Genetic selection to improve the performance of Pekin ducks in meat production continues to advance, with Grimaud Frères achieving significant breakthroughs in this field.
The main goal is clear: to produce ducks that quickly reach an optimal live weight and deliver high breast meat yields while minimizing feed consumption. Achieving this balance is a complex challenge, but with cutting-edge technologies and recognized scientific expertise, Grimaud Frères consistently pushes the boundaries of what is possible.
Advanced Technologies for Targeted Optimization
Regular early weighings are conducted to adjust slaughter age to younger growth stages while preserving the final product’s quality. A key innovation lies in the use of X-ray scanners, which provide exceptionally precise measurements of not only breast meat weight but also other critical attributes such as fat, muscle, and bone composition.
Feed efficiency, a central parameter in farming profitability, is meticulously analyzed using RFID- feeders. These devices record the individual feed intake of each duck in real time throughout its life, offering unmatched traceability and analytical precision. To go even further, GF employs an advanced method: Residual Feed Intake estimation. Far more precise than traditional Feed Conversion Ratios, this approach considers each animal’s morphological specifics, enabling the identification of the most efficient individuals, even within diverse groups.
These sophisticated phenotyping techniques are further enhanced by the integration of genomic selection. By incorporating molecular analyses at the DNA level, GF has accelerated its genetic gains by over 10% annually. This groundbreaking technology allows for unparalleled precision in identifying the genes responsible for highly desirable traits, such as rapid growth, resilience, and meat quality.
A Strong Focus on Animal Welfare
Pushing for enhanced performance in younger animals involves risks, but GF is committed to balancing genetic performance with animal welfare. A comprehensive set of preventive measures ensures the living conditions of the ducks remain uncompromised:
- Mobility Monitoring: The animals’ posture, gait, and locomotion are closely observed using geolocation technologies and embedded biosensors. These tools enable early detection of anomalies, allowing for prompt corrective action.
- Meat Quality: In-depth biochemical analyses are conducted to ensure flawless organoleptic properties, meeting the expectations of the most demanding consumers.
- Prevention of “Killer Traits”: To eliminate undesirable genetic traits, GF applies strict protocols, including, if necessary, the removal of entire family lines. This rigorous approach ensures continuous improvement of the breeds without compromising animal robustness.
Balanced Performance Benefiting Farmers and Animals
These precautions ensure that GF’s Pekin ducks combine high performance, animal welfare, and farmer satisfaction. GF is dedicated to providing competitive animals characterized by:
- Impeccable posture and gait, ensuring an attractive visual presentation and solid physical condition;
- Superior meat quality, offering optimal texture and flavor while maximizing yield;
- Minimal mortality rates, even in intensive production settings, thanks to the resilience of the selected animals.
By maintaining a balance between optimal genetic performance and respect for physiological limits, GF works to benefit both animals and farmers. After all, no farmer wants to face losses caused by avoidable physical weaknesses in their flock.
With GF, clients can trust that they are receiving animals that are not only high-performing and reliable but also designed to maximize profitability while meeting the ethical and commercial demands of an increasingly exacting market.
