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Breeder Age Alters Offspring Performance in the Pekin Duck

C. M. Braun^*, S. Neuman, P. Y. Hester^* and M. A. Latour^*

^* Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1151
Embrex, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-3989

Correspondence: M. A. Latour, E-mail: gator{at}purdue.edu

There are reports that age of broiler breeders and turkey breeders can influence offspring performance; however, there are no data to support such possibilities in the Pekin duck. The effects of breeder age (prepeak and postpeak egg production) on fertility and hatchability were evaluated. Additionally, after hatch the effects of breeder age on body weight gain, feed conversion rates, and mortality through 8 d of age were investigated. These data suggest that prepeak breeders (24 wk of age) exhibit lower levels of fertility and reduced hatch of fertile eggs. In addition, ducklings from prepeak breeders display lower body weight gains and higher mortality rates when compared to their counterpart hatched from peak or postpeak breeders.

Key Words: hatchability • fertility • breeder age