Laying performance and economics of raising Philippine mallard ("Pateros") and a commercial hybrid duck fed with two brands of commercially available duck layer pellets

A study was conducted to evaluate the laying performance, egg quality and fertility rate of two breeds of Mallard ducks (Philippine mallard or PM and hybrid) fed with 2 brands of commercial layer pellets and compare its profitability under intensive management system. Date analysis was done on a monthly basis using the analysis of variance for a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Data obtained to measure fertility were analyzed using ANOVA for a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement in CRD. Cost and return analysis was used to measure profitability and cost of producing an egg. Results showed that the kind of duck and brand of feed did not have significant interaction effect on laying performance parameters, except on the overall average weight of eggs produced by the ducks. On the average, hybrid ducks had significantly greater body weight (1.97 kg) than PM ducks (1.39 kg). Feed intake of hybrid ducks was also significantly greater (133.95 g/day) than that of the PM ducks (127.06 g/day). Philippine mallard ducks, on the other hand, had significantly greater egg production and feed efficiency than the hybrid ducks. Irrespective of the kind of ducks, the brand B feed showed significant effect only on body weight and feed intake. The kind of duck significantly influence the albumen height of eggs but not the yolk color and shell thickness quality. On the average, the brand of feed offered had significant effect on yolk color and albumen height of the eggs produced. PM male and female ducks had significantly higher fertility of eggs than that of the hybrid ducks. Interaction effect was insignificant. The breed and brand of feed fed to the ducks affected the economic profitability of raising ducks. The PM fed with brand B gave the highest return on investment and lowest cost of producing an egg. Since there was no significant interaction between breed and feed, then either of the two brands of commercial pellets can be fed to the ducks under intensive management system