Research Note: Effects of cage and floor rearing systems on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in small-sized meat ducks

Poultry Science

G. Chen¹  G. Chang²  H. Bai²  B. Yang³  Q. Song³  Y. Jiang³  X. Li³  Z. Dong³ 

[1] Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China;Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Yangzhou 225009, China;Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China;

关键词: meat duck;    rearing system;    growth performance;    carcass yield;    meat quality;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

ABSTRACT: This study was performed to evaluate the effects of different rearing methods on the growth performance, carcass yield, and meat quality of small-sized meat ducks. A total of 420 healthy 21-day-old birds was randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups (6 replicates per treatment, sex ratio 1/1) and subjected to 2 rearing methods (furnished cage and plastic wire-floor) until d 63. Growth performance was measured in all birds. Three males and 3 females from each replicate were randomly selected and evaluated to determine the carcass yield and meat quality. In terms of growth performance, the rearing method affected the final body weight, average daily feed intake, and average daily gain, which were higher in the cage group (P < 0.05) than in the floor group, with a similar feed/gain in both groups. For slaughter performance, ducks in the cage group showed a higher abdominal fat yield and lower gizzard yield than those in the floor group (P < 0.05). For meat quality, the L* value of the breast muscle was higher in the cage group than in the floor group (P < 0.05). The pH recorded at 1 h was lower and pH recorded at 24 h was higher in the cage group (P < 0.05). The shear force and water loss rate were both lower in the cage group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the moisture content was lower and intramuscular fat content was higher in ducks fed in cages (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that the cage rearing system improved the growth performance and meat quality of ducks, which is appropriate for small-sized meat ducks.

【 授权许可】

Unknown