Comparative Performance and Hemato-Biochemical Profile of Jinding Ducks in Different Production Systems of Bangladesh

Jinding ducks are newly introduced to Bangladesh in commercial and household rearing. In order to assess production and hemato-biochemical status of Jinding ducks studies were conducted on household ducks of Chatkhil (August 2005-2006) and Sonagazi duck breeding farm (August 2008-June 2009). One hundred Jinding ducks (60 Chatkhil and 40 Sonagazi duck breeding farm) were randomly selected each time of sampling from 2,300 birds (300 Chatkhil and 2,000 Sonagazi duck breeding farm). Sexual maturity and average egg production per duck was calculated. Ducks attained better (P<0.001) average weight at Chatkhil than at Sonagazi duck breeding farm. Annual egg production was significantly lower (P<0.001) at Chatkhil than at Sonagazi duck breeding farm. Lymphocyte counts, serum total proteins, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were recorded significantly higher in Chatkhil ducks than in Sonagazi duck breeding farm ducks while it was reverse for monocytes and heterophils. Hemoglobin and packed cell volume in ducks differed non-significantly. Total erythrocytes counts increased with advancing age of ducks in both sites. In conclusion egg production performance of ducks was poor in Chatkhil. Hematobiochemical indices (in particular lymphocyte, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) were potentially higher in ducks of Chatkhil.