Genetic characterization for growth traits and evaluation of production performance of Kuzi ducks selected for higher eight week body weight

The study was conducted to evaluate genetic parameters of growth traits in Kuzi ducks of Odisha, India and its productive performance under intensive system of rearing. A total of 973 sire pedigreed ducklings were being used for the study. Sexual dimorphism was evident in these ducks at 5 weeks of age. The primary traits of selection for 8^th week body weight were 1474 and 1383 g, in male and female, respectively. The heritability estimates for the body weights were moderate to high in magnitude. The heritability estimates at 6, 7 and 8 weeks of age were 0.44±0.14, 0.45±0.14 and 0.22±0.09, respectively. Genetic correlations between body weights were high in magnitude. Multicolor plumage was dominant in the flock, whereas brown and pink color were found more in bill and shank. The ducks reached 50 % hen housed egg production at 133 days of age. The egg production of the ducks up to 72 weeks of age was 251 eggs. The egg weight increased as the age advanced and recorded more than 70 g from 36 weeks onwards. Egg quality parameters were in acceptable range. Mortality was higher during 40 to 72 weeks of age. The results revealed that the Kuzi ducks can be subject for higher growth rate through selection; however, the egg production was quite encouraging indicating a suitable breeding strategy to be followed for this indigenous duck for its further improvement and commercial use.