On-farm evaluation of the growth of Muscovies under free-range and confinement in the south-eastern Nigeria

Abstract

A 13-week on-farm study was conducted to determine the growth performance of Muscovies under free-range and confinement in south-eastern Nigeria. Forty-five (45) ducklings from 4 mothers were subjected to free-range system of production while another 45 ducklings from another 4 mothers were raised under confinement. At 13 weeks of age, the ducklings raised under confinement weighed an average 3.25kg which was significantly (P<0.05) heavier weights from their counterparts under free-range system. Breast, thigh and back weights of the ducks raised under confinement were also significantly (P<0.05) heavier. Weights of the internal organs (liver, gizzard, heart and kidney) were not affected by the treatments (P>0.05).The ducklings under confinement consumed on the average 123.6gm of feed daily with feed conversion ratio of 3.96%. Those under free-range system recorded 31% mortality as against the 11% recorded by those under confinement.