Growth Performance and Meat Quality of White Pekin Ducks Reared in Backyard Farming System.

Background: The growth and popularity of white pekin duck farming is increasing among farmers due to assured return and marketing linkages in peri-urban areas. The growth performance and meat quality of pekin ducks under backyard farming was evaluated in the present study. Methods: Body weight and feed consumption data of 140 white pekin ducks managed under rice bran-based feeding in backyard farming, were recorded weekly up to 8th week of age. Gompertz's growth model was used to calculate growth parameters. Meat quality parameters were recorded after slaughter on 56th day. Result: White pekin ducks attained 2.003 kg at 56 days of age with 3.2 FCR (Feed conversion ratio). The asymptote weight calculated from Gompertz's equation was 4513.25 g. Inflection points of bodyweight and time was determined as 1659.28 g and 49.9 days respectively. The maximum growth rate was 58.17 g/day. The high growth rate of pekin ducks in backyard condition indicates suitability of rice bran-based diet in this farming system. Dressing percentage (57.9%) of eviscerated carcass was however less than earlier reports. Lipid peroxidation activity of breast-meat was measured and found to be less than previous reports. Reduced lipid peroxidation in muscle might be due to liberal access to natural feeding system by pekin ducks that is unique in backyard farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]