COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF INCUBATION AND PRODUCTIVE TRAITS OF DUCKS OF THE «BASHKIR COLORED» AND «ANSAR» CROSSBREEDS

This scientific study presents a comparative analysis of the incubation traits of duck eggs from the “Bashkir Colored” and “Ansar” crossbreeds, conducted at LLP "Bishkul Poultry Farm" and the Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian-Technical University. The purpose of the study was to identify genotypic and technological factors affecting egg fertility, hatchability, duckling survival, and to determine the most effective crossbreeding direction for improving waterfowl productivity. The research examined such indicators as the percentage of unfertilized eggs, presence of blood rings, embryo mortality at various stages, number of hatched and surviving ducklings, and causes of egg rejection. The results showed that the ♂Ansar × ♀Bashkir Colored cross demonstrated superior incubation traits compared to the reverse combination. There was a reduction in total egg rejection, improved hatchability rates, and increased duckling survival. Furthermore, significant differences were observed in egg production, proportion of incubated eggs, and biological viability of the offspring. The findings have both scientific and practical value for poultry breeding specialists and may serve as a basis for the development of breeding and selection programs for ducks in Kazakhstan and other regions. This study highlights the importance of proper selection of parental lines and optimization of incubation technologies.