Performance of muscovy (Cairina moschata) ducks fed supplementary diets containing three levels of protein under backyard conditions

The most common feedstuffs and the level of protein obtained in the ingesta backyard Muscovy ducks showed varied results from each area. Ducks sampled from Laguna, Quezon, and Padre Garcia in Batangas [Philippines] consumed mostly rice and its by-products while those found near the lake in Balete, Batangas consumed shrimp, snail, fish, and shells which were commonly found in the area. Likewise, feedstuffs found in the Balete area showed higher amounts of protein compared to those sampled from Laguna, Quezon, and Padre Garcia, Batangas. Ducklings during the broading stages showed geometric growth rates and indicated the existence of sexual dimorphism favoring the males. No significant differences in body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, and feed efficiency were observed among the three treatments during the growing period. During the breeding period, differences noted in body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, egg weight, yolk color index, age at sexual maturity, shell thickness, and feed efficiency were likewise found to be non-significant. Ducks given the supplementary diets containing 14 and 16% crude protein had significantly higher egg production rates than those fed diets with 10% crude protein. Moreover, ducks fed diets with 14 and 16 % crude protein showed no significant difference in rate of lay. The cost of a day-old duckling and feed needed to raise Muscovy ducks intensively up to eight weeks of age amounted to 22.78 pesos with feed cost constituting approximately 64% of the total cost of production. During the growing period, ducks fed the supplementary diet containing 10% crude protein had the lowest average feed cost per weight gain (P5.01). On the other hand, ducks fed the supplementary diet containing 14% crude protein during the breeding period had the lowest feed cost per egg produced (P1.54). The total cost of raising Muscovy ducks up to the end of the breeding period in terms of feed and duckling cost were P124.04, P138.22 and P149.41 pesos for ducks fed supplementary diets containing 10, 14, and 16%, respectively.