Local Ducks Research Articles

Serological detection of Toxoplasma gondii in local duck birds, and Gallus gallus in Basrah Province, Iraq

تنتشر المقوسة الكوندية على نطاق واسع في البشر والحيوانات الأخرى، بما في ذلك الدواجن، في جميع أنحاء العالم وتعتمد على مجموعة فريدة من العضيات الإفرازية والهيكلية الخلوية لغزو الخلايا المضيفة. يتم استهلاك لحوم الدواجن المصابة بالمقوسة الكوندية والتي تشمل الدجاج والبط على نطاق واسع في معظم البلدان وهي معروفة كمصدر رئيسي للعدوى البشرية. في العراق بشكل عام وفي محافظة البصرة على وجه الخصوص، نادرًا ما يُعرف عن انتشار المقوسة الكوندية في البط والدجاج المحلي. في الدراسة الحالية، تم استخدام اختبار تلازن اللاتكس (LAT) ومجموعة الاختبار السريع للاجسم المضادة IgM/IgG لفحص الأجسام المضادة لطفيلي المقوسة الكوندية في 40 طائر من البط محلي و 62 دجاج محلي من مناطق مختلفة في محافظة البصرة. تم العثور على الأجسام المضادة لـلطفيلي (LAT) في 14 (35٪) من 40 طائر بط محلي ، و 23 (37.09٪) من 62 من الدجاج المحلي. بينما تم الكشف عن الأجسام المضادة للطفيلي (الاختبار السريع) في 10 (25٪) من 40 طائر بط محلي و 17 (27.41٪) من 62 من الدجاج المحلي. أظهرت النتائج أن التربة ملوثة بالكيسات البيضية للطفيلي التي تمثل مصدراً غذائياً للدجاج والبط المحلي نظرا لتغذية الطيور على الأرض. وتشير الدراسة إلى أن لحوم الدواجن قد تكون مصدراً مهماً للعدوى البشرية بالطفيلي في العراق. تعتبر هذه الدراسة هي الدراسة الأولى في محافظة البصرة للكشف عن داء المقوسات في الدجاج والبط المحلي.

Genome-wide association studies reveal the genetic basis of growth and carcass traits in Sichuan Shelduck

China has abundant local duck resource populations, and evaluating the characteristics of these breeds will help improve development and utilization. In this study, we conducted the first investigations of growth and slaughter performance on Sichuan Shelduck (n = 240), an endangered duck local breed. The average body weight is 1497.91g at 90 days of age. According to the growth curve through data recorded every 2 weeks, we observed a low relative growth rate (RGR) for the early growth stage. The RGR shows a decreasing trend with age increasing in the stage from 0 to 56 days of age. The SNP-based heritability estimation showed the growth rate has a relatively high heritability, indicating high genetic stability for this trait. In the correlation analysis, the percentage of leg muscle is positively correlated with the absolute growth rate (AGR) at 28-42 days of age, whereas it is negatively correlated with the earlier stages, exhibiting a time-specific correlation result. Additionally, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified PCSK6, TOX2, and TOMM7 as potential candidate genes influencing AGR (42-56) and AGR (56-90), while the candidate genes of slaughter traits were PTP4A2, FAM110B, TOX, UBXN2B, and FCHSD2. These results provide an important reference for further understanding the genetic basis of growth and meat production performance of Sichuan Shelduck.

Evaluation of Metabolizable Energy and Crude Protein Balance on Productivity and Income on Male Kamang Ducks

Male Kamang ducks are one of the local ducks in West Sumatran germplasm originating from Tilatang Kamang and Kamang Magek Districts, Agam Regency, West Sumatera. The balance of metabolizable energy and crude protein (EM/P) in preparing the ration for Kamang ducks must be considered because it is closely related to the efficiency and growth of the ducks. Preparing the feed formulation for Kamang ducks with the right energy and protein balance will support their productivity. The research used male Kamang ducks in the grower phase, which is 3 to 7 weeks of age. Feed Treatment was metabolizable energy of 2800 kcal/kg with 17%, 18%, and 19% crude protein levels. The design used was completely randomized, with 3 treatments and 6 replications. The research showed no significant effect of treatments on feed consumption, body weight gain, or conversion ratio of male Kamang ducks in the grower phase; however, from the treatments, the highest income based on the IOFC value was ration B. In male Kamang ducks, good performance in balance of ME/P are 147.37 to 164.71 with the highest Income Over Feed and Cost (IOFC) value and lower fat abdominal at ME/P 155.55.

Molecular, immunological, and histological study of Cryptosporidium parvum in local duck Anas platyrhnchos in some regions of Mosul city, Iraq

Molecular, immunological, and histological study of Cryptosporidium parvum in local duck Anas platyrhnchos in some regions of Mosul city, Iraq

Characterization of Egg White Lysozyme from Local Duck Mojosari and Alabio

Lysozyme, a natural antibacterial, has potential use in several applications. Generally, it is obtained from chicken egg whites. However, the idea of using local duck eggs as a source of lysozyme is not wellknown. This study aimed to isolate and purify the egg white of Mojosari and Alabio ducks to characterize lysozyme. Additionally, the study analyzed the effect of temperature treatment on lysozyme enzymatic activity. Three different temperature treatments were used: Low Temperature Long Time (63 ℃, 30’), High Temperature Short Time (72 ℃, 15”), and sterilization (121 ℃, 15’). The Amberlite resin cation exchange chromatography method was successfully used to isolate and purify Mojosari and Alabio duck egg whites, achieving purity levels of 94.92-96.09%. The presence of lysozyme was confirmed by the existence of bands that were primarily composed of lysozyme. The results showed that each aspect of the characteristics of lysozyme and enzymatic activity were significantly affected (p<0.05) by the type of egg white. Enzymatic activity indicated that Alabio duck lysozyme was thermosensitive and could only survive at LTLT temperature, while Mojosari duck lysozyme could survive at LTLT and HTST pasteurization temperatures. However, both lysozymes did not survive the sterilization temperature.

Integrated One-Health approach for prevention and control of Opisthorchis viverrini infection in rural Thailand: a 3-year study.

Opisthorchis viverrini infection is a pressing health issue in rural Southeast Asia and is associated with the risk of cholangiocarcinoma. Despite control efforts, high infection rates persist, including evidence of reinfection post-treatment. This study aimed to address this public health concern through an integrated One-Health approach in endemic areas in rural Thailand over a 3-year period. The study included data from 3600 participants from Udon Thani Province, Thailand, during the years 2020 to 2022 and involved integrated epidemiological data collection and risk factor analysis to understand the impact of various interventions on disease transmission in the community. The efficacy of interventions was assessed by monitoring the incidence of O. viverrini reinfection in 2021 and 2022. In 2020, 218 cases of O. viverrini infection (6.0%) were identified. Significant risk factors included proximity to water bodies and consumption of raw fish. Variables contributing to infection risk among participants (P < 0.001) were education level, engagement in traditional ceremonies, poor sanitation, absence of ducks in nearby water bodies, self-medication for parasitic conditions, and multiple infections within a household. Dogs, cats, and cyprinoid fish showed prevalence rates of 5.4%, 6.3%, and 11.5%, respectively. Geographic analysis revealed clusters of infected households around water bodies. Interventions, including in-depth interviews, focus-group discussions, health education, anthelminthic treatment, and biological control using local free-range ducks, were implemented, resulting in no human reinfections in the second year and a minimal 0.3% prevalence rate in the third year. This study offers valuable insights into the dynamic changes in infection prevalence, making a significant contribution to effective disease control and community health promotion. This integrated One-Health approach proved to be an effective strategy for the prevention and control of opisthorchiasis.

Integrated omics analysis reveals the differentiation of intestinal microbiota and metabolites between Pekin ducks and Shaoxing ducks

Pekin ducks and Shaoxing ducks are 2 Chinese local duck breeds, both domesticated from mallard, but after domestication and long-term artificial selection, the body weight of Pekin ducks is significantly higher than that of Shaoxing ducks. It is no debate that genetic factors are the main factors responsible for this difference, but whether intestinal microbiota contribute to this difference is yet unknown. Thus, we performed comparative intestinal metagenomics and metabolomics analysis between Pekin ducks and Shaoxing ducks. We found obvious differentiation of intestinal metagenome and metabolome between the 2 breeds. Four cecal microbial genera, including Fusobacterium, Methanobrevibacter, Butyricicoccus, and Anaerotignum showed higher abundance in Pekin ducks. Among them, Methanobrevibacter and Butyricicoccus may positively correlate with fat deposition and body weight. A total of 310 metabolites showed difference between the 2 breeds. Functions of these differential metabolites were mainly enriched in amino acid metabolism, including energy metabolism-related histidine metabolism. Integrated omics analysis showed that microbial changes were closely related to altered metabolites. Especially, Butyricicoccus showing higher abundance in Pekin ducks was significantly negatively correlated with D-glucosamine-6-phosphate, which has been reported to prevent body weight gains. These findings may contribute to further understand the difference in body weight between Pekin ducks and Shaoxing ducks.

Production and morphological characteristics of Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) in Mekong delta, Vietnam

Abstract To meet the demands of an increasing population, protein sources from meat should be diverted. Muscovy duck is a potential protein source of high meat weight and quality for humans. The study tried to describe all information of production and morphological traits of local Muscovy ducks from 1-12 weeks old. This study involved 40 Muscovy ducks from the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, and showed that local male and female Muscovy ducks differed, with male ducks performing better in terms of growth rate, nutrients in meat. The typical morphological characteristics of local Muscovy ducks are black plumage for whole body with small spot white in wings. The highest body weight (BW) was 3,356±166.3 g/head for male ducks and 2,036±104.4 g/head for female ducks. The birds could grow up to 23.72-39.32 g/day from 1-12 weeks age and consume 99.02-153.9 g/head/day feed. Meat of male ducks accounts for 65.8% of live BW while female duck meat accounts for 67% of live BW. The nutritional composition of female ducks was almost the same with male ducks, especially crude protein, at &gt; 21%. It could be concluded that male Muscovy ducks can be used more suitable for meat purposes.

Local Duck Business Development Prospects

Local Duck Business Development Prospects

Rice land agroecosystem in supporting the development potential of duck-rice integration

The agroecosystem of paddy fields in the Tondano Lake area was an environmental system that has been managed directly by farmers for the benefit of food production, namely rice, fiber and various other food products such as ducks. The types of commodities that can be developed in paddy field ecosystems were more limited than those in dry land ecosystems. In fact, the farmer community in paddy fields generally had weak capabilities, especially with regard to capital, there was a rice farming culture that is not aware of damaging the environment and low technology adoption. Farmers use paddy fields for the development of duck livestock. The problem was how far the paddy field agroecosystem supports the potential for the development of duck-rice integration (INTIP). The purpose of this study was to analyze the biophysical characteristics, management of land resources and duck livestock resources. The research method used was a survey method with locations around Lake of Tondano. The number of respondents was 30 farmers who developed local ducks in paddy fields. Data analysis used was descriptive analysis. The results showed that the area of rice fields in District of Remboken was 323 Ha, South Tondano was 457 Ha, West Kakas was 664 Ha, East Langowan was 663 Ha and West Tondano was 693 Ha. The population of ducks for the five districts was respectively 8177 ducks, 6525, 4311, 4277 and 9240 ducks. Paddy fields are used as duck grazing land after the rice harvest. The feed consumed was the remains of rice that has fallen out, small animals in the fields after harvest and added with “renga”. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that duck had the potential to be developed in paddy fields with agroecosystems that were only planted with rice plants.

Histomorphometrical and histochemical study of small intestine development in local chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) and duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) embryos

This study demonstrated for the first time the histomorphometry of the small intestine (SI) and distribution of goblet and Paneth cells, collagen, and smooth muscle fibers in (SI) of the local chicken and duck during embryological development using the combined PAS and Alcian blue (pH2.5), Geimsa, and Masson's trichrome stains. One hundred and four fertilized chicken eggs and one hundred and forty fertilized duck eggs were collected from Mosul city. The sample placed in an incubator with automatic movement, ventilation, and humidity was (60%) and the temperature was (37.7 °C) for chicken and (37.5 °C) for duck. The histomorphometry showed significant differences between chicken and duck embryos at the 19th and 21st days of incubation of the villi's length, width, and apparent surface area. As for the epithelium height and the intestinal crypts, there were significant differences between chicken and duck embryos at the 18th and 20th days of incubation in the ileum and jejunum. Furthermore, the mucosa was thicker in chicken embryos in the day of hatching, the submucosa was thicker in ducks during the 18th day of the incubation in the duodenum. During day 15 of the incubation in chicken embryos in the jejunum and ileum, the muscularis layer was thicker in the duodenum and jejunum and less thick in the ileum, and the collagen fibers were less too in the duck embryos at hatching d. The serosa was thicker in the duck embryos. The percentage of the goblet cells was higher with a larger density in duck embryos than chicken at hatching day. Paneth cells were characterized by acidic granular cytoplasm. The achieved outcomes of histomorphometry and the density variances of the glycoprotein secretion are probably linked with numerous definite roles of (SI) parts in the progressions of nutrient absorption.

Effects of Fresh Azolla microphylla Supplementation on Pelleted Basal Diet to Local Muscovy Duck Breed Production Performances

The study was aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding fresh Azolla microphylla on pelleted basal feed on the Local muscovy duck breed production performances. The research was done for 2 months August to September 2023, in the Muscovy duck farm, Paguyuban Petani Mandiri Kademangan, (PPMK), Blitar Regency, and feed analysis was done in the Nutrition and Animal Feed Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Science, Muhammadiyah Malang University. The research method used is experiment using a completely randomized design consisting of 3 treatments and 5 replications, each experimental unit used 4 ducks, reared and plotted randomly in the litter cage. The research variables observed were: day old duck weight, final weight, feed intake, FCR and performance index. The results of the study of the effect of supplementation 10% of fresh Azolla microphylla on the best performance index of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata), can be apply for duck feed.

DNA variants and population structure of Magelang ducks across generation

Magelang ducks (MD) are Indonesian local ducks and are known as dual-purpose type ducks which have high egg production, duck day production (DDP), and body weight size. Nowadays, the MD is selected to establish the pure line to advance the egg production trait in the Breeding and Rearing Center of Non-Ruminant Animals Banyubiru, Central Java. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Dloop region, is highly polymorphic and could be used to analyze the population genetics. The present research aims to examine the impacts of continuous selection on population structure and genetic mutations on MD across two generations using the mtDNA D-loop region. Thirty-six blood samples from the second (G2) and third (G3) generations were examined using the sequencing method. The MEGA X and DnaSP software were applied to calculate the genetic diversity, genetic distance, and to generate a phylogenetic tree. The number of haplotypes (H), haplotype diversity (Hd), and Tajima's D are 26, 0.9746, and -1.46, respectively. The Fst value of MD is 0.156. The genetic distance among populations ranges from 0.0000 – 2.097. The UPGMA analysis constructs one clade in a phylogenetic tree between MD, Indonesian local Ducks, Indian Ducks, Vietnamese Ducks, and Chinese Ducks. The study found that the genetic variation and population structure did not significantly change between the second and third generations.

Determining the Matrilineal Origin of Indonesian Kerinci Duck Breed (Anas platyrhynchos) Based on MT-ND2 Gene Diversity

The Kerinci duck (Anas platyrhynchos), hailing from Jambi Province, represents one of the local duck breeds of Indonesia. This study aimed to ascertain the matrilineal origin of Kerinci ducks through analysis of the mitochondrial NADH Dehydrogenase subunit 2 (MT-ND2) gene. In this pursuit, forward sequences of the MT-ND2 gene (490 bp) were extracted from unsexed Kerinci ducks, totalling forty-eight (48) sequences, procured from blood samples. The findings demonstrated the identification of fifteen (15) distinct haplotypes within the MT-ND2 gene, with corresponding haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (pi) values of 0.74 and 0.003, respectively. The resulting phylogenetic tree unveiled that Kerinci ducks exhibit two matrilineal origins: an Asian and an independent Kerinci lineage. Moreover, most Kerinci ducks were categorised within the H4 group (24 birds) of the Asian lineage. Nevertheless, this study also revealed the existence of an independent Kerinci lineage comprising eight (8) duck haplotypes. In conclusion, the analysis of the MT-ND2 gene underscored the genetic introgression of A. zonorhyncha and A. poecilorhyncha in Kerinci ducks.

Egg Quality and Heavy Metal Concentrations in Meat, Eggs and Inner Organs of Laying Ducks Fed under a Conventional Feeding in Lombok, Indonesia

The search for alternative protein sources for duck feed is important considering its high cost. An experiment involving 100 forty-wk-old laying ducks was conducted for eight weeks to study the effects of fresh water fish (sapu-sapu fish -SSF) as single protein sources on egg quality and heavy metal concentration. The SSF levels were 28 and 35% of the feed and the remaining constituent was rice bran with metabolizable energy approximately 2,943 and 2,934 kcal/kg, respectively. Fresh water fish did not effect on egg quality measured except egg weight and shell thickness (63.2±0.30 to 67.9±0.22g) and shell thickness (0.50±0.04 to 0.52±0.04g) with increasing dietary SFF(P&lt;0.05). Mean concentrations of heavy metals in local duck samples decreased in the order kidney&gt;liver&gt;egg&gt;meat for Pb and liver&gt;kidney&gt;meat&gt;egg for Cu. Lead concentrations in meat, eggs, liver and kidney were 1.267± 0.825, 1.311±0.737, 1.762±0.729 and 2.172±0.770 mg/kg respectively. These values were higher than the admissible amounts under the Indonesian National Standards (1.0 mg Pb/kg) and FAO (0.1 mg Pb/kg). Accumulation of Cu in the meat, eggs, liver and kidney was 12.798±4.181, 7.011±1.949, 30.165±16.561 and 14.392± 4.208 mg/kg respectively. These levels were also higher than that recommended by the European Commission. The conclusion of this study proved that feeding SSF to laying ducks raised by small farmers contained a significantly high concentration of heavy metals not appropriate for human consumption when high levels of SSF was fed

Assessment of growth and development of hybrid duckling offspring

Currently, for agricultural enterprises of all ownership forms in the Republic of Kazakhstan, issues related to improving breeds, crosses, and lines of waterfowl remain important. Additionally, technologies for housing and feeding that enhance the survival and productivity of poultry are of great significance. The use of the genetic resources of domestic poultry breeds in breeding work, as well as the preservation of rare and endangered populations, holds special importance due to their high adaptive qualities in terms of both the quality and quantity of the obtained products, and their suitability for local feed and eco-climatic conditions. As a result of conducted research, an assessment of the quality of paternal and maternal lines of crosses from local duck populations in the Northern region of Kazakhstan has been performed, and indicators of growth, development, and survival of the obtained hybrid offspring have been studied. The conducted research has established that the "Ansar" crossbred ducklings exhibit higher growth energy along with a 94% survival rate of the offspring in early age.

Spirulina Flour-based Feed Additive Improves the Physical and Chemical Eggs Quality of Tegal-Laying Duck

Spirulina is a species of blue green algae that contains many phenolic compounds, phytonutrients and pigments which have potential as a feed additives to improve the physical and chemical quality of eggs. The present study evaluated the effect of spirulina flour-based feed additive supplementation during the late growth to the early egg-laying period on Tegal-laying ducks' physical and chemical egg quality. A total of 25 ducks were randomly divided into 5 treatments; the control group treated with standard feed (P0), P1, P2, P3, and P4 were treated with standard feed supplemented by spirulina flour-based feed additive at concentrations of 0.3%, 0.6%,1.2%, and 2.4%, respectively for four weeks. Physical quality indicators included the Haugh unit, yolk index, weight measurements, eggshell thickness, and shape index. Chemical quality indicators assessed albumen protein content, egg yolk cholesterol, and b-carotene levels. This research revealed that spirulina flour, added at concentrations between 0.30% and 2.40%, significantly enhanced the egg quality of Tegal-laying ducks compared to the control group. This study concludes that spirulina flour can be used as a feed additive to improve the physical and chemical quality of Tegal-laying ducks’ egg. The novelty of this research is spirulina flour has the potential to be used as a feed additive to increases the albumen protein levels, increases b-carotene, and reduces egg yolk cholesterol in eggs of Tegal-laying ducks. Spirulina flour can be a potential source of feed additive for various other local ducks in Indonesia.

Study the difference in a carcass and the relative weight of the Molar, White Pekin and Brown Iraqi local duck carcass parts.

The existing experiment was intended to explore differences among three breeds of duck, Molar, White Pekin, and Brown Iraqi local duck, in carcass traits and some organs. Thirty ducks (n= 10 of each breed) were reared at age 2 months in an open scheme for 8 weeks. At the end of this period, before and after slaughter, the weight of all ducks had taken. The carcass, thighs, back and neck, wings, and breast were estimated by balance. Then, some slaughter organs, heart, liver, and gizzard were weighed. The statistical analysis of current data showed a significant (P≤0.05) raising in live body weight (LBW) in molar ducks compared with other breed ducks. On the other hand, the results of carcass traits recorded a significant (P&lt;0.05) increment in wings percentage in molar ducks compared with White Pekin and Brown Iraqi local ducks. Also, the statistical examination verified a significant (P&lt;0.05) increment in heart and gizzard percentages in molar ducks compared to other breeds. The regression equations were also verified for determining live body weight by slaughter traits in three breed ducks. Concluded that there are differences among Molar, Pekin, and Brown Iraqi local ducks in live body weight and carcass weight, as well as weights of some organs; also improved significantly in Molar ducks comparison with White Pekin and Brown Iraqi local ducks. Keywords: Ducks; slaughter; breed.

Molecular genetic characterization and meat-use functional gene identification in Jianshui yellow-brown ducks through combined resequencing and transcriptome analysis.

The Jianshui yellow-brown duck is a unique country-specific waterfowl species in Yunnan Province, well known for its tender meat. However, there is a lack of comprehensive systematic research on the molecular genetic characteristics, especially germplasm resources and economic traits, of the Jianshui yellow-brown ducks. This study investigated the molecular genetic characteristics of Jianshui yellow-brown ducks, compared their selection signals with those of ancestral mallard and meat-type Pekin ducks, and identified genes specific to their meat-use performance. Furthermore, this study also evaluated the breeding potential for its meat performance. In this study, phylogenetic trees, PCA and Admixture analysis were used to investigate the population genetic structure among local duck breeds in China; population genetic differentiation index (Fst), nucleotide diversity and Tajima's D were used to detect selected loci and genes in the population of Jianshui yellow-brown ducks; and transcriptome technology was used to screen for differentially expressed genes in the liver, sebum and breast muscle tissues, and finally, the results of the genome selection signals and transcriptome data were integrated to excavate functional genes affecting the meat performance of the Jianshui yellow-brown ducks. The results of the genetic structure of the population showed that Jianshui yellow-brown ducks were clustered into a separate group. Selection signal analysis indicated significant selection pressure on certain genes related to meat characteristics (ELOVL2, ELOVL3, GDF10, VSTM2A, PHOSPHO1, and IGF2BP1) in both Jianshui yellow-brown ducks and mallards. Transcriptomic data analysis suggested that ELOVL3, PHOSPHO1, and GDF10 are vital candidate genes influencing meat production and quality in Jianshui yellow-brown ducks. A comparison of selection signals between Jianshui yellow-brown ducks and Pekin ducks revealed only 21 selected genes in the Jianshui yellow-brown duck population, and no significant genes were related to meat traits. Moreover, whole-genome resequencing data suggested that the Jianshui yellow-brown duck represents a unique category with distinct genetic mechanisms. Through selection signaling and transcriptomic approaches, we successfully screened and identified important candidate genes affecting meat traits in Jianshui yellow-brown ducks. Furthermore, the Jianshui yellow-brown duck has good potential for improved meat performance, highlighting the need for further improvement.

Study on Heat Stress Behavior and Blood H/L Ratio of Ducks Fed Diets Containing Mix Strains of Probiotics in Commercial Farms

An experiment has been conducted with the purpose of examining the effect of two kinds of probiotic on the behavior and blood H/L ratio of local ducks kept in commercial farms. The study was conducted in collaboration with the ‘Berkah Abadi’ duck farmer group which keeps the bird under an intensive dry system. The intensive system refers to the ordinary way done by the farmers in which ducks were confined around the farmer’s village with a closed fence so the birds had no access to the outside area, and the amount of feed provided could be controlled and measured. The location was in the coastal area of Tegal City as one of the most famous duck centers in Indonesia. The materials used were 13.4+1.3 months old local laying ducks which were reared by the farmer group. The study used a Completely Randomized Design with treatments consisting of 3 doses of P and P+ probiotics respectively. P contained Lactobacillus sp. combined with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, whereas P+ comprised Lactobacillus sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. There were 6 treatment units which were replicated 4 times, so in total there were 24 flocks. Each flock had 50 female ducks; therefore this study involved 1,200 ducks. The treatments were applied each morning, and mixed thoroughly in duck ration. Data collected were heat stress-related behavior, body temperature, and H/L ratio. It was concluded that P and P+ had similar effects on the behaviour and H/L ratio of local ducks kept under commercial management.