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The aim of this study was to describe in detail the longitudinal growth and feedingtraits, that are key phenotypes for feed efficiency and force-feeding, in the threegenetically different types of ducks farmed for fatty liver production in France(Muscovy, Pekin, and mule ducks). Forty-one Muscovy, 35 Pekin, and 40 muleducks, all males, were reared with single-place electronic feeders to compare theirgrowth performances and feeding traits. Data were analyzed from 28 to 49 daysof age, after eliminating multiple-bird and unidentified visits (between 1 and 6%of data per genetic type). We studied the different traits at three time scales: forthe entire trial (covering 4 weeks), by week and by day. The effects of the genetictype (for the three time scales), the time scale and their interaction (for week andday scales only) were tested using linear mixed models with SAS software. At thetrial scale, the hybrid mule was characterized by a feeding behavior close to thatof Pekin ducks, and a production performance similar to Muscovy ducks. Like Pekinducks, mule ducks consumed two less per visit (26.8 g) than Muscovy ducks (P |
