Comparative Serum Biochemical Profile for Different Breeds of Ducks versus White Leghorn Chickens in Peak Laying Period

An investigation was carried out to compare the serum biochemical profile of two prominent avian species: ducks vis a vis chickens, at peak egg production phases. The genotypes consisted of 3 breeds of ducks: Khaki Campbell, White Pekins and a native duck breed: Kuzhi (reared in Odisha and adjoining regions) and besides the White Leghorn chickens, at 50 week age, numbering 30 each, with rearing done in individual cages. The result revealed significant (p>0.0001) genotype-associated differences for almost all the serum biochemical parameters, except globulin. There existed a significant (p>0.0001) difference between the species (duck verses chicken) for these parameters, with distinct inter-breed variations. Among the lipid profile HDL of ducks remained comparable to that of chickens, with the indigenous Kuzhi ducks displaying the most desirable lipid-profile of all the genotypes except LDL. The serum liver-enzymes (SGOT and SGPT) were well within normal ranges, expected or laying birds with significant difference between species, with between-breed variations among ducks. It was concluded that, ducks had significantly-distinct and variant serum biochemical profiles compared to chickens, where the indigenous ducks (of Odisha region) possessed the most- desirable estimates, as expected from table- egg laying species.