Classification and Comparison of Eight Different Growth Curve Methods for Pekin Duck

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Agricultural Research
• Quantitative Biology

Background:

• Growth is a critical trait in livestock, influencing economic viability.
• Growth curve models visually represent body weight changes over time.
• These models aid in predicting body weight at specific ages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare eight different growth models for Pekin ducks.
• To identify the most suitable model for describing Pekin duck growth in Türkiye.
• To assess model performance using various statistical criteria.

Main Methods:

• Eight growth models (Brody, Gompertz, Logistic, Gamma, Schnute, Richards, Negative Exponential, von Bertalanffy) were fitted.
• Data from 109 female and 110 male Pekin ducks over 10 weeks were used.
• Model parameters were estimated using SAS 9.0 and the Gauss-Newton algorithm.

Main Results:

• Growth models clustered into three groups for both sexes.
• Schnute and Richards models showed high suitability for 70-day growth.
• Richards model was recommended for its computational simplicity.

Conclusions:

• The Richards model provides a reliable and practical approach for Pekin duck growth prediction.
• Model selection is crucial for accurate growth assessment in poultry.
• Comparative analysis of growth models enhances understanding of avian development.