The maintenance requirement of domestic drakes

Abstract

1. Mature domestic drakes of 7 genotypes, ranging in live weight from 1·1 to 5·1 kg, were each given a daily allowance of feed just below the level of recorded ad libitum intake.

2. House temperature was maintained at 26°C for 16 weeks and then at 10°C for a further 8 weeks.

3. Under these conditions, live weight quickly adjusted to the level of feed supplied and then remained stable.

4. Regression of metabolisable energy intake on live weight (W) yielded estimates of maintenance requirement of 583 kJ/kgW ^0·75·d at 10°C and 523 kJ/kgW ^0·75·d at 26°C.

Acknowledgement

The authors are very grateful to Cherry Valley Farms, Rothwell, Lincolnshire, who provided all the resources for this trial.