White Pekin Ducks Research Articles

Effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E on semen quality in White Pekin drakes

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E on semen quality in White Pekin ducks. The drakes were randomly assigned to three experimental groups at 20 weeks of age based on the treatments followed, as T1 (Basal diet), T2 (Basal diet + 100 mg vitamin E/kg diet), and T3 (Basal diet + 200 mg vitamin E/ kg diet). Semen was collected once in four days and was subjected to various microscopic and macroscopic parameters. There was no significant difference in semen volume and appearance score among the experimental treatments. The pH of semen was found slightly alkaline in all three treatments. Most samples were white in colour and were medium thick or thick in consistency.The major contaminants observed were faeces and uric acid crystals. Significantly (p<0.05) higher progressive motility per cent and motility score was observed in T3 compared to control group and the values of T2 were comparable. There was no significant difference in concentration, viability and sperm abnormality among the three treatments.The sperm HOS response per cent was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T3 and T2 compared to control group. Dietary addition of vitamin E enhanced the semen quality by eliminating the free radicals Keywords: Semen, ducks, Vitamin E

Effect of different bedding depths of rice hulls on growth performance and carcass traits of White Pekin ducks.

Duck meat is recognized as a healthier poultry product that contains higher amounts of unsaturated and essential fatty acids, iron, and excellent amounts of protein. It has been found to possess the ability to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and subsequently, blood pressure in the human body; and improve the immunity system. The current study investigated the appropriate bedding depths of rice hulls as a preferred bedding material by evaluating the growth performance and carcass traits of White Pekin ducks raised for 42 days. A total of 288 one-day-old White Pekin ducklings were randomly allotted to floor cages with one of four bedding depths at 4 cm, 8 cm, 12 cm, and 16 cm. Ducklings were fed standard duck starter (days 1-21) and finisher (days 22-42) diets. The birds were stocked at a rate of 6 birds/m2 with 6 replicates per treatment. Growth performance evaluation for the body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake were measured to calculate the weekly feed conversion ratio. Breast, leg, and carcass yield were assessed as carcass traits. The muscle color and proximate composition were also analyzed for meat quality. Footpad dermatitis was also evaluated on day 42. Ducks reared on 16 cm bedding depth over the 42 days recorded higher (p < 0.05) body weight, average daily, average daily feed intake, and improved feed conversion ratios compared to other groups. The crude fat in breast meat also lowered (p < 0.05) in ducks reared at 16 cm (1.02%) when compared to ducks raised at 4 cm bedding depth (2.11%). Our results showed improved redness (p < 0.05) when the depth of bedding materials was elevated. Except for the breast meat fat, the dissimilar bedding depths did not affect (p < 0.05) the breast and leg meat composition, footpad dermatitis, and mortality for the current study. In conclusion, this study indicated that the bedding depths would directly or indirectly affect the growth performance and meat color of White Pekin ducks; and the bedding depth of rice hulls at 16 cm improved the growth performance of White Pekin ducks for 42 days.

Dietary supplementation of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) powder protects white pekin ducks exposed to hot and humid shed environment during summer from stress-induced alterations in the serum biochemical parameters

Dietary supplementation of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) powder protects white pekin ducks exposed to hot and humid shed environment during summer from stress-induced alterations in the serum biochemical parameters

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.

The Impact of Different Relative Humidity Levels on the Production Performance, Slaughter Performance, and Meat Quality of White Pekin Ducks Aged 4 to 42 Days

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different humidity levels on the growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality of Pekin ducks through the artificial control of humidity, and to identify the suitable environmental humidity for Pekin duck growth. A completely randomized single-factor design was employed, selecting 144 newly hatched male Pekin ducks with healthy and similar BW (body weight) (60.92 g ± 4.38). These ducks were randomly assigned to four groups (A (RH (relative humidity) = 60%), B (RH = 67%), C (RH = 74%), D (RH = 81%)), with 12 ducks and 3 replicates in each group. The ducks were raised in a climate-controlled room for 42 days with ad libitum access to feed and water. BW and feed intake were measured every 3 days, and slaughter performance and meat quality were assessed at 42 days. There was no significant difference in the ADG (average daily gain) from 1 to 21 days (p &gt; 0.05). The ADFI (average daily feed intake) of Group D was significantly lower than that of Groups A, B, and C (p &lt; 0.05), with no significant differences between Groups A, B, and C (p &gt; 0.05). At 42 days, the BW, ADG, and ADFI of Groups A and C were significantly higher than those of Group D (p &lt; 0.05), with no significant differences among Groups A, B, and C (p &gt; 0.05). Group C had a significantly higher breast muscle weight, breast muscle ratio, liver weight, and liver index than Groups B and D (p &lt; 0.05), with no significant differences between Groups A, B, and D (p &gt; 0.05). The meat shear force in Group C was significantly lower than that in Groups A, B, and D (p &lt; 0.05). The L* (brightness) of Group C was significantly lower than that of Group A (p &lt; 0.05), and the a* (redness) value of Group C was significantly higher than that of Groups A and B (p &lt; 0.05), with no significant difference compared to Group D (p &gt; 0.05). Group B had a significantly higher cooking loss than Groups A, C, and D (p &lt; 0.05), with no significant differences among Groups A, C, and D (p &gt; 0.05). Under 26 °C conditions, Pekin ducks perform best in terms of the production performance and feed efficiency, with high-quality meat, especially when reared at 74% humidity.

Effect of supplementing azolla and empty pea pod on growth performance, blood biochemical metabolites and meat quality in White Pekin ducks

Strategic dietary inclusion of low cost plant derived protein source in duck feed is critical for sustainability of the duck farm. Empty pea pod and azolla are two promising protein sources used as animal feed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing dried and grounded azolla (AP) and empty pea pods (PP) on growth, blood biochemical metabolites and meat quality in white pekin ducks. A total of 90 white pekin ducklings were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups (Control, T1 and T2) comprising of three replicated pens. Inside each replicate pen, a total of 10 ducklings were housed under standard management practices. AP and PP was supplemented as top up feed @ 5% of basal diet to experimental birds under T1 and T2 groups, respectively from day 0 to 56. At the end of the trial (56 day), 3 birds from each pen were sampled for serum and breast muscle. Results reveled that AP and PP has significant influence on body growth. The effect on growth was in the order of: T2&gt;T1&gt;Control. It was also observed that PP had hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect on ducks. However, AP and PP supplementation did not affect carcass traits, pH, cooking loss and Lipid Peroxidase Activity (TBA value) in duck meat.Thus, it could be concluded that supplementation of dried pea pods (PP) might be of great benefit to white pekin ducks as a source of cheap and unconventional protein.

Alternations of cardiac biomarkers in White Pekin ducks intoxicated with arsenic and its amelioration by use of ginger

Cardiotoxicity is an imperative issue in the assessment of heavy metal consumption and inorganic arsenic (As). These have a cardiotoxic effect which is evaluated by biochemical, and oxidative-antioxidant tests, and by the Nrf2- HO-1 pathway. Dried ginger powder is recognized for its efficient antioxidant activities and as a protector of the cardiovascular system from toxic damage caused by heavy metals. However, the possible function of ginger against As in heart via heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) is unclear. A total of 120 White Pekin ducks were randomly distributed into groups comprising 24 birds in each. Each group comprised 3 replicates having 8 birds in each replicate. The time period of this study was 90 days. The groups were the control [Group I] whereas groups II to IV were fed a basal diet including arsenic at 28 mg/L. Dried ginger powder as an ameliorative agent was mixed with the basal diet and fed at 0.1, 0.3 and 1 g/kg feed to groups III, IV and V, respectively. In the current experiment, dried ginger powder decreased As-induced reactive oxygen species (ROSs) production, oxidative injury and pathological modifications. In addition, cardiac dysfunction factors, intracellular calcium (Ca2+), As accumulation and cAMP deficiency levels were noticed in ducks; these alternations were attenuated by ginger. Furthermore, ginger significantly altered the down regulation of both HO-1 and Nrf2 gene expressions caused by As. Thus, the proven protective role of ginger against As-induced cardiotoxicity may be a consequence of the maintenance of redox homeostasis, i.e. the Nrf2-HO-1 pathway and by enabling As efflux.

Effect of aflatoxin on haematology, gross and histopathology of internal organs in white pekin ducks and its amelioration by dietary incorporation of bentonite clay

The present experiment was carried out to examine the effect of aflatoxin exposure through experimentally contaminated feed (48 or 98 μg/kg of feed) on hematological parameters, and gross and histopathology of liver, kidneys, thymus, spleen and bursa of fabricious in ducks, and to assess the prophylactic efficacy of bentonite clay at three different dose levels (1, 2 or 3g/kg of feed) in protecting the birds from the toxic effects of aflatoxin. The experiment was carried out on 9 weeks old white pekin ducks for a period of six weeks. The experimental ducks (n=72) were randomly divided into six equal groups. Group 1 birds served as healthy controls and were continued with basal diet without addition of toxin or bentonite clay. The birds of Group 2 were provided with a diet containing 48 μg toxin/kg of feed. The diet of the grower ducks of Group 3 to 6 were added with 96 μg of toxin/kg of feed. The birds of Group 4, 5, and 6 were provided with aflatoxin-contaminated feed and the diet was supplemented with bentonite clay @ 1, 2 or 3g/kg of feed, respectively. The hematological parameters such as Hb, PCV, TLC and Differential Leukocyte Count were estimated at 4th and 6th week post exposure. Haemoglobin, PCV and TLC reduced significantly in ducks fed with aflatoxin-contaminated feed. The birds fed with 48 μg aflatoxin/kg of feed had moderate gross lesions in different internal organs. The feed supplementation with bentonite clay in aflatoxin-exposed birds reduced the inflammation of hepatocytes.

Performance of cross-bred (White Pekin × Khaki Campbell) ducks under intensive system of rearing

In the present investigation, the performance of a crossbred (White pekin × Khaki Campbell) duck of meat and egg variety produced through artificial insemination were studied under intensive system of management. A total of 157 day old ducklings were reared in the experimental duck farm with standard management practice of brooding, and growing with balanced feed and health management. However, at 16th wk of age, 30 female ducks were confined to individual cage to record their egg laying performances. The growth performance revealed the significant difference between male and female from 8th to 24th week of age. Most of the body measurement parameters found higher than that of Khaki Campbell and less than that of White Pekin ducks of similar age. The blood biochemistry estimates revealed no variation between male and female ducks except for albumin and calcium wherein the value is highly significant for females. The carcass quality estimates of 20th week male ducks were at par with their age. The average age of sexual maturity was recorded as 131.83±1.65 days and age at 50% egg production in the flock was 139 days. The duck day egg production per cent up to 45th week of age was 80.31±3.44 and it was also recorded that in 108 occasions, one duck laid more than one egg. The egg estimates study of the experimental duck eggs (100 nos) at 40 wks age revealed 62.31± 0.44 g egg weight and 92.378 ± 0.453 as Hague unit scale. The study revealed that the production and reproduction parameters of the cross-bred (WP × KC) ducks may meet the expectation of farmers to be benefitted through both meat and egg production.

Research Note: Evaluation of standardized ileal amino acid digestibility in feed ingredients for Pekin ducks

The digestibility of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in feedstuffs including corn, soybean meal (SBM), and corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was investigated in White Pekin ducks. The test ingredients were the sole source of AA and CP. A nitrogen-free diet was also formulated for determining endogenous losses of AA and nitrogen. Birds were fed a standard starter diet for the first 15 d posthatch. On d 16, 96 ducklings (860 ± 50 g BW) were selected and allocated into 1 of 4 dietary treatments containing the test ingredients with 6 replicates per treatment in a randomized complete block design. All the crumbled assay diets were offered ad-libitum for 5 d and contained chromic oxide as an indigestible marker at 0.05%. On d 21, ducks were euthanized to collect the ileal digesta for digestibility analysis. Basal endogenous losses were abundant in glutamine, aspartic acid, leucine, proline, and serine, consecutively. For apparent ileal digestibility (AID), lysine and methionine were the highest (P < 0.05) in SBM, followed by corn and DDGS. For threonine, the highest values (P < 0.05) were similarly noted for SBM, followed by DDGS and corn; the values were 80.44, 69.88, and 64.89%, consecutively. Considering standardized ileal digestibility (SID), higher values (P < 0.05) for SBM were similarly noted for all the amino acids including lysine, methionine, and threonine; the values were 89.40, 93.58, and 86.50%, respectively. Conclusively, improved AA and CP digestibility was noted with SBM. Dietary protein source affected the extent of digestibility at the distal ileum; and the utilization of digestible amino acid coefficients during ducks' feed formulation is emphasized.

Influence of "``Avigen Duck" Immunomodulator on Some Humoral Factors of Non-specific Protection in White Pekin Ducks Parents

Field trials were carried out to investigate the impact of “AVIGEN DUCK” immunomodulator on the IFN-γ concentration, IL-2, IL-6, lysozyme, and betalysine activity in the blood serum in White Pekin ducks’ parents. The IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-6 were analyzed by immunoenzyme methods, while the lysozyme and beta-lysine activities were determined using conventional techniques. The measured values among experimental birds for most parameters were significantly higher than those in controls during the observed period. An exception to this trend were the concentrations of lysozyme and beta-lysine, in which an inverse relationship was noticed. During the experiments, the challenged flocks were bred without the use of antibiotics. Based on collected data we consider the immunomodulator “AVIGEN DUCK” a successful alternative tool in the fight against microbial resistance associated with the use of antibiotics in poultry farming, as well as a means of enhancing the natural immunity in aquatic birds.

Research Note: Distribution of nanospheres in the cuticle layer of the eggshell in major poultry species

Mineralized eggshell is a unique and protective structure in an avian egg. Among different eggshell layers, the cuticle layer is an outermost layer and plays a critical role in protection against bacterial infection. Although the importance of nanosphere in the cuticle layer on the antimicrobial function has been widely accepted, the detailed nanostructure of the cuticle layer in the major poultry species has not been investigated. In the current study, eggs from Japanese quail, commercial layer chickens, mixed breed turkeys, and White Pekin ducks were collected. To investigate the nanostructure throughout the cuticle layer, images of the cross-sectional cuticle layer were taken using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Unlike the cuticle layer in ducks showing deformed bunched nanospheres, clearly separated nanospheres were present throughout the cuticle layer in quail, chickens, and turkeys. The average size of the nanosphere was the biggest in turkeys and similar between quail and chickens. Most importantly, the size of nanospheres was increased as they ascended from the bottom of the cuticle layer in quail, showing a positive correlation between the size and distance of the nanospheres. However, different sizes of nanospheres were randomly distributed throughout the cuticle layer in chickens and turkeys, showing a weak correlation in chickens and no correlation in turkeys between the size and distance of nanospheres. These new findings in different nanostructures of the cuticle layers in quail, chickens, turkeys, and ducks will serve as a new foundation to better relate their structures with functions.

Practical Application and Influence of “Avigen duck” Immunomodulator to White Pekin Ducks Humoral Immune Factors

Factors of non-specific immunity are responsible for protecting birds from a number of viruses and bacteria. Bactericidal proteins are played here lysozyme and complement, interferon, as well as beta-lysine. Adding appropriate active compounds to the bird's diet to activate the innate immune response are subject to studies by many authors. The practical application and influence of the "Avigen Duck". immunomodulator in the cultivation of White Pekin ducks aims to clarify the dynamics of the indicators. It was found that the ducks treated with the immunomodulator had higher non-specific protection expressed in the values of the observed indicators. Complement activity for the experienced group (529.45 ± 17,85 CH50) is significantly higher than that of untrained birds (308.56 ± 10.19 CH50), on the 30th day of their lives (P &amp;lt;0.001). Lysozyme values for the experienced group (6.34 ± 0.86 mg L-1) is more than twice as high as its concentration in control birds - 2.52 ± 0.59 mg L-1. At 30 days of age, the mean concentration of IFN γ in the control group of ducks was 108.86±6.12 pg ml-1, and in the experimental group treated with immunomodulator - 518.06±12.80 pg ml-1, accompanied by an increase in the values of IL-2 and IL-6 and beta-lysine activity. These data show that, despite the short life of the ducks, the concentrations of the investigated factors of non-specific immunity increase significantly and statistically reliably, even after a single treatment with immunomodulator "Avigen Duck". The practical application of the immunomodulator in the duck diet has a strong effect on their non-specific immunity.

Concurrent Dietary Incorporation of Bentonite Clay Reduces Aflatoxin Induced Health Effects In White Pekin Ducks

An experiment was carried out to assess the efficacy bentonite clay supplementation to the diet of white pekin ducks, experimentally fed with aflatoxin B1 contaminated diet (96 ppb) on production performance, and biochemical parameters including oxidative stress indices. The experimental birds (n=72) were provided with standard duck feed and ad libitum water. The grower white pekin ducks, aged 9 weeks, were randomly divided into six groups containing twelve birds in each group. The birds of group I served as healthy controls and was fed with basal diet without addition of toxin or bentonite clay. The birds of group II were provided with a diet with toxin level of 48 µg/kg of feed. The grower ducklings of group III to VI were fed with a diet containing 96 µg of toxin/kg of feed. The experimental feed was provided from 9th week of age (grower stage) for a period of 6 weeks. The birds of group IV, V and VI were provided with feed containing 96 µg aflatoxin /kg of feed along with bentonite clay the dose rate of 1, 2 or 3g of clay/ kg of feed, respectively. The birds fed with aflatoxin-treated diet showed significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in body weight gain by 4th week of experiment in group II and III. However, the body weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in bentonite clay supplemented group IV, V, and VI, as compared to toxin-exposed positive group II and III. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) increased significantly in Group II and III by 4th week. At the end of 6th week, group II and III showed significantly higher FCR. Significantly decreased serum triglyceride level and increased cholesterol level was recorded in group II and III in comparison to all other groups on 4th week. There was significant decrease in creatinine level in group IV, V, and VI, compared to group II and III on completion of 4th week of the experiment. The activity of GGT increased significantly in all aflatoxin exposed groups. The feeding of aflatoxin contaminated feed increased the erythrocytic malonaldehyde (MDA) production and activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. It is concluded from the experiment that bentonite clay supplementation in the diet at the dose rate of 3g/ kg of feed reduced the toxic effects of aflatoxin on production performance and oxidative stress in white pekin ducks.

Effect of riboflavin deficiency on intestinal morphology, jejunum mucosa proteomics, and cecal microbiota of Pekin ducks.

This study was to determine the effects of riboflavin deficiency (RD) on intestinal development, jejunum mucosa proteome, cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) profiling, and cecal microbial diversity and community of starter Pekin ducks. Male white Pekin ducks (1d old, n=240) were allocated into 2 groups, with 12 replicates and 10 birds per replicate in each group. For 21d, all ducks had ad libitum access to either an RD or a riboflavin adequate (control, CON) diet, formulated by supplementing a basal diet with 0 or 10mg riboflavin per kg of diet, respectively. Compared to the CON group, growth retardation, high mortality, and poor riboflavin status were observed in the RD group. Furthermore, RD reduced the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of jejunum and ileum (P<0.05), indicating morphological alterations of the small intestine. In addition, dietary RD enhanced relative cecum weight and decreased cecal SCFA concentrations (P<0.05), including propionate, isobutyrate, butyrate, and isovalerate. The jejunum mucosa proteomics showed that 208 proteins were upregulated and 229 proteins were downregulated in the RD group compared to those in the CON group. Among these, RD mainly suppressed intestinal absorption and energy generation processes such as glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, fatty acid beta oxidation, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, leading to impaired ATP generation. In addition, RD decreased the community richness and diversity of the bacterial community in the cecum of ducks. Specifically, RD reduced the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria in the cecum (P<0.05), such as Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, Prevotella and Faecalibacterium. Dietary RD resulted in growth depression and intestinal hypofunction of Pekin ducks, which could be associated with impaired intestinal absorption and energy generation processes in intestinal mucosa, as well as gut microbiota dysbiosis. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of intestinal hypofunction due to RD.

Alternations of Fertility Parameters by Graded Dose of Inorganic Arsenic in Adult Male White Pekin Ducks.

A significant health issue, reproductive toxicity is mostly linked to exposure to various environmental heavy metals. A pervasive toxin that occurs naturally in the environment is arsenic (As). This research was done to determine the effects of various doses of inorganic As supplements on the reproductive organs of adult male white Pekin ducks. A total of 240 numbers of 14-days-old male white Pekin ducks were weighed and randomly assigned into 4 experimental groups with six replicates (10 ducklings in each replicate). The experimental groups were as follows: (T-1) basal diet along with normal drinking water (control group); (T-2 to T-4) basal diet along with As in the form of sodium-meta-arsenite at 7, 14, and 28ppm of drinking water respectively. The results showed reduction in body weight and testicular weight, disruption of spermatogenesis, reduction in follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH), leutinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels and histopathological alterations as compared to control. Additionally, there was not only a significant decrease in various antioxidant parameters in testis tissue, like catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), super oxide dismutase (SOD), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), but also a significant increase in oxidative parameters of testis like lipid peroxidation (LPO), myloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), and super oxide anion radical (O2-) in As-treated groups, in comparison with T-1. A significantly higher level of As content in testis was observed in all the 3 As-treated groups, with highest level recorded in T-4 birds. Besides that, there was upregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), heat shock proteins (Hsps) and pro-inflammatory cytokines like interlukin (IL) series, i.e., IL-2, IL-6, IL-18, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) levels, whereas anti-inflammatory parameters like IL-4 and IL-10 levels showed downregulation in testis of As-treated groups. Together, these findings provide deeper understandings of the roles played by oxidative stress, NF-κB and Hsps in the progression of testicular injury, which may help to explain how the As induced male sterility, in ducks, due to exposure.

Differences in bedding material could alter the growth performance of White Pekin ducks raised for 42 days.

The effect of different commercially available bedding materials on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of ducks for 42 days was investigated. 336 one-day-old White-Pekin ducklings (60.48 ± 0.16 g) were randomly allocated into 24-floor pens with one of the three beddings namely i) coco peat, ii) rice husks, or iii) sawdust. 14 ducklings per pen and 8 replicate pens per bedding material were used. Birds were fed a starter diet from days 1-21 and a grower diet from days 22-42. Weekly growth performance evaluation was conducted for the average body weight, weight gains, daily feed intake, and feed conversion efficiency. One bird per pen was sacrificed on day 42 for the evaluation of carcass characteristics including the carcass, breast, and leg muscle percentages. Breast and leg muscle samples were then collected and analyzed for their proximate and pH values. Higher body weights (p < 0.05) were noticed with rice husks on day 42 only. Improved daily gains (p < 0.05) were also noticed for birds raised with rice husks over the entire period (days 1-42). Concerning feed intake, higher values (p < 0.05) were similarly noted with rice husks for the grower phase (days 22-42), and the entire experimental period (days 1-42). Marginally improved feed intake values were also noted with the use of rice husks as the bedding materials on day 42 (p = 0.092). Improved feed efficiency (p < 0.05) was noticed with rice husks on day 35, the grower period, and the entire 42-day period. However, no significant differences were noticed for most of the carcass characteristics that were evaluated. Nevertheless, higher (p < 0.05) pH values for the breast muscle were noticed with the use of coco peat and sawdust as the bedding. Conclusively, the bedding type could have a significant impact on the growth performance of ducks without adverse effects on carcass characteristics. The use of rice husks as bedding might be advantageous and is therefore recommended.

Online estimating weight of white Pekin duck carcass by computer vision

The increasing consumption of ducks and chickens in China demands characterizing carcasses of domestic birds efficiently. Most existing methods, however, were developed for characterizing carcasses of pigs or cattle. Here, we developed a noncontact and automated weighing method for duck carcasses hanging on a production line. A 2D camera with its facilitating parts recorded the moving duck carcasses on the production line. To estimate the weight of carcasses, the images in the acquired dataset were modeled by a convolution neuron network (CNN). This model was trained and evaluated using 10-fold cross-validation. The model estimated the weight of duck carcasses precisely with a mean abstract deviation (MAD) of 58.8 grams and a mean relative error (MRE) of 2.15% in the testing dataset. Compared with 2 widely used methods, pixel area linear regression and the artificial neural network (ANN) model, our model decreases the estimation error MAD by 64.7 grams (52.4%) and 48.2 grams (45.0%). We release the dataset and code at https://github.com/RuoyuChen10/Image_weighing.

Effect of replacing wheat with broken rice on nutrients metabolisability, egg production and quality in White Pekin ducks

A study was conducted in the tropical coastal region of Odisha in 2019 to find out the effect of replacing wheat with broken rice (BR) on nutrients metabolisability, egg production and quality in White Pekin ducks. White Pekin ducks (45, 165 days) were divided into three groups with three replicates in each group and each replicate had five ducks. Three experimental diets without (BR-0) and with BR, replacing 50 (BR-50) and 100 (BR-100), per cent wheat were prepared. The above diets were offered randomly to the groups till 40 weeks followed by conduction of a metabolic trial. The dry matter intake (g/d) was similar among the groups. The metabolisability percentage of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and crude fibre in BR-0 and BR-50 were similar and higher than BR-100. There was no significant difference in N balance (g/d) among the groups. The total egg production, duck day egg production percentage and feed conversion ratio were similar among the groups. The external and internal egg quality parameters were similar among the groups as well. It was concluded that wheat can be replaced with broken rice at 50% level in the diets of White Pekin ducks during first phase of laying under intensive rearing system with increase in the metabolisability of the nutrients of the feed without affecting the performance.

Apparent metabolizable energy requirement of feed-restricted White Pekin duck breeder pullets

A dose–response experiment with 5 dietary apparent metabolizable energy (AME) levels (10.00, 10.62, 11.24, 11.87, and 12.49 MJ AME/kg) was conducted to estimate the AME requirement of White Pekin duck breeder pullets from 8 to 24 weeks of age. A total of 240 8-week-old female White Pekin duck breeder pullets were assigned to 5 experimental treatments, and each treatment was replicated 6 times with 8 birds per replicate. The ducks were reared in raised wire-floor pens from 8 to 24 weeks of age. All duck pullets were restricted-fed by limiting feed intake, and the feed intake increased gradually as age increased. At 24 weeks of age, the body weight, weight gain and feed/gain of each treatment were measured, and the relative weight of abdominal fat, skin and fat, and ovary of pullets and the contents of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol in plasma were also determined. As the dietary energy level increased from 10.00 to 12.49MJ AME/kg, the 24-week-old body weight and weight gain increased linearly or quadratically (P < 0.05) and the feed/gain decreased linearly or quadratically (P < 0.05). The absolute or relative weight of abdominal fat and skin and fat of the duck pullets also showed a linear increasing response to increasing dietary energy (P < 0.05). The duck pullets fed with high dietary energy levels had a higher absolute or relative weight of ovary than the birds fed with low dietary energy (P < 0.05) and this was accompanied by linearly or quadratically increasing plasma follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol as dietary energy increased (P < 0.05). According to broken-line regression, the AME requirements for feed/gain and relative weight of skin and fat were 12.40, and 11.92 MJ/kg, respectively, and low AME requirements should be considered to control body weight and fat before laying age.