Interactions Between Non-Allelic Loci and Their Effects on Categorized Meat Performance Traits in Ducks

Traits associated with meat performance are characterized by a complex inheritance model, including the effects of non-allelic interactions. The aim of this study was to estimate the significance of non-allelic interactions between pairs of loci in each of two alternative groups based on four important performance traits of ducks: body weight (BW), carcass yield calculated as the ratio of carcass weight to body weight (CY), breast and leg muscle yield as a fraction of carcass weight (BL-CW), and skin weight and abdominal fat, again as a fraction of carcass weight (SF-CW). The experimental material was based on an F2 cross between two parental lines: A-55 (Polish Peking) and GL-30 (French Peking). In total, 368 individuals were recorded. All of the birds (including parents and F1) were genotyped for 23 polymorphic microsatellite loci. Entropy was taken as a measure of interaction between pairs of loci, and the chi-square test was used to verify significance. In total, 253 pairs of loci were analyzed in both categories of each of the four traits. Statistically significant interactions were obtained for each trait. However, it was observed that some of the loci showed a greater tendency to have significant opposite interactions for alternative categories of the same trait. The results indicate the dependence of the recombination rate within pairs of loci on the level of each of the four traits.

Dietary supplementation of powdered and encapsulated probiotic: In vivo study on relative carcass, giblet weight and intestinal morphometry of local duck

This research was aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of either powdered or encapsulated probiotic on relative carcass, giblet weight and intestinal morphometry of local duck. One hundred twenty male day old duck (DOD) were distributed to 6 different dietary groups, included 2 probiotic forms of either powdered (T1) or encapsulated (T2) and 3 levels: 0% (L0), 0.2% (L1), 0.4% (L2). They were reared using pen cages for 42 days (6 weeks). Observed variables were relative carcass, giblet weight (gizzard, heart, liver) and intestinal morphometry (villus height, villus width, crypt depth). Data were analyzed by Nested of Completely Randomized Design ANOVA and if there was significant effect followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The result showed that there was no significant effect (p > 0.05) of the form of either powdered or encapsulated probiotic on relative carcass, giblet weight, and intestinal morphometry. However, increasing level of probiotic have significant effect (p < 0.05) on relative carcass, villus height, and villus width, but did not significantly affect giblet weight and crypt depth. In conclusion, supplementation of either powdered or encapsulated probiotic has similar result, but it is suggested to use 0.4% of encapsulated probiotic (4 kg ton-1 of feed) in local duck diet.

Dietary supplementation of powdered and encapsulated probiotic: In vivo study on relative carcass, giblet weight and intestinal morphometry of local duck

This research was aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of either powdered or encapsulated probiotic on relative carcass, giblet weight and intestinal morphometry of local duck. One hundred twenty male day old duck (DOD) were distributed to 6 different dietary groups, included 2 probiotic forms of either powdered (T1) or encapsulated (T2) and 3 levels: 0% (L0), 0.2% (L1), 0.4% (L2). They were reared using pen cages for 42 days (6 weeks). Observed variables were relative carcass, giblet weight (gizzard, heart, liver) and intestinal morphometry (villus height, villus width, crypt depth). Data were analyzed by Nested of Completely Randomized Design ANOVA and if there was significant effect followed by Duncans Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The result showed that there was no significant effect (p > 0.05) of the form of either powdered or encapsulated probiotic on relative carcass, giblet weight, and intestinal morphometry. However, increasing level of probiotic have significant effect (p < 0.05) on relative carcass, villus height, and villus width, but did not significantly affect giblet weight and crypt depth. In conclusion, supplementation of either powdered or encapsulated probiotic has similar result, but it is suggested to use 0.4% of encapsulated probiotic (4 kg ton-1 of feed) in local duck diet.(AU)

Interactions Between Non-Allelic Loci and Their Effects on Categorized Meat Performance Traits in Ducks

Traits associated with meat performance are characterized by a complex inheritance model, including the effects of non-allelic interactions. The aim of this study was to estimate the significance of non-allelic interactions between pairs of loci in each of two alternative groups based on four important performance traits of ducks: body weight (BW), carcass yield calculated as the ratio of carcass weight to body weight (CY), breast and leg muscle yield as a fraction of carcass weight (BL-CW), and skin weight and abdominal fat, again as a fraction of carcass weight (SF-CW). The experimental material was based on an F2 cross between two parental lines: A-55 (Polish Peking) and GL-30 (French Peking). In total, 368 individuals were recorded. All of the birds (including parents and F1) were genotyped for 23 polymorphic microsatellite loci. Entropy was taken as a measure of interaction between pairs of loci, and the chi-square test was used to verify significance. In total, 253 pairs of loci were analyzed in both categories of each of the four traits. Statistically significant interactions were obtained for each trait. However, it was observed that some of the loci showed a greater tendency to have significant opposite interactions for alternative categories of the same trait. The results indicate the dependence of the recombination rate within pairs of loci on the level of each of the four traits.(AU)

Eucoleus contortus (Nematoda: Capillariidae), a parasite of Cairina moschata domestica (Anseriformes: Anatidae) on Marajó Island, Pará State, in Brazilian Amazon / Eucoleus contortus (Nematoda: Capillariidae), um parasito de Cairina moschata domestica (Anseriformes: Anatidae) na Ilha de Marajó, Estado do Pará, na Amazônia Brasileira

The family Capillariidae is one of the most important in the superfamily Trichinelloidea, with 27 genera and more than 300 species parasitizing vertebrates. This study considers the morphology, morphometry and prevalence of Eucoleus contortus parasitizing the Muscovy duck Cairina moschata domestica esophagus from Marajó Island, in State of Pará, Brazil. Morphologically the nematodes had a filiform body, with transversely striated cuticle, long esophagus, divided into two parts, one muscular and another consisting of stichocytes, spicule weakly sclerotized, spiny sheath and pseudobursa present in males. Females had a pre-equatorial vulva, barrel-shaped eggs and were bioperculated. In the northern region of Brazil, the Muscovy duck is an abundant bird, and one of the items in the food supply for human communities. The occurrence of E. contortus adds data to the biodiversity of parasites described in Anseriform birds of the Brazilian Amazon, especially those used as source of protein by human communities of Marajó.(AU)

A família Capillariidae é uma das mais importantes da superfamília Trichinelloidea, com 27 gêneros e mais de 300 espécies parasitando os vertebrados. Este estudo considera a morfologia, morfometria e prevalência de Eucoleus contortus parasito do esôfago de pato doméstico na Ilha de Marajó, Estado do Pará, Brasil. Morfologicamente os nematódeos apresentaram corpo filiforme, com cutícula estriada transversalmente, esôfago longo, dividido em duas partes, sendo uma muscular e outra formado por esticócitos, espículo fracamente esclerotizado, bainha espinhosa e pseudobursa presente nos machos. Fêmeas com vulva pré-equatorial, ovos em forma de barril e bioperculado. Na região norte do Brasil, o pato doméstico é uma ave abundante, compondo um dos itens do suprimento de alimentos para muitas pessoas. A ocorrência de E. contortus adiciona dados à biodiversidade de parasitos descritos em aves Anseriformes da Amazônia brasileira, em especial as utilizadas como fonte de proteína por comunidades humanas do Marajó.(AU)

The effects of threonine on performance parameters, carcass traits, visceral organ indices and serum biochemical parameters of Linwu ducks, aged 4 to 8 weeks

This study was conducted to establish dietary threonine (Thr) levels for Linwu ducks, aged 4 to 8 wk. Experimental diets formulated to contain 0.56, 0.61, 0.66, 0.71, 0.76, and 0.81% Thr fed to Linwu ducks. A total of 360 healthy Linwu female ducks with similar body weight (1183.89±3.83 g) were randomly divided into six groups, with five replicates in each group, and 12 ducks in each replicate. Samples were collected at 8 wk for the determination of growth performance, carcass traits, visceral organ indices, and serum biochemical parameters. As a result of this study, Thr level had no significant influence on the final weight, the daily gain, feed/gain ratio, and average daily intake (p>0.05). Similarly, there were no significant effects of dietary Thr on carcass traits and visceral organ indices (p>0.05). The pancreatic index was highest among all the treatments when the dietary Thr level was 0.66%. The different dietary Thr levels had no significant effect (p>0.05) on the concentration of total protein (TP), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), glucose (GLU), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH). However, the serum MDA concentration in the 0.66% treatment was lower (P=0.068) than in the other treatments. In conclusion, Thr at 0.66% concentration may have an antioxidant activity and exert positive effect on Linwu ducks.

The effects of threonine on performance parameters, carcass traits, visceral organ indices and serum biochemical parameters of Linwu ducks, aged 4 to 8 weeks

This study was conducted to establish dietary threonine (Thr) levels for Linwu ducks, aged 4 to 8 wk. Experimental diets formulated to contain 0.56, 0.61, 0.66, 0.71, 0.76, and 0.81% Thr fed to Linwu ducks. A total of 360 healthy Linwu female ducks with similar body weight (1183.89±3.83 g) were randomly divided into six groups, with five replicates in each group, and 12 ducks in each replicate. Samples were collected at 8 wk for the determination of growth performance, carcass traits, visceral organ indices, and serum biochemical parameters. As a result of this study, Thr level had no significant influence on the final weight, the daily gain, feed/gain ratio, and average daily intake (p>0.05). Similarly, there were no significant effects of dietary Thr on carcass traits and visceral organ indices (p>0.05). The pancreatic index was highest among all the treatments when the dietary Thr level was 0.66%. The different dietary Thr levels had no significant effect (p>0.05) on the concentration of total protein (TP), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), glucose (GLU), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH). However, the serum MDA concentration in the 0.66% treatment was lower (P=0.068) than in the other treatments. In conclusion, Thr at 0.66% concentration may have an antioxidant activity and exert positive effect on Linwu ducks.(AU)

Performance, Carcass Traits and Economic Availability of Muscovy Ducks Fed on Different Nutritional Plans in Different Housing Densities

The present study aimed to evaluate ducks on performance, carcass traits and economic availability, fed on different phases of nutritional plans and in different housing densities. Two hundred and forty Muscovy ducks of creole lineage were used, distributed in boxes with water and food ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial arrangement of 3x2 with three nutritional plans (3, 4 and 5 phases) and two housing densities (2 and 3 birds/m2) with four replicates. The ducks had weekly performance evaluations, and after 90 days, four birds in each treatment were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass traits. Differences (p 0.05) were observed on performance, carcass traits and economic analysis. The nutritional plans with 3 phases showed better results for feed intake and weight gain, as well as provided lower total cost production and higher operating profit. Ducks in higher densities showed smaller feed intake, weight gain, higher pro-ventricle weight and better results for total meet production, crude income and operating profit. In summary, nutritional plans with reduced phases (3 phases) and extensions of energy-protein relationships showed better results for ducks on performance and carcass traits in densities of 3 birds/m². More studies are necessary to determine other nutritional requirements for ducks in housing for a better nutritional and management control.

Performance, Carcass Traits and Economic Availability of Muscovy Ducks Fed on Different Nutritional Plans in Different Housing Densities

The present study aimed to evaluate ducks on performance, carcass traits and economic availability, fed on different phases of nutritional plans and in different housing densities. Two hundred and forty Muscovy ducks of creole lineage were used, distributed in boxes with water and food ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial arrangement of 3x2 with three nutritional plans (3, 4 and 5 phases) and two housing densities (2 and 3 birds/m2) with four replicates. The ducks had weekly performance evaluations, and after 90 days, four birds in each treatment were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass traits. Differences (p 0.05) were observed on performance, carcass traits and economic analysis. The nutritional plans with 3 phases showed better results for feed intake and weight gain, as well as provided lower total cost production and higher operating profit. Ducks in higher densities showed smaller feed intake, weight gain, higher pro-ventricle weight and better results for total meet production, crude income and operating profit. In summary, nutritional plans with reduced phases (3 phases) and extensions of energy-protein relationships showed better results for ducks on performance and carcass traits in densities of 3 birds/m². More studies are necessary to determine other nutritional requirements for ducks in housing for a better nutritional and management control.(AU)

Evaluation of Aluminum Chloride As an Effective Short-Term Solution for Reducing Odor - Causing Volatile Fatty Acids in Duck Litter

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) on pH and volatile fatty acid levels in duck litter over the course of a three-week experimental period. Ninety one-day-old Pekin ducks (45 males and 45 females) were distributed into three treatments with three replicates each (10 ducks per replicate) using a completely randomized design. Two treatments were top-dressing duck litter with thin layers (1-2 cm) of 50 g or 100 g of AlCl3 per kg of litter, respectively; the control group received no litter treatment. Although no significant differences in propionic acid levels (p>0.05) were observed in any of the treatments, overall pH values for the 50 g and 100 g AlCl3 treatments were both lower (p 0.05) than those of the control group. Additionally, the two AlCl3 treatments revealed a corresponding influence (p 0.05) on acetic acid levels during the last two weeks of the experimental period. These results indicate that aluminum chloride amendments (at a suggested rate of 100 g per kg of duck litter) are potentially useful in lowering the pH of duck litter, thereby decreasing acetic acid production as an indicator of odor emissions.

Evaluation of Aluminum Chloride As an Effective Short-Term Solution for Reducing Odor - Causing Volatile Fatty Acids in Duck Litter

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) on pH and volatile fatty acid levels in duck litter over the course of a three-week experimental period. Ninety one-day-old Pekin ducks (45 males and 45 females) were distributed into three treatments with three replicates each (10 ducks per replicate) using a completely randomized design. Two treatments were top-dressing duck litter with thin layers (1-2 cm) of 50 g or 100 g of AlCl3 per kg of litter, respectively; the control group received no litter treatment. Although no significant differences in propionic acid levels (p>0.05) were observed in any of the treatments, overall pH values for the 50 g and 100 g AlCl3 treatments were both lower (p 0.05) than those of the control group. Additionally, the two AlCl3 treatments revealed a corresponding influence (p 0.05) on acetic acid levels during the last two weeks of the experimental period. These results indicate that aluminum chloride amendments (at a suggested rate of 100 g per kg of duck litter) are potentially useful in lowering the pH of duck litter, thereby decreasing acetic acid production as an indicator of odor emissions.(AU)

Establishment of Uropygial Gland Growth Curves for White, Three-Way Crossed Mule Ducklings

Growth curves for the uropygial gland (UG) of white, 3-way crossed mule ducklings were established using the Gompertz function. In total, 144 ducklings were fed in 12 floor pens with 12 birds in each pen. Each pen contained an equal number of animals of each sex. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum throughout the entire experimental period. The weekly change in UG weight was recorded in males and females from hatch to 8 weeks of age. The weight and length of the UG, the width of the lobus glandulae uropygialis, the length and width of the pluma of the circulus uropygialis, and the index of the papilla uropygialis were measured once a week in individual ducklings in one pen. The average UG weight gain observed in white, 3-way crossed drakes was significantly higher than that of ducks of 21-56 days of age (P 0.05). The UG length was 1.64-2.23 times the width of the left or right lobe, and the development of the UG was delayed from 3-4 weeks of age. The morphology of the UG changed from elliptical to elongated-elliptical with age. The right and left lobus glandulae uropygialis were symmetrical. The Gompertz growth functions of the UG in drakes and ducks were W=5.49e -e-0.675(t-1.955) and W=4.76e -e-0.685(t-1.936), respectively, where t represents age in weeks. These equations indicated that the maximum growth rate for drakes occurred at 14.1 days of age and for ducks at 13.6 days of age.

Establishment of Uropygial Gland Growth Curves for White, Three-Way Crossed Mule Ducklings

Growth curves for the uropygial gland (UG) of white, 3-way crossed mule ducklings were established using the Gompertz function. In total, 144 ducklings were fed in 12 floor pens with 12 birds in each pen. Each pen contained an equal number of animals of each sex. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum throughout the entire experimental period. The weekly change in UG weight was recorded in males and females from hatch to 8 weeks of age. The weight and length of the UG, the width of the lobus glandulae uropygialis, the length and width of the pluma of the circulus uropygialis, and the index of the papilla uropygialis were measured once a week in individual ducklings in one pen. The average UG weight gain observed in white, 3-way crossed drakes was significantly higher than that of ducks of 21-56 days of age (P 0.05). The UG length was 1.64-2.23 times the width of the left or right lobe, and the development of the UG was delayed from 3-4 weeks of age. The morphology of the UG changed from elliptical to elongated-elliptical with age. The right and left lobus glandulae uropygialis were symmetrical. The Gompertz growth functions of the UG in drakes and ducks were W=5.49e -e-0.675(t-1.955) and W=4.76e -e-0.685(t-1.936), respectively, where t represents age in weeks. These equations indicated that the maximum growth rate for drakes occurred at 14.1 days of age and for ducks at 13.6 days of age.(AU)

Ultrastructure of the spermatozoa of the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos sp.).

The ultrastructure of the spermatozoa of the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos sp.) was analysed by transmission and scanning electron microscopies and compared with the results obtained in preliminary studies involving other non-passerine birds. The spermatozoa were characterised by the presence of a short head, short midpiece and long principal piece. The head consisted of a reduced acrosome that contained moderately electron-dense homogenous material. The implantation fossa was observed between the base of the nucleus and the proximal centriole. The midpiece contained electron-dense material associated with the proximal centriole and nuclear membrane, and a long distal centriole surrounded throughout its length by 11-12 elliptical mitochondria. A dense annulus separating the midpiece from the principal piece was visible. Posterior to the annulus, the axoneme was formed surrounded by a dense fibrous sheath, representing the principal piece or flagellum, which was a long segment with a smooth surface and a smaller diameter than the midpiece. The spermatozoon of the domestic duck resembles that of other non-passerine birds, corresponding to a basic type of spermatozoon similar to that of reptiles, called sauropsid type.

Morphological and histochemical aspects of the luminal oviductal epithelium of the laying and non-laying muscovy duck (Cairina moschata, linneaus, 1758)

Fueron estudiadas la morfología y la histoquímica del epitelio luminal del oviducto de la pata silvestre (Caidna moschata. Linnacus, 1785) durante los períodos de postura y no postura. Se utilizaron 6 ejemplares, 3 en postura y 3 en no-postura. Los resultados mostraron que el oviducto está desarrollado en el lado izquierdo y atrofiado en el lado derecho y que está constituido por seis regiones: fimbrias, infundíbulo, magno, itsmo, glándula de la cáscara y vagina. El oviducto es más evidente y desarrollado en la fase de postura. El epitelio de revestimiento es simple cilíndrico ciliado, excepto en la región de la vagina donde se presentó pseudo-estratificado cilíndrico ciliado. En todas las porciones del oviducto se observaron células ciliadas y no ciliadas. En la fase de postura predominaban las células no ciliadas y en la fase de no postura, las ciliadas. En la región de las fimbrias y en la glándula de la cáscara se observa equilibrio entre los dos tipos celulares. Por histoquímica se comprobó que el epitelio superficial muestra reactividad positiva al PAS en infundíbulo, magno e itsmo (excepto en la fase de postura) y vagina. En fimbrias y cáscara no fueron observadas células mucosas en ninguna de las dos fases

Distribution of A, B, and mixed pancreatic islets in two bird species (Anas platyrhincus Gallus gallus, Linné, 1758)--a morphometric study.

The structural configuration of the duck and chicken pancreas was studied using a morphometric technique and 3 different sampling types. The distribution and percentage of the various types of pancreatic islets are reported. Contrary to reports by other investigators, a larger proportion of type A islets was observed in each of the pancreatic lobes, and the established conclusion that A cells are present only in the splenic portion of the organ was not confirmed.