Phenotypic Character and Reproductive Parameters of Indigenous Ducks of Sandwip Upazila, Chattogram

Abstract

The goal of the current study was to learn more about the genetic resources of native ducks in Bangladesh, including their morphology, production capacity, and reproductive abilities. The study was performed in Sandwip upazila under the district of Chattogram over a period of 1 month. Information was collected from 40 ducks (20 male and 20 female) for this purpose. Using a structured questionnaire, data were gathered from ducks through in-person interactions, direct observation of ducks (like the observation of plumage color), and on-spot recording. Phenotypic characteristics varied among the same gender and between the opposite genders of indigenous ducks. Head color was noticed dark green (55 ) and black (45) in males whereas mottled brown (55 ), black (35 ), and white with a black tint (10) in females. Neck colors were found to be black(45 ), dark brown (40 ), and black with white ring(15) in males whereas mottled brown(55 ), white(25 ), black(10  ), and white with black tint(10) in female. Breast color was noticed as white (65 ), brownish (25 ), and black (10 ) in males, whereas mottled brown (55 ), white (35 ), and black (10 ) in females. Bill's color was noticed as yellowish with a black tint (70 ), brownish with a black tint (20 ), and black (10 ) in males whereas yellowish with a black tint (75 ), brownish with a black tint (15 ), black (20 ) in female. The shank color was noticed orange with a black tint (45 ), yellowish (40 ), and blackish (15 ) in males whereas, deep yellow (80 ), and black (20) in females. Eye color was noticed 100 black in both sexes. According to morphometric measurement, the adult live weight was found to be 1.9±0.08 kg in male and1.57±0.056 kg in female, body length(including neck) 55.01±0.561cm in male and 53.55±0.369cm in female, bill length 5.63 ±0.119cm in male and5.54±0.123 cm in female, wing span 86.07±1.498 cm in male and 80.58±1.654 cm in female, shank length 6.14±0.995cm in male and 5.95±0.155 cm in female. According to the study, total egg production/year was 188±6.2. The clutch size was 13.67±0.519. The average egg weight, length, and width were estimated to be62.2±1.03gm, 69.52±0.734mm, and 45.93±1.135mm. The current study offered some baseline data on indigenous ducks that may be helpful for genetic characterization, conservation, and upcoming improvement projects in Bangladesh.