A factorial design experiment (3x3) was performed to study the effect of three levels of energy (2800, 3000 and 3200 Kcal ME/Kg) and three levels of corn gluten feed, CGF (0, 8 and 16%) on growth performance and economical efficiency of White Pekin ducklings.
A total number of 270 unsexed two-weeks-old White Pekin ducklings were randomly distributed among 9 treatment groups (30 ducklings each) nearly equal in average live body weight. Each group was subdivided into three replicates each of 10 ducklings. Growth performance, some carcass traits, blood constituents and economical efficiency were studied. The results obtained could be summarized as follows:
Live body weight and daily weight gain were significantly (P<0.05) higher with the 3000 Kcal ME/Kg diet energy level at most experimental period. During the starter (2 to 7 weeks age) and the whole experimental (2 to 12 weeks age) periods, improved (P<0.05) feed conversion values were noticed with the 3000 Kcal ME/Kg diet energy level. Ducklings fed the level of 8% corn gluten feed possessed significantly (P<0.05) higher live body weight at 7 and 12 weeks of age than those fed 0 or 16% corn gluten feed. The best feed conversion value was found with ducklings fed 8% CGF. Liver, heart, total giblets and abdominal fat percentages were significantly (P<0.05) affected by dietary energy level. The previous carcass traits increased with increasing dietary energy level in Pekin duckling diets. However, no significant effects of dietary energy level on gizzard, carcass and dressing weight percentages of Pekin ducklings were observed. It is worth to note that, liver, heart, carcass and dressing percentages were increased significantly (P<0.05) with the increasing the dietary corn gluten feed from 0 to 16%.Increasing the dietary energy level from 2800 to either 3000 or 3200 Kcal ME/Kg diet caused a significant (P<0.05) increase in cholesterol blood values. Ducklings fed the diet contained 3000 Kcal ME/Kg diet and 8% CGF recorded the best EEf as compared with other treatment or control. From the previous results, it can be concluded that a dietary level of 3000 Kcal ME/Kg diet with 8% CGF is recommended for feeding growing Pekin ducks from 2 to 12 weeks of age.