HEN-DAY EGG PRODUCTION AND EGG QUALITIES OF PHILIPPINE MALLARD DUCK (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus L.) WITH VARYING PLUMAGE COLORS

Abstract

Philipp J Vet Anim Sci 2013, 39 (2): 211-218

The study was conducted to determine the egg production performance of Philippine Mallard ducks (PMD) with black, brown, dark brown and light brown plumage colors. A total of 1100 ready-to-lay (22 weeks old) PMD housed in an elevated housing system with ponds were used in the study. There were three replicates for black, brown and dark brown and two replicates for light brown with 100 ready-to-lay ducks per replicate. Egg production and egg quality parameters (egg weight, shell thickness, albumen height and yolk color) were taken and subjected to ANOVA and Least Significant Difference test. Linear contrast analysis was also performed to compare black plumage color and those with shades of brown plumage. Results showed that PMD with black plumage had higher (P<0.05) hen-day egg production compared to PMD with shades of brown plumage throughout the experimental period. However, egg weight, albumen height, yolk color and shell thickness were not different (P>0.05). This study indicates that PMD with black plumage had better hen-day egg production performance over the brown and its intermediate. Genetic characterization, particularly identification of possible DNA polymorphism among PMD, is recommended.