Lack of access to an open water source for bathing inhibited the development of the preen gland and preening behavior in Sanshui White ducks

Abstract

As a species of waterfowl, ducks rely on access to water to facilitate feeding behaviors. Further, wet preening behavior in ducks relies on access to water and is a key behavior for duck welfare. Traditionally, Chinese duck farms provide not only free access to drinking water in the duck house but also an open water pool outside of the house. However, recent restrictions prohibit the use of an open water pool for raising ducks in some areas of China. Little is known about the effects of not providing an open water pool on duck welfare, in particular, the development of the preen gland and wet preening behaviors. The preen gland secretes oil which is crucial for maintaining plumage conditions. A total of one hundred twenty 1-day-old Sanshui White ducks ( SSWD ) were randomly divided into 2 groups and fed for 6 wk with access to a water pool ( WP ) or without access to a water pool and provided drinking water only ( LWP ). The live body weights of ducks from the WP group were significantly increased compared with those of ducks in the LWP group starting from 3 wks of age ( P < 0.05). Feed intake was increased in the WP group at 2 wk of age and from 4 to 6 wk of age ( P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio ( FCR ) was significantly different only at 4 and 5 wks of age, when the FCR was increased by 5.7% and 9.5%, respectively, in the LWP group compared with the WP group ( P < 0.05). Lack of access to an open water pool significantly inhibited the growth of the preen gland based on its weight, size, and quantity of oil secretions ( P < 0.05). In addition, the proportion of ducks exhibiting wet preening behavior was significantly reduced in the LWP group compared with the WP group (5.5 ± 0.2% vs. 24.8 ± 2.1%, P < 0.05). This study indicated that a lack of access to an open water source had negative impacts on the development of the preen gland and on the preening behavior of SSWD.

Setting research driven duck-welfare standards: a systematic review of Pekin duck welfare research

“…The differences between wet and dry preening have not been extensively evaluated for domesticated dabbling ducks. A single preliminary study of Sanshui White ducks, featuring one replicate flock per treatment, linked access to swimming water with the preening gland development (gland size and weight, and % oil weight by gland size; Mi et al, 2020 ). However, research from other avian species suggests that functional and motivational differences could exist.…”

Water for Domestic Ducks: The Benefits and Challenges in Commercial Production

“…Being semi-aquatic, ducks' feather condition is particularly critical for maintaining water repellence which ensures protection and buoyancy when in the water. When provided the opportunity, domestic ducks will utilize water for swimming, ducking and diving, head dipping and tossing, dabbling, wing rubbing, resting in or near water, and wet preening (Miller, 1977;Rodenburg et al, 2005;Jones et al, 2009;Waitt et al, 2009;Liste et al, 2012a;Mi et al, 2020). Wet preening is a maintenance behavior that relies on water access.…”

“…The preen gland is a pear-shaped bilobed holocrine gland located near the base of a duck's tail, which secretes glycolipids (ALjalaud, 2013;Mohamed, 2019). The gland is thought to contribute to maintaining the flexibility and water-repellent nature of a duck's feathers due to the gland's hydrophobic secretions (Mi et al, 2020). It may also play a role in protecting against bacterial and fungal infections, as well as contributing to thermoregulation, pheromone production, and hormone (e.g., prostaglandin and growth) production (Hassanin et al, 2021).…”

“…Access to water appears to play a significant role in the development of the preen gland. Mi et al (2020) compared preen gland development in 120 Sanshui white ducks (from 1 until 42 days of age) with or without access to a water pool (5 × 6 m and 60 cm depth) in an experimental setting. A lack of water access significantly inhibited the growth of the preen glands based on gland weight, size, and quality of oil secretion.…”

Effects of Cage and Floor Rearing Systems on the Metabolic Components of the Uropygial Gland in Ducks

“…Previously, Mi et al found that providing an open water source for bathing can promote the development of the uropygial gland and preening behavior in ducks [ 27 ]. However, there is no report about the effect of the rearing systems on the metabolic content within the uropygial gland.…”