Study on performance evaluation and crossbreeding effects for juvenile body weights in duck

A 3×3 complete diallel experiment was made using three populations of ducks namely indigenous duck (D), Khaki Campbell (K) and White Pekin (W). Standard feeding and management practices were followed. Body weight at first day, 1, 3, 5 and 7^th week of age were recorded. Data were analysed to derive the differences between genetic groups. The traits showing significant difference were used for the analysis of combining ability. Heterosis per cent was also calculated. Significant differences between different genetic groups were observed for all the traits studied. Body weight at 7 weeks of age were 995, 1069, 2145, 1185, 1707, 1316, 1815, 1633 and 1559 g, respectively. W recorded significant higher body weight amongst the purebreds irrespective the age. Body weights were higher in the crosses having White Pekin as one parent. Significant general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) and reciprocal effect (RE) were observed for all the traits indicating importance of additive genetic effects, non-additive genetic effects and maternal/sex linked effects. Heterosis per cent decreased with the advancement of the age. The study indicates that for meat purpose KW and DW are useful as they recorded higher body weight, whereas for medium weight type duck WD and WK are the preferred crosses and may be used as dual purpose duck. For smaller duck DK and KD are the best choice which may be used for egg laying purpose.