Effect of cross between Pekin and Sudani (Egyptian Muscovy) duck on the growth performance

Abstract

This experiment was carried out at private farm in Egypt (Fayoum governorate). At 32 wks of age, the Pekin (P) males allow to natural mating with Sudani (S) female. Body weight was recorded according to the marketing age of each strain and the cross, body weight gain; growth rate and feed conversion ratio were calculated weekly. Body measurements were measured from the second week of the age. Results showed that the PS cross had significantly heaviest body weight compared to their parents at all ages. Concerning feed conversion ratio, Sudani and Pekin duck had better feed conversion ratio compared to their cross from 2-4, 6-8 and 2-8 weeks of age. The PS cross had significantly higher body measurements at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age compared to Sudani and Pekin one. Finally, the PS cross recorded negative heterosis at one day old of body weight, however, there was positive heterosis at all ages. With respect to growth rate, the heterosis was positive at all ages except from 2-3 and 7-8 wks of the age.