Effect of feed mixtures containing different protein and energy levels on growth and carcass characteristics of ducks

الملخص EN

Woo hundreds Peking ducklings of one week old were used to study the effects of different levels of dietary protein and energy on growth and some of carcass characteristics. The birds were divided into 4 treatment groups and offered diets with two dietary protein levels (20 and 22%) and two dietary energy levels (2720 and 2990 Kcal/Kg) during the starting period (from 7-28 days of age).

During the finishing period (29-56 days of age) each treatment was divided into two sub treatments with two dietary protein levels (16 and 18%) and one energy level (3000 Kcal.

/ Kg).

The greatest body weight, weight gain and feed intake values were observed at 28 days of age in ducklings group that fed starter diet contained 22% CP and 2720 Kcal / Kg.

However, body weight and weight gain values showed throughout the starting period no significant differences in ducklings groups that received 22% CP and 2770 Kcal., and those fed on diet containing 20% CP and 2990 Kcal.

Ducklings that received a lower CP as 20% and a higher energy level as 2990 Kcal / Kg throughout the starting period showed the lowest significant value (P< 0.05) in their feed intake compared to the other groups.

The best values in feed and protein efficiency of ducklings were recorded by groups fed diets contained 20% CP and 2990 Kcal / Kg during the period from 7 to 28 days of age. During the finishing period, the highest values in body weight and weight gain were recorded by group fed finisher diet contained 18% CP with 3000 Kcal.

/Kg.

The different levels of dietary protein and energy levels had no significant effects on giblets and carcass percentage.

However, liver% showed a higher significant value in the group received starter diet with 2720 Kcal with 20% CP with 18% CP in the finishing diet.

The lowest feed cost / Kg gain was recorded by group fed starter diet contained 20% CP and 2720 Kcal / Kg with 18% CP in the finishing diet.

It could be recommended to formulate a diet for ducklings containing 20% CP and 2990 Kcal /Kg during the starting period and 18% CP and 3000 Kcal/Kg during the finishing period.

This may improve body weight gain and feed efficiency of ducks.