Comparison Between Geese, Peking Ducks and Mallards in Ability to Digest Common Rye-Grass

The aim of this digestibility experiment was to observe the differences between geese, peking ducks and mallards to digest common ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Adult birds were used for the trials. The grass was frozen after harvesting, stored until the experimental period and fed in fresh constitution. The birds were reared in special single cages and had free access to water and grass. Geese have the best adapted digestive tract of all waterfowl species to consume and digest high-fibre feedstuffs. Peking ducks are able to consume a lot of grass and it seems the digestibility values are similar to geese. The acceptance of mallards for grass is low but the feed value appears not strongly different from geese and peking ducks