Journal: |
Journal of AOAC International
Poultry Science
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Abstract: |
ABSTRACT We studied the effect of feed withdrawal
and cold water on the growth performance and health
status of 180 Muscovy ducklings (28 days old) during
the summer season. The experiment used a 3 ×
2 factorial design consisting of 3 and 2 feeding and water
systems, respectively. The birds were divided into
6 experimental groups of 30 birds each (10/replicate).
The 3 feeding systems were ad libitum, full-feeding
(AD); afternoon, feed withdrawn from 8 am to 2 pm
daily (AF); and diurnal, feed withdrawn from 2 pm to
8 am daily (DI). The 2 water systems were tap water
(TW) or cold water (CW). The results indicated
that the different feeding systems with cold water positively
affected the growth performance, dressed carcass,
liver, gizzard, meat tenderness, juiciness, susceptibility,
body temperature, tonic immobility, and blood biochemistry
(glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine
aminotransferase, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde)
of Muscovy ducklings. However, no differences
in percentages of plumage, leg problems, breast
blister scores, and most blood parameters were found
among all groups. In conclusion, AF feeding of ducklings
in combination with CW during hot conditions
was more suitable than other feeding methods.
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