Genetic characterization of growth and adaptive biometrics in Kuttanad ducks of Kerala

Sahana, V.N., Abraham, B.L. and Chacko, B. 2024. Genetic characterization of growth and adaptive biometrics in Kuttanad ducks of Kerala. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 59(2): 105–110.

The present study aimed at the genetic characterization of Kuttanad duck varieties of Kerala based on their body weight and body measurements. The mean body weight at hatch, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks of age in Kuttanad ducks were found to be 36.54±0.30 g, 234.80±5.94 g, 472.76±11.18 g, 753.92±20.99 g, 1044.98±20.85 g, 1262.22±18.53 g, 1423.10±17.69 g, 1529.65±17.04 g and 1654.46±18.13 g, respectively. The mean length of trunk to neck (LTN), length of trunk (LT), length of neck (LN), length of breast bone (LBB), chest girth (CG) and shank length (LS) at 16 weeks of age were found to be 43.23±0.21 cm, 25.16±0.17 cm, 20.12±0.17 cm, 12.27±0.07 cm, 31.73±0.17 cm and 7.76±0.04 cm respectively. The body weight at 8, 10 and 16 weeks of age differed significantly among the sexes (p≤0.05). Among ecotypes, Chara ducks were significantly heavier with higher fortnightly body weight gain than Chemballi ducks from the grower (8-10 weeks) to finisher or pre-pullet stages (14-16 weeks). They also had significantly longer breast bones and larger chest girth than Chemballi at stages from 10 to 16 weeks of age (p≤0.05). The dominant patterns of growth and biometry of breast bone or chest revealed possibly higher meatiness and meat-type attributes in Chara making it a more promising meat-type variety than Chemballi. The significantly longer necks of Chemballi suggested a probable superior swimming efficiency than Chara in the flood-hit home tract (p≤0.05). The necks and shanks of Kuttanad were also longer than those of most other Indian ducks and hence likely served as indicators of acquired traits of adaptability to feeding and swimming in the turbulent waters of the home tract.