Impact of selection for residual feed intake on production traits and behavior of mule ducks

• DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew185
• Publication Date: 2016-06-24T05:35:58Z
• Authors: L. Drouilhet; R. Monteville; C. Molette; M. Lague; A. Cornuez; L. Canario; E. Ricard; H. Gilbert
• Keywords: Residual feed intake

A divergent selection experiment of Muscovy sires based on the residual feed intake (RFI) their male mule progeny was initiated in 2009. Using electronic feeders, aim this study to establish whether 3 generations for RFI had an impact feeding behavior traits and general behavior, examine its effect liver meat quality. Eighty ducks, issued from 8 drakes per line with extreme RFI, were tested a pen equipped 4 feeders. Feeding behaviors recorded 7 wk after hatching under ad libitum conditions. Then animals prepared overfeeding 3-week period restricted feeding, overfed during 12 d before slaughter. The significantly lower low than high (-5.4 g/d, P = 0.0005) daily reduced both over entire test (-5 0.049) weekly basis (P 0.006). Weekly total conversion ratios also (-0.08, 0.03 -0.06, 0.01, respectively). Low ducks more frequent meals, spent as much time eating rate when analyzed at level only. Additionally no significant correlation between efficiency evidenced, indicating only limited relationships patterns. Some differences behavioral responses stressors (open field combined measuring response human presence) suggested that is associated less fearfulness. Selection weight quality slightly deleterious (decreased drip loss L*). Finally, higher body weights 10 ducks. This suggests until age increases up