The Potential of White Muscovy as Parent Stock for the Production of Broiler Ducks

In rural areas, male muscovy was commonly crossed with layer ducks for the production of mule ducks to be sold as broiler ducks.However, their population was very few with various plumage colors, and with very low egg production.Muscovy can be used as the male parent stock in a commercial production of mule ducks, but it was preferable if they have white plumage for better carcass performance and with higher egg production.The aim of the study was to evaluate the characteristics of a muscovy population whether they were suitable as the foundation stock for a selection program to improve egg production.Groups of 125 female and 51 male of local white muscovy were used in this study.They were kept under close confinements and fed according their nutrition requirements.Measurements were taken on body weight at first laying, weight of first egg, 6 month egg production, and morphological characteristics.Results showed that the average body weight at first laying was 1805.41±89.31grams with a variation of 4.95%.The average first egg weight was 58.23±2.33 grams with a variation of 4%, and the average 6 month production was 22.52±6.38%with a variation of 28.31%.With such large variations, the population was appropriate to be used as the foundation stock for a selection to improve egg production.