Economics of meat production of desi ducks

Abstract

An experiment was designed to evaluate the meat production potentialities of straight run Desi ducklings. 110 desi one-day-old ducklings divided in to two equal groups which formed the replicates. Identical feed and managemental practices were employed in the trial. After an initial brooding of 3 weeks in a battery brooder, they were reared on floor upto ten weeks of age.

Initial body weight, weekly body weight and weekly feed consumption were recorded. Five birds from each group were randomly sacrificed at 7, 8, 9 and 10 weeks of age. The results indicated that there is a steady decrease in body weight gains from 6th week onwards. Similarly the feed efficiency also decreased with advancement of age. Slaughter studies indicated significant increase in the proportion of the breast muscles with the advancement of age and a corresponding decrease in the proportion of legs.

It is reasonable to surmise from the data on weight gains and feed consumption that the genetic potential of the Desi ducks has to improved in order to raise them for meat production economically.