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[Water supply for Peking ducks--possible alternatives for bathing]
1Institut für Tierschutz, Verhaltenskunde und Tierhygiene der Tierärztlichen Fakultät der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. e.heyn@tierhyg.vetmed.uni-muenchen.de
DTW. Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift
|May 4, 2006
Summary
Open water drinkers, like troughs and bells, significantly improve Peking duck welfare and health in intensive farming. Ducks preferred open water systems, showing better activity, fewer plugged nostrils, and improved plumage.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Agricultural Engineering
Context:
- Intensive duck husbandry often relies on nipple drinkers, potentially limiting natural behaviors.
- Assessing alternative watering systems is crucial for animal welfare and productivity.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the impact of open water drinkers (troughs/showers) versus nipple drinkers on Peking duck behavior and health.
- To determine if open water systems meet animal welfare requirements for natural water-associated activities.
Summary:
- Six trials with Cherry Valley Peking ducks (1152 total) over 47-49 days compared nipple drinkers with open water systems.
- Ducks in pens with open water drinkers exhibited preferred drinking behaviors and higher activity levels.
- Open water access reduced plugged nostrils and improved plumage condition, with limited access increasing usage intensity.
Impact:
- Open water systems enhance duck welfare by allowing natural behaviors and improving health outcomes.
- Findings suggest a shift towards open water systems could benefit intensive duck farming practices.
- Improved bird health and welfare can lead to better production efficiency in poultry farming.
