Genetic characterization for growth traits and performance of Kuzi ducks being selected for higher eight week body weight

Abstract

AbstractThe study was conducted to evaluate genetic parameters of growth traits of Kuzi ducks of Odisha, India and its performance in respect to growth and production traits under intensive system of rearing. A total of 973 sire pedigreed ducklings produced in seven hatches (parents being selected for higher 8 weeks body weight) are being used for the study. For genetic characterization data of 875 ducklings that were having wing bands till 10 weeks of age were used. Sexual dimorphism was evident in this ducks at 5 weeks of age. The ducklings recorded more than 1 kg body weight at 6 weeks of age. The primary traits of selection 8 week body weight were 1474 and 1383 g, in male and female respectively. The heritability for the body weight were moderate to high in magnitude and the heritability estimates at 6 and 7 weeks of age were 0.44 ± 0.14 and 0.45 ± 0.14, respectively and the estimates for 8 week was 0.22 ± 0.09. Genetic correlations between body weights were high in magnitude after initial 3 weeks of age. Growing period body weight revealed not much increase after 16 weeks of age. Multicolour plumage was dominant in the flock where as brown and pink were found more in respect to bill and shank colour. The ducks reached 50% hen housed egg production at 133 days of age. The egg production of the ducks up to 72 weeks of age was 251 eggs. The egg weight increases as the age advances and recorded more than 70 g from 36 weeks onwards. Egg quality parameters were of acceptable range. Mortality was higher during 40 to 72 weeks of age. The results revealed that the Kuzi ducks can be subject for higher growth rate through selection; however, the egg production was quite encouraging indicating a suitable breeding strategy for this indigenous duck for its further improvement and commercial use. Further, this study indicates that the indigenous ducks available in the countries may be screened for production parameters and top producer may be use for selection for improvement rather than going for exotic germplasm.