Some egg and hatching traits of local ducks, Turkish Pekins and Muscovy ducks in Isparta/Turkey (short communication)

Abstract. The purpose of the research was to study some egg and hatching traits of Boz, Yeşilbaş, Kara ducks (as the local names) in comparison with Turkish Pekin and Muscovy ducks in intensive conditions in Isparta province of Turkey. Average egg weights of Boz, Yeşilbaş, Kara, Turkish Pekin, Black Muscovy, Black-white Muscovy, White Muscovy ducks were 68.6, 71.5, 71.0, 71.5, 73.3, 76.3, 75.5g; average percentages of fertility were 70.2, 73.0, 54.2, 78.5, 63.4, 33.5, 64.5 %, respectively. Black-white Muscovy ducks had the highest egg weight. Minor differences were found in the values of egg shape index and values of fertility. The percentage of hatchability of fertile eggs and embryo mortality did not differ among genotypes. The weight of day-old bird there were significant differences between the genotypes. A high weight reached Black-White Muscovy ducks with 46.2 g and the lowest weight were found in Boz genotype with 41.7 g. The results were discussed.