Morphometric, morphology and body weights of Kudu duck found in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha

Abstract

A comprehensive scientific survey was conducted across four sub-divisions encompassing 18 blocks of the Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, to assess the morphological features, body conformation traits, and body weights of native ducks. A total of 2,190 ducks were evaluated, representing 204 farming families. Data collection focused on body coloration and morphometric traits in both sexes. The average flock size of Kudu ducks was 10.74 birds, comprising 2.91 drakes (27.09%), 5.24 ducks (48.79%), and 2.59 ducklings (24.12%) per household. The mean adult body weight at 12 months of age was 1.292 ± 0.017 kg for drakes and 1.231 ± 0.015 kg for ducks, with drakes being significantly heavier (P<0.01). There was considerable variation in the coloration of most body parts across individuals and sexes, with no uniform colour pattern identified. Common colours included black, light brown, and grey, often in combination. However, some consistent traits were observed: all ducks had light pink skin and black eyes. Black head coloration was predominant in drakes (59.65%) but observed in only 13.89% of females. A white neck ring was present in more than 50% of both sexes. A mosaic plumage pattern was the most prevalent across both sexes. Metallic green bills were more commonly found in drakes (41.23%), while females displayed a broader range of bill colours (9.03%–22.22%). Orange shanks and feet were observed in over 70% of individuals regardless of sex. Drakes exhibited significantly greater values in bill length and width, head width, neck length, breast length, body length, wingspan, and body circumference. Interestingly, ducks had a significantly wider head (P<0.01) compared to drakes. The study concludes that native ducks of Mayurbhanj are relatively small-sized birds, with their body weight and conformation traits suggesting a better suitability for egg production rather than meat. Despite the wide variability in colour patterns, key distinguishing features—such as the white neck ring, mosaic plumage, and the presence of light brown feathers in females—make these ducks distinct within the local population.