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The effects of production system on welfare traits, growth performance and meat quality of ducks were explored. A total of 120 newly hatched ducklings were randomly assigned to three groups: i) floor-reared system (FRS); ii) welfare-reared system (WRS) and iii) net-reared system (NRS) (n = 8 ducklings/pen, 5 pens/group). In the FRS, ducks were reared on sawdust bedding that was changed every 2 -3 days. The WRS was similar to the FRS, the difference being the addition of environmental enrichment devices such as perches, coloured balloons and ribbons. In the NRS, ducks were reared on plastic nets on a bamboo bed, and their droppings were cleaned daily with water. After 35 d, welfare traits, growth performance and meat quality of the ducks were measured. Moving and playing durations of WRS ducks were longer than FRS and NRS ducks. Bathing and feather pecking durations of NRS ducks were longer than FRS and WRS ducks. Duck feather quality was greater and gait defects were reduced in NRS system compared with FRS and WRS systems. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) was not affected by the production system. Growth performance was not significantly different between FRS and WRS systems. Average daily weight gain of FRS ducks was higher than in NRS ducks. Feed conversion ratio of FRS ducks was lower than in NRS ducks. There was no difference in acidity, conductivity of pectoralis and leg muscle, and drip loss among the production systems. The conclusion was that NRS proved to be the best production system on welfare traits, while WRS and FRS were the best production systems on growth performance. ______________________________________________________________________________________

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Purpose of Investigation:To explore the ultrasonographic methods towards cleft lip and palate (CLP) in first-trimester. Materials and Methods: 3,795 fetuses were scanned for facial structures including cross section of upper alveolar process, oblique coronal section of upper lip, and postnasal triangle section when measuring nuchal translucency (NT). The abnormal cases underwent ultrasonography for clear diagnosis at 17-18 gestational weeks (GWs), while the negative cases underwent systemic ultrasonography at 20-26 GWs, and followed up until birth. Results: Among the 3795 fetuses, 16 cases had CLP, with an incidence rate as 4.2%; 12 were detected in firsttrimester, with a detection rate of 75%, and the detection rate of bilateral CLP was 100%, four were missed, with a misdiagnosis rate of 25%, and 12 cases examined at 17-18 GWs met first-trimester diagnosis. Among the four missed cases, two were diagnosed with systemic ultrasonography, and two were diagnosed postnatally. All cases were confirmed after induction of labor or after birth. Conclusions: Ultrasonography in first-trimester could diagnose severe case of CLP.