Abstract
The study of the nutritional effects of tannins is complex due to the large chemical diversity; consequently, in poultry nutrition the biological responses may vary greatly. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of dietary Quebracho tannins (QT) on growth and production performance in slow-growing type Muscovy ducks. For this purpose, a 42-d trial was carried out on 126 male ducks (42-d old at start), fed on three levels of dietary QT inclusion in the diet (0% as control diet, vs. 1.5% vs. 2.5% on an as fed basis). Birds were reared under free-range conditions. A linear increase in feed intake as a function of QT inclusion in the diet was observed (p < 0.05). No difference as to final body weight, overall average daily weight gain (ADG) and total feed conversion ratio (FCR) in relation to dietary treatments was observed. Carcass yields were positively improved in QT birds (p < 0.05). No adverse responses were recorded in total blood protein and liver weight. Dietary QT might be safely used up by to 2.5% in 42- to 84-d aged male Muscovy ducks.