Effect of selection for improved body weight and composition on muscle and meat characteristics in Muscovy duck

1. For 25 years, the Muscovy duck has been selected for greater body weight at slaughter age, higher meat yield and lower fat content. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of such selection on the biochemical and technological characteristics of duck meat. 2. A line which has been maintained without any selection since 1975 (control line) and a heavy line now commercialised (selected line) were reared under the same conditions. We compared growth performances, dressing and dissection yields and biochemical and technological characteristics of duck meat at 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age. 3. Our results showed that an indirect effect of selection was to increase the duck growth rate. At a given age, muscle weights and yields as well as carcase fat content were higher for selected ducks. In the selected line, muscle fibres were larger and the collagen content in muscles lower. 4. The Sartorius muscle in ducks from the selected line exhibited a higher percentage in numbers of white type IIb fibres to the detriment of red type IIa fibres. Its glycolytic enzyme activity was higher and its oxidative enzyme activity lower. 5. In breast muscle, selection decreased the rate of post-mortem decline in pH value, increased protein and mineral contents and decreased moisture. It did not affect fibre type, colour, haem pigment and lipid contents, collagen solubility or drip loss. 6. In conclusion, the effects of Muscovy duck selection on meat quality were relatively moderate.