Comparison of growth performance, carcass yield and composition, and fatty acid profiles of Pekin and Muscovy ducklings fed diets based on food wastes

Pekin and Muscovy male ducklings were raised on diets based on food wastes. Three feeding systems were offered: commercial pellets (control), partial food waste (PFW) and 100% food waste (FW). For the starting, growing and finishing periods, respectively, the control system provided 25, 23 and 21% crude protein (CP) on a dry matter (DM) basis. The two experimental systems each had a dry pelleted diet and a wet mash diet offered free choice. The PFW system had two rations for the dry diet containing 23 and 22% CP for the starting and growing–finishing periods, respectively, whereas the wet diet had a single ration with 17% CP on a DM basis. The FW also had two forms of diets: dry pellets (18% CP) and wet mash (20% CP). The PFW ducks had higher (P < 0.05) body weights than those of the control system. Both breeds consumed less feed of PFW and FW than those on the control. Feed efficiency was significantly improved for PFW and FW relative to control for both breeds. The birds fed food waste diets consumed higher proportions of fat and less protein. Pekins had higher (P < 0.05) content of skin and fat, whereas the Muscovies had a higher (P < 0.05) content of meat and bone. Both breeds had a preference for wet over dry diets as a percentage of the total feed consumption. Fatty acid profiles of the subcutaneous fat showed significant breed but no feeding system differences. These results suggest industrial food wastes have potential nutritional value as alternative feedstuffs. Key words: Food waste, duck, performance, carcass, fatty acid