Effects of lighting programme, feed restriction, energy and protein allowances on the performances of breeder Pekin ducks

The effects of rearing conditions of Pekin ducks on their laying performances were studied. Two lighting programmes (photostimulation begining on weeks 16 and 19) and two feed restriction levels (allowing ducks to reach a weight of 2.6 and 2.8 kg at 21 weeks of age) were tested. Also the effects of three layer diets with different concentrations of metabolisable energy (10.04, 10.88 or 11.72 MJ ME/kg. Were included into the investigation. The two lighting programmes practically provided the same laying performances. The more severe feed restriction level improved the egg production and allowed a feed economy around 8.5 kg per duck, for the whole carrier (0-65 weeks) of the females. The different layers diets tested had no effect on the laying performances because the ducks were quite able to regulate their feed consumption according to the metabolisable energy concentration in the diet.