Growth, Egg Production, and Phenotypic Characteristics of the Commercial Hybrid Egg-type Philippine Mallard Duck (IP Kayumanggi) under Intensive Management System

Abstract

Five separate studies were conducted to determine the growth and egg production performance of Itik Pinas (IP) Kayumanggi, a new commercial hybrid egg-type mallard duck in the Philippines under an intensive management system. Results showed that the IP Kayumanggi produced by crossing male IP Khaki and female IP Itim as parents showed significant sexual dimorphism in down feather patterns. The male and female ducklings have 98% black and 99% brown down feathers upon hatch, respectively. In addition, the female ducklings have significantly higher body weight from Weeks 0–4, whereas males were heavier from Weeks 10–18. Cumulative feed consumption was 10.72 kg from brooding (Weeks 1–4) to growing (Weeks 5–16). Daily feed consumption per bird was 124 g during the pre-laying (Weeks 17–18) and laying (Weeks 19–50) periods. Phenotypic characterization revealed that males have predominantly dusky black plumage, green bill, and brown shank, whereas females have mallard-type brown plumage, black bill, and orange shank. The males have significantly higher values for all the body measurements. The average age at first lay was 18 wk, and it reached 80% egg production at 26 wk of age. Average egg weight was 67 g. The average fertility, hatchability, and hatch of fertile were 89, 55, and 62%, respectively. This study provided baseline information on the productive and reproductive performance of IP Kayumanggi.