Erdem, EvrenOnbasilar, Esin EbruGucuyener Hacan, Ozlem2020-06-252020-06-252015Erdem, E., Onbaşılar, E. E., Gücüyener, Ö. H. (2015). Effects of 16L : 8D photoperiod on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat composition, and blood parameters of Pekin ducks. Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 39(5), 568 - 575.1300-0128https://doi.org/10.3906/vet-1412-5https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12587/6283Onbasilar, Ebru/0000-0002-1321-0280The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 16L: 8D photoperiod on growth performance, carcass characteristics, relative organ weight, meat composition, and blood parameters in Pekin ducks. A total of 120 (60 male and 60 female) ducklings were used in the research. Each sex group was randomly allocated into 2 photoperiod groups, 24L : OD and 16L: 8D. Ducks reared under the 24L: OD photoperiod had higher body weight gain (P < 0.001); feed intake (P < 0.001); percentage of breast, wings, and skin with subcutaneous fat percentage (P < 0.001); and abdominal fat (P < 0.05). Sex of ducks affected body weight gain (P < 0.05; P < 0.001) and feed intake (P < 0.05) at days 1-42, as well as ash of thigh meat (P < 0.001) and creatine kinase level (P < 0.05). The present study concluded that the body weight gain and carcass development of ducks reared under the 24L: OD photoperiod was superior to those reared under the 16L: 8D photoperiod. A 24L: OD photoperiod is recommended for growth and carcass development in intensive Pekin duck-rearing systems.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessPhotoperiodgrowth performancecarcass characteristicsmeat compositionPekin duckArticle39556857510.3906/vet-1412-52-s2.0-84945180165Q3180289WOS:000365143900009Q4