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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD) - Call for papers!

Morphometric Variabilities and Blood Protein and Isozyme Polymorphisms in Philippine Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos Linn.) and in Muscovy Ducks (Carina moschata Linn.) of the Philippines and Thailand

(Philippines), Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science (University of the Philippines Los Baños)

Abstract:

 

Two simultaneous studies were conducted to describe and compare the morphometric variabilities and genetic polymorphisms in Philippine Mallard and Muscovy duck varieties of the Philippines and Thailand.

In Study 1, 163 adult Philippine Mallards of both sexes were sampled from four locations in the Philippines. The body weight, breast depth, breast width, keel length, and shank length were measured, while the plumage color pattern, bill, shank, and skin colors were described. Four protein (pre-albumin, albumin, transferrin, and hemoglobin) and two isozymes (esterase and alkaline phosphate) were electrophoretically analyzed for genetic variants using a horizontal isoelectrofocusing (JEF) technique in thin polyacrylamide gel (PAGE).

In Study 2, 99 adult Muscovy ducks of both sexes from the Philippines and Thailand were sampled. The Philippine Muscovy ducks were sampled in locations where the Philippine Mallards were taken while the Thai Muscovy ducks were taken from Kasetsart University's Animal Farm on the Kamphaengsean campus.

Sexual dimorhism was consistently observed in favor of the drakes. Philippine Mallard from different locations differed (P<0.01) in measured body parameters but were simi lar in descriptive traits. Plumage color pattern varied, with the wild type being predominant. Regardless of sex and origin, the Philippine Mallards were generally black-billed, orange-shanked, and white-skinned. Protein and isozyme analysis revealed polymorphic loci in a ll markers screened (pre-albumin, albumin, transferrin, hemoglabin, esterase, and alkaline phosphatase). The Philippine Mallards showed high genetic heterozygozity. Similarly, Muscovy drakes from both the Philippines and Thailand were morphometrically superior in all parameters. Morphometric traits were different (P<0.01), with Thai gray being superior over the black and white varieties. The plumage color and pattern of Muscovy duck from both countries were wild-type and white down except for a blue dilution (gray) pattern of a Thai Muscovy.

The genetic profiles of the markers screened in each variety revealed polymorph isms. The Muscovy duck varieties of both countries showed high genetic homozygozity.