INFLUENCE OF HAEMOGLOBIN POLYMORPHISM ON GROWTH AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSCOVY DUCKS (Cairina moschata)

Résumé

The study was carried out to determine the influence of haemoglobin (Hb) type on growth and carcass traits of intensively reared Muscovy ducks. One hundred and twenty (40 per Hb type) ducklings obtained from a 1:6 mating of haemoglobin types AA, AB and BB were raised for 12 weeks and their growth parameters (body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio) and carcass characteristics (live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage and major carcass cuts) monitored. Data obtained on growth and carcass characteristics were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance in a Completely Randomized Design. Results showed that Hb AB had significantly (p<0.05) higher final body weight gain (2152.29g), least feed intake, and best feed conversion ratio (3.33) than the homozygous Hb polymorphs. Haemoglobin type of the ducks was found to be significantly (p<0.05) influenced the dressing percentage and weights of major carcass cuts. Dressing percentage obtained ranged from 71.14 to 64. 99%, Hb BB being significantly higher than AB but not different from Hb AA. The Hb BB was found to be significantly higher in relative weight of major cuts like breast, drumstick, thighs and shanks of the ducks. At the end of the experiment, it was concluded that the haemoglobin polymorph AB be selectively improved for body weight gains and Hb BB be selected for better carcass traits like dressing percentage ad weight of major carcass cuts.