Effects of Keeping Method on Reactions of Ducks to Hot Weather

Abstract Providing the birds with a water pool, in comparison to rearing in open yard, reduced values of the body, skin and feather temperatures and respiration rate in the Pekin and Sudani ducks. Sudani ducks showed higher reduction in body, skin and feather temperatures than Pekin due to the differences in feather coat thickness and structure. The reduction in respiration rate was greater in Pekin than in Sudani ducks. The reduction in the body reactions was highest at noon.