Comparative Growth Performance and Morphometric Assessment of Ducks Reared under Semi-Intensive Management System

The present study was conducted to evaluate the comparative growth performance, morphometric traits and productive parameters of Khaki Campbell (KC), Kuzi and their crossbred (KC × Kuzi) ducks under a semi-intensive management system in Assam. A total of 403 birds (189 drakes and 214 ducks) were assessed up to 18 weeks of age under both farm and field conditions. Weekly body weight, morphometric measurements and reproductive traits were recorded and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, and differences among groups were considered significant at P < 0.05. The results revealed that crossbred ducks exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher body weight compared to the pure breeds during most weeks of growth. At 18 weeks of age, crossbreds attained the highest body weight (1958.25 ± 52.63 g), followed by Kuzi (1911.00 ± 35.75 g) and Khaki Campbell (1894.00 ± 59.04 g). Significant (P < 0.05) differences in growth were particularly evident during the early and mid-growth phases (3rd–10th week). Morphometric evaluation indicated that key conformation traits such as keel length, breast angle and chest circumference were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in crossbred ducks, suggesting superior body conformation. Additionally, crossbred ducks reached sexual maturity significantly (P < 0.05) earlier (126 days) compared to Kuzi (137 days) and Khaki Campbell (140 days). Body weight at sexual maturity differed significantly (P < 0.05) among the groups, with Kuzi recording the highest value (1991.00 g), followed by crossbreds (1958.25 g) and Khaki Campbell (1888.00 g). Egg quality parameters, including egg weight, shape index, yolk index, albumen index and shell thickness, did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the three genetic groups and were within acceptable ranges. In conclusion, the KC × Kuzi crossbred ducks demonstrated significantly (P < 0.05) improved growth performance, superior morphometric traits and earlier sexual maturity without compromising egg quality traits, making them a promising genetic resource for enhancing duck production under semi-intensive farming systems.