A meta-analysis of genetic estimates for economically important traits in ducks

Abstract

This study aimed to gather published genetic parameter estimates for economically important traits in ducks through a meta-analysis utilizing the random-effects model. The present study used a dataset on genetic parameters of various duck traits, including 275 genetic correlation estimates and 233 heritability estimates from 31 studies published between 1988 and 2024. The heritability estimates for growth traits were generally low to high and varied from 0.154 (for body weight gain) to 0.405 (for body weight at first egg), respectively. Results showed that heritability estimates for egg production and quality traits were generally low to moderate, ranging from 0.119 (for egg shell strength) to 0.340 (for egg weight). The heritability estimates for feeding traits were generally moderate to high and varied from 0.266 (for residual feed intake) to 0.624 (for meal feed intake), respectively. The results indicate that there was a high genetic correlation (0.827, P < 0.05) between feed intake and residual feed intake, but low to moderate genetic correlations (P < 0.05) were found between feed intake and feed conversion ratio (0.318). The results of the current meta-analysis supported the hypothesis that these duck traits exhibit additive genetic variation. Genetic selection schemes for ducks may thus potentially take advantage of the available additive genetic variation in these traits. Furthermore, in cases where accurate estimates for economically significant traits in duck populations across the globe are unavailable, the average genetic parameter estimates presented in this meta-analysis can be used in breeding plans.