Effect Of Garlic As Feed Additive On Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Meat Quality Of Muscovy Ducks Reared In Different Stocking Densities

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementing diet with different garlic powder concentrations (300 and 600gm/Ton) on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality (fat %) of Muscovy ducks exposed to different stocking densities; standard stocking density (4 birds/m2) and high stocking density (8 birds/m2). A total number of 180 one -day -old Muscovy ducklings were used in this experiment. Birds were randomly allocated into 18 symmetrical pens classified into 6 treatment groups (3 replicate / treatment). Groups (C, SS+G300, SS+G600) raised on standard stocking density and fed on basal diet supplemented with (0 , 300 and 600 g. garlic powder,/ton feed ) respectively while groups (HS, HS+G300, HS+G600) raised on high stocking density and fed on basal diet supplemented with (0 , 300 and 600 g. garlic powder/ton feed) respectively. The data of growth performance indicated that supplementation of garlic (600 gm / ton) significantly (p > 0.05) improved performance (body weight gain and FCR ) of ducks in standard stocking density (SS+G600) group and high stocking density  in (HS+G600) group. Concerning carcass characteristic and meat quality, results indicated that, garlic supplementation reduced fat % in thigh and breast muscles. It can be concluded that, adding garlic powder to duck ration can effectively compensate the negative effects of the high stocking density in Muscovy ducks.