Effects of particle size of corn and stocking densities on the performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract development of Muscovy ducks in housing

Abstract

The current investigation was conducted to investigate the effects of different particle sizes of corn and stocking densities on performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development of Muscovy ducks in housing. 200 Muscovy ducks were distributed in a factorial scheme (2x2) where the treatments were constituted by two stocking densities (2 or 3 birds/m2) and two particle sizes of corn (6 or 8 mm), with five replicated of 10 birds each. At 1, 35, 70, and 90 days old, Muscovy ducks were slaughtered using cervical dislocation method to evaluate the development of heart and GIT. Muscovy ducks managed in the density of 3 birds/m2 presented higher (P < 0.05) GIT development, performance and carcass traits regardless of age evaluated. In the same way, Muscovy ducks fed diets using a particle size of corn of 6 mm (Mean Geometric Diameter (MGD) = 781 µm) presented higher (P < 0.05) GIT development, performance and carcass traits regardless of age evaluated. Conclusively, the stocking density of 3 birds/m2 and the particle size of corn of 6 mm (MGD = 781 µm) were considered ideal recommendations for Muscovy ducks, providing higher GIT development, which resulted in better performance and carcass traits.