Characterization of Morphometry, Morphology, Growth and Carcass Traits of Pati Ducks under Semi-intensive System

Abstract

A study was conducted during April, 2022 to Mrach, 2025 at the duckery unit of Livestock Research Station, Mandira under the Directorate of Research, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Khanapara, Guwahati (781 022) India, to characterize morphology, morphometry, growth and carcass traits of Pati ducks reared under semi-intensive system. A total of 200 unsexed day-old ducklings were procured and were reared under semi-intensive system for the biological trial. The body weights (g) of male ducks were significantly (p<0.05) higher than female ducks from 20^th weeks onwards of age. The age at first egg and annual egg production in Pati ducks were recorded as 185.21±2.31 days and 71.07±0.87 numbers respectively. The egg weights (g) at 40^th week were recorded to be 68.01±0.66. The survivability rates recorded as 72.16±1.31 and 83.14±1.42% during 0 to 20^th week and 21^st to 52^nd weeks respectively. Pati ducks had a multiple plumage colour with white skin, yellow shank, and web. The pre-slaughter live weights were not significantly (p>0.05) different among sexes at 20 weeks of age. Among the different cut-up parts, the breast part in both sexes exhibited the highest yield followed by back, neck with skin, giblet, drumstick and wing. It may be concluded that Pati ducks grew quickly up to 32^nd weeks of age and then slowed down. They matured late, laid fewer eggs and had higher early mortality. However, better care, nutrition, management and selective breeding could improve their performance and boost income for rural farmers of Assam.