Comparison of growth traits and carcass yield of Kuttanad and White Pekin ducks

Abstract

The study was conducted to compare the growth and carcass traits of Kuttanad [unselected (UKD) and improved meat line (IKD)] and White Pekin ducks (WPD). One hundred and twenty five day-old ducklings from each group were selected, wing banded and reared under uniform conditions by providing ad-libitum feed (22 per cent CP and 2800 Kcal/kg M.E) and water for 10 weeks. Fortnightly body weight, body weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were calculated. Carcass traits like slaughter weight, carcass weight and dressing percentage (with and without giblets) were studied in eight birds of each group at 6, 8 and 10 weeks of age. Fortnightly body weight and body weight gain was found to be significantly (p<0.05) high in WPD, except during first fortnight where IKD showed significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight gain. The FCR was found to be better in WPD followed by IKD and UKD. The mean slaughter weight and carcass weight were significantly (p<0.05) high in WPD at 8 and 10 weeks of age. Dressing percentage (with and without giblets) in UKD and IKD were significantly (p<0.05) high at eight weeks whereas that of WPD at 10 weeks of age. White Pekin showed better values in growth traits and carcass yield than Kuttanad ducks. However, no significant difference was obtained between the traits of unselected and improved flocks of Kuttanad ducks.