Growth performance of local ducks, Khaki Campbell and their reciprocal crosses under different management systems

Perfonnance of non-descript local ducks, Khaki Campbell and their reciprocal crosses was studied from day-old to 18 weeks of age. For each genotype, 4 replicates of 20 females Wlder semi-intensive and systems with standard management and 4 replicates of 65 birds (15 male + 50 female) under extensive system were maintained on traditional scavenging with partial supplementation of feed. Body weight, feed intake and livability were better (P<0.01) under semi-intensive and intensive. systems than under extensive system of management and reverse was true with feed conversion ratio (FCR). Livability was significantly (P<0.01) better in local and crossbred ducks than in Khaki Campbell. Though the crosses had better body weight than other genotypes at 8th week of age, however no significant difference was observed between genotypes at 18th week of age. FCR with crosses was better (P<0.0l) than with Khaki Campbell or local ducks up to 8 weeks of age. It is concluded that Khaki Campbell and crossbred ducks can also be reared under extensive system of management with satisfactory growth perfonnance.