[Requirements of Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domestica) for crude protein and energy levels of fattening diets].

Groups of male and female Cairina ducks subjected to equal starter feeding (1st to 3rd weeks) were used from the 4th week of live (fattening period) to test feed mixes of varying energy and crude protein levels (480 energetic feed equivalents/heu[EFH] - 140 g crude protein[CP]; 480 EFh - 180/g CP; 555 EFh - 140 g CP; 555 EFh - 180 g CP; 625 EEh - 140 g CP; 625 EFh - 180 g CP - all figures referred to 1 kg of feed). The different energy levels remained without influence of the live weight development. High-energy feed caused, however, higher expenditures of energetic feed equivalents per kg of gain and resulted in carcases with higher fat proportion. At all the 3 energy levels under study, high-protein feeding proved superior to low-protein rations with regard to live weight gains and meat yield. For the time being, 500 EFh and 180 g CP per kg of organic matter are recommended as indicators for Cairina duck fattening rations.