Genetic and phenotypic characterization of Kuzi ducks of Odisha and evaluation of carcass quality

Abstract

In the present investigation, the Kuzi ducks of Odisha were studied with respect to different phenotypic traits and genetic parameters measured for Juvenile traits from 1,718 ducklings hatched in three hatches using 40 sires and 160 dams reared under standard management conditions. Fertility, hatchability, juvenile traits, body weight gains and plumage characteristics were recorded. Carcass characteristics of the drakes were also measured at 20 weeks of age. The average fertility was 75.42% and hatchability on total egg set and fertile egg set basis were 61.79 and 82.10%, respectively. The body weight between male and female showed sexual dimorphisms with respect to body weight and conformation traits from 4th week onwards in Kuzi ducks. The least square body weight recorded at 8 weeks of age in male, female and pooled over sexes were 1,388, 1,231 and 1,282 g, respectively. Heritability estimates for different juvenile traits were moderate to high in magnitude for the traits studied. Body weight recorded at 20 weeks of age was 1,818 g in male and 1,628 g in female. Total edible carcass yield was 76.48% at 20 weeks of age in male. Multi-colour is found to be dominant plumage colour. The study revealed that Kuzi ducks of Odisha have very good potential for duck farming in the country and the body weight of the duck may be improved by selection of the birds and the drake (male) may be used for meat purpose. The growth of the ducklings was very fast from 2 to 8 weeks of age.