Welfare and productivity in muscovy ducks: Impact of swimming pond availability

Housing conditions strongly influence both the welfare and productivity of farmed poultry. Muscovy ducks, unlike many other commercial species, are naturally adapted to water and may benefit from access to swimming facilities. In this study, we explored how providing a pond environment affects the overall health, growth, and product quality of these birds, while also considering natural differences between males and females. Ducks allowed to swim displayed better hygiene, with cleaner plumage and healthier eyes and nostrils, suggesting a direct link between water access and welfare. Their physiological status also indicated a more balanced metabolism. Growth patterns differed over time, but ultimately ducks with swimming access achieved similar or superior body development compared with those kept without water. Differences were also apparent in carcass composition and bone quality. Swimming birds carried less excess fat and produced stronger skeletal tissue with greater mineral content, outcomes that can be considered both a welfare and a production advantage. Sex differences were evident across many traits: males generally grew larger and had heavier carcasses, while females tended to show higher fat loss after processing. These observations underline that management practices interact with biological factors in shaping performance and meat quality. Overall, the findings demonstrate that incorporating swimming ponds into Muscovy duck housing not only enhances bird welfare by improving hygiene and natural behavior but also contributes to valuable production traits. Such housing adjustments may therefore represent a sustainable step forward in balancing animal welfare with the expectations of modern poultry production.