Production performance and egg quality of the Alabio ducks (Anas platyrhynchos Borneo) on different ages of flocks during the first-laying period

Abstract

Background: The Alabio duck (Anas platyrhynchos Borneo) is one of the natural genetic resources that has the potential to be a superior type of laying duck in South Kalimantan. The purpose of the study was to examine egg production, duck feed conversion, and the physical quality of Alabio duck eggs at different ages during the production period of the first egg-laying period. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted at the Poultry Breeding Center (BPTU) in Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan. The materials used in this study were 5 flocks of female Alabio ducks (each with about 500 heads of ducks per flock) with different ages: 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, and 18 months. Results: The percentage of egg production was affected by the ages of Alabio ducks; the highest yield was at 9 months of age (87.60%) and the lowest at 18 months (47%) with an all-term first-period production average of 71.92%. The feed conversion ratio was affected by the ages of the Alabio ducks. The lowest FCR value was the 9-month age group (2.67) and the highest was the 18-month age group (4.64). The ages of the group have an effect on egg weight, egg shape index, yolk percentage, albumen percentage, percentage of eggshells, shell thickness, HU, yolk index, and albumen index, but have no real effect on yolk color. Conclusion Overall, 9-month-old Alabio ducks produce the highest egg production, the lowest feed conversion, and the best egg quality in averages.