LIVE WEIGHT, SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDICES AND HORMONAL PROFILES OF YEARLING MUSCOVY DRAKES (CAIRINA MOSCHATA) IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine live weight, serum biochemical indices and hormonal profiles of Muscovy drakes in Maiduguri, Borno state. Fifteen (15) one year old drakes were dewormed and quarantined for a period of two weeks during which they were fed a commercial layer diet (16%CP) and water ad libitum. The live weight of each drake was taken before blood collection. Blood samples for serum biochemical analysis and hormonal assay was collected from the wing-vein by means of a sterile disposable (21-guage) syringe and needle and placed in anticoagulant free samples bottles to obtain serum. Total protein, albumin, globulin, sodium, potassium, chlorine, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were recorded. Live weight of the drakes ranged from 1800-3900g with an average of 2766.67±139.71g. The mean levels of total protein, albumin and globulin were 48.67g/l, 17.00g/l and 31.53g/l respectively. Testosterone level of 3.79±0.45ng/mol, Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) range of 0.10-1.40mmol/ml with a mean of 0.51mmol/l and mean Luteinizing hormone (LH) of 2.93±0.44 mmol/ml were recorded. A positive relationship was noted between body weight and luteinizing hormone levels while serum protein was negatively related to body weight. It was concluded that the sex hormones levels (testosterone, FSH and LH), testicular morphology and serum biochemical profiles of Muscovy ducks in the semi-arid zones of Nigeria are similar to those reported in literature.