Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Egg production and the incubation qualities of eggs are key indicators of reproductive efficiency and the breeding value of ducks. The aim of the study was to investigate productive traits and the incubation qualities of eggs from different duck crosses, including Kyzylzhar, Cherry Valley, Bashkir Colored, and Ansar, under the conditions of the Northern and Western regions of Kazakhstan. The study evaluated egg-laying intensity, total egg production, egg weight, fertility, the yield of hatching eggs, duckling hatchability, survival rates of adult birds and young stock, as well as feed costs per unit of production. The results showed that the Cherry Valley and Ansar crosses demonstrated higher and more stable egg production compared with the Kyzylzhar and Bashkir Colored crosses. The Ansar cross also exhibited superior incubation performance, including higher fertility rates, a greater yield of hatching eggs, and higher duckling hatchability. In addition, the survival rate of young stock and overall economic efficiency were higher, making this cross the most promising for industrial and breeding purposes. Morphological analysis of the eggs confirmed their high biological quality and compliance with the requirements for hatching eggs. The findings of the study allow recommending the Ansar and Cherry Valley crosses for effective use in breeding and commercial duck production, ensuring high productivity, high-quality young stock, and optimal feed costs.
Source: Ġylym ža̋ne bìlìm
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7125422992