Research Note: Effects of cage and floor rearing systems on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in small-sized meat ducks

• DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101520
• Publication Date: 2021-10-11T15:38:49Z
• Authors: H. Bai; B. Yang; Z. Dong; X. Li; Q. Song; Y. Jiang; G. Chang; G. Chen
• Keywords: Cage; Gizzard; Abdominal fat; Intramuscular fat

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of different rearing methods on growth performance, carcass yield, and meat quality small-sized ducks. A total 420 healthy 21-day-old birds randomly allocated 2 treatment groups (6 replicates per treatment, sex ratio 1/1) subjected (furnished cage plastic wire-floor) until d 63. Growth performance measured in all birds. Three males 3 females from each replicate were selected evaluated determine yield quality. In terms method affected final body weight, average daily feed intake, gain, which higher group (P < 0.05) than floor group, with a similar feed/gain both groups. For slaughter ducks showed abdominal fat lower gizzard those 0.05). quality, L* value breast muscle The pH recorded at 1 h 24 shear force water loss rate Additionally, moisture content intramuscular fed cages Our results indicate that system improved ducks, is appropriate for