Phenotypic and Reproductive Parameters of Indigenous Ducks of Boalkhali Upazila,Chattogram

Abstract

The present study was aimed to characterize the morphology and reproduction potentialities of indigenous duck genetic resource of Bangladesh. This study was performed in Boalkhali upazila under Chattogram district over a period of two months. Information was collected by using a structured questionnaire through personal interaction, on spot recording and direct phenotypic measurements in this region. Data on 40 representative adult indigenous ducks were included for morphological study, productive and reproductive performances from 10 duck owners. The data were analysed statistically using mainly descriptive statistics. Both qualitative and quantitative traits were considered in the study. Phenotypic characteristics were varied among the indigenous ducks. Head color was noticed mottled brown (70%) and black (30%) in female ducks whereas, black (65%) and dark green color (35%) in male ducks. Bill color in male and female ducks was prominently observed yellowish tipped with black but bright yellow with black tip (35%) was also found in male ducks. Bright orange color shank was noticed in both male and female ducks (100%). Quantitative measurements on adult live weight, body length, bill length, neck length, shank length, wing length and wing span in male and female were found to be 1.87±0.44 and1.52± 0.02 kg, 28.32±0.57 and 25.54±0.27cm, 6.1±0.37and 5.7±0.04cm, 22.47±0.53 and 20.36±0.05cm, 6.15±0.12 and 5.6±0.03cm, 26.52±0.24 and 24.7±0.23cm, 86.24±0.23 and 82.39±0.28cm respectively. Total number of eggs laid per month averaged 18.33±0.17 and clutch size was found 12.32±0.23.The average egg weight, egg length and egg width were estimated to be 58.56±0.67g, 55.44±0.42mm and 39.67±0.19mm. Characteristic creamy white and bluish tinge of egg color were observed. The present study provided some baseline information on indigenous duck of Bangladesh which could be useful for genetic characterization, conservation and future improvement programs in Bangladesh.