- Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
- Vol: 39 Issue: 5
- Effects of 16L : 8D photoperiod on growth performance, carcass characteristics,meat composition, and...
Effects of 16L : 8D photoperiod on growth performance, carcass characteristics,meat composition, and blood parameters of Pekin ducks
Authors : Evren Erdem, Esin Ebru Onbaşilar, Özlem Gücüyener Hacan
Pages : 568-575
Doi:10.16971/vd.61404
View : 10 | Download : 3
Publication Date : 9999-12-31
Article Type : Makaleler
Abstract :Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 16L : 8D photoperiod on growth performance, carcass characteristics, relative organ weight, meat composition, and blood parameters in Pekin ducks. A total of 120 (60 male and 60 female) ducklings were used in the research. Each sex group was randomly allocated into 2 photoperiod groups, 24L : 0D and 16L : 8D. Ducks reared under the 24L : 0D photoperiod had higher body weight gain (P < 0.001); feed intake (P < 0.001); percentage of breast, wings, and skin with subcutaneous fat percentage (P < 0.001); and abdominal fat (P < 0.05). Sex of ducks affected body weight gain (P < 0.05; P < 0.001) and feed intake (P < 0.05) at days 1-42, as well as ash of thigh meat (P < 0.001) and creatine kinase level (P < 0.05). The present study concluded that the body weight gain and carcass development of ducks reared under the 24L : 0D photoperiod was superior to those reared under the 16L : 8D photoperiod. A 24L : 0D photoperiod is recommended for growth and carcass development in intensive Pekin duck-rearing systems.Keywords : Photoperiod, growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat composition, Pekin duck