Sexual Dimorphism in Carcass Traits of Duck

Abstract

The variation in carcass traits of male and female duck was evaluated at the poultry unit of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria. Thirty male and female ducks were raised under the same management condition for twelve weeks and slaughtered. Data collected include slaughter weight, plucked carcass weight, edible carcass, dressing yield, primal cut outs and internal organ weights. Analysis of variance showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in slaughter weight and some of the primal cut outs (wings, breast muscle, leg and head) of male and female duck. However, there was significant difference (P<0.05) in the plucked carcass weight and edible carcass of male and female duck. Male duck had higher plucked carcass weight and edible carcass (1210.00 ± 29.02 and 1050.00 ±35.04g, respectively) compared with female duck (with 1110 ± 36.49g and 980.00 ±10.08g respectively). Liver and gizzard weights were also significantly (P<0.05) higher in male than female ducks. Sexual dimorphism was also observed in the gastro intestinal tract of duck. Female duck had higher intestine weight than their male counterparts. However, the dressing yields of male (68.40 ± 1.29%) and female (62.60 ± 6.21%) ducks were not statistically different. In conclusion, sexual dimorphism exists in carcass traits of duck.