EFFECT OF PLUMAGE COLOUR ON BODY WEIGHT AND BODY MEASUREMENTS OF MUSCOVY DUCKS IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This research was carried out to determine the effects of plumage colour on body weights and body linear measurements of Muscovy ducks, within Maiduguri metropolis. The information collected were plumage colour, body weight and linear body measurements, from 0-9 weeks at weekly interval. Data collected were analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) and significant means were separated by the Duncan’s multiple range tests. The results obtained showed that the mean body weight from 0-9 weeks ranged from 32.87 g to 1282.40 g respectively. Three plumage colors are recorded; White, multicoloured and Black and White. The highest body weights and body measurements among the three plumage colours were recorded for multicoloured but had no significantly (P>0.05) effect with the other plumage colors in all ages measured. However, improvement in body weight and body measurements of Muscovy duck up to nine weeks of age can be achieved with white, multicoloured and white and black plumage colour.