against H5 LPAIV.

Meat Traits of Muscovy Ducks Fed on Phytonutrition Meal

Animal products with high fat content are generally correlated with several human diseases including coronary heart disease, hypertension and arteriosclerosis. However, some unsaturated fatty acids are considered to have pivotal role in human health. As a consequence, many studies were conducted to reduce fat and increase some unsaturated fatty acid content in animal products. This study investigated the use of phytonutrition (duckweed) as feed ingredient on fat and fatty acids composition of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata domestica L.) meat. Results showed that the use of 1% duckweed significantly increased the linoleic acid content of carcass while reducing the fat level. This result might suggest that duckweed can be used as an alternative feed ingredient to produce a healthy poultry meat.

Dietary lipid sources and vitamin E affect fatty acid composition or lipid stability of breast meat from Muscovy duck

A trial was conducted in order to assess the fatty acid composition and lipid stability of breast meat from Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domestica L.) fed a basal diet supplemented with 20 g kg-1 of soybean oil or fish oil and 30 or 230 mg kg-1 α-tocopheryl acetate (α-TA). A total of 120 one-day-old female muscovy ducklings were distributed over 12 pens (10 birds/pen). Growth performance traits were measured through the study. Each dietary treatment was randomly administered to three replicates when birds were 43 d until the slaughtering age of 66 d. Dietary treatments did not induce differences in growth performances and slaughter traits. Similarly, proximate composition and pH of breast muscle were not influenced by the diets. Significant increases in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents in breast meat of ducks fed fish-oil-supplemented diets was observed. Lipid oxidation, expressed as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), of breast meat from birds fed 230 mg kg-1 α-TA-supplemented diets was significantly lower, compared with those fed diets supplemented with 30 mg kg-1 α-TA, both 1 and 7 d after slaughter.Key words: Duck, meat, fatty acid, vitamin E, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances

Low Genetic Variability of Domestic Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) in China Revealed by Mitochondrial DNA Control Region Sequences

Domestic Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is valued throughout the world for its unique taste, high yield of breast meat, and low caloric content. Eleven breeds are distributed worldwide in Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Pacific Asia, and Africa and are registered in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (Food and Agriculture Organization 2007). Domestic Muscovy ducks are thought to have been introduced from Mexico and Central and South America, where the wild Muscovy duck was likely first domesticated before the time of its introduction to China by European colonists (Chen 1988; Feng 1994). The history of Muscovy duck breeding in China has been reliably recorded for more than 250 years, and many relatively independent geographic populations have developed as a result of geographic isolation and artificial selection (Chen 1988). In comparison to detailed studies on the genetic structure of chickens (Liu et al. 2006) and ducks (Li et al. 2006; He et al. 2008b), the Muscovy duck genetic structure is still unclear. Stai and Hughes (2003) studied genetic diversity in wild and domestic Muscovy ducks from Paraguay, Brazil, and the USA using microsatellite markers and found that the domestic populations were clustered together with high probability. One Chinese domestic Muscovy duck population was also studied using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method; it was proved to have low diversity (Su et al.

Breast meat traits of Muscovy ducks fed on a microalga (Crypthecodinium cohnii) meal supplemented diet

1. A trial was conducted in order to increase the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content in the meat of Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domestica L.) fed on a diet supplemented with the microalga Crypthecodinium cohnii. 2. Two diets were provided to 48 male and 48 female ducks, belonging to an Italian rural strain during the last 3 weeks of life: a maize–soybean based diet as the control diet and the same diet supplemented with 5 g/kg microalga meal. 3. Dietary treatment did not induce differences in growth performances and slaughter traits. Similarly, chemical composition, colour, pH, oxidative stability and sensory characteristics of breast muscle were not influenced by the diet. 4. A significant increase of DHA content in breast meat of ducks fed on the Crypthecodinium cohnii enriched diet was observed.