Effect of Housing System, Slaughter Age and Sex on Slaughter and Carcass Parameters of Broiler Ducks

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of housing system slaughter age and sex on performance and carcass parameters of broiler ducks. The experiment was carried out in half-operation conditions experimental base of Department of Poultry Science and Small Animal Husbandry of Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. A total of 60 one day old ducklings (type Peking Duck White) were randomly divided to 2 housing groups: three-floor cage system and deep litter system, both under uniform microclimate conditions. The housing system, slaughter age and sex significantly affected the slaughter weights of broiler ducks in 49 and 56 day of fattening. The results of this study showed the influence of housing system, sex and slaughter age on slaughter and carcass parameters. The slaughter and carcass parameters were statistically higher (P0.05). The some slaughter and carcass parameters of male ducks were statistically higher (P<0.05) compared with female ducks.

Keywords

• cage
• carcass
• deep litter
• duck slaughter