Increasing the Hatchability of Mulards in Western Kazakhstan

The study presents the results of research aimed at improving the methods of obtaining hybrids of Muscovy and domestic ducks. The experiments were conducted at Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian-Technical University (2024–2025) using Muscovy drakes and female ducks of the Medeo breed and Ansar cross. A comparative assessment of semen collection methods showed that the use of a teaser female with subsequent collection of ejaculate into an artificial vagina ensured a higher percentage of semen yield (32 vs. 24 drakes), a greater volume (0.34 vs. 0.27 cm³), and increased sperm motility (9.32 vs. 8.56 points) compared to manual massage. This approach resulted in higher egg fertilization rates (86.5% vs. 82.3%) and a significantly greater percentage of hatched Mulard ducklings (42.5% vs. 38.2%). Additionally, the influence of the maternal genotype on incubation performance was established. Ansar cross ducks demonstrated higher fertilization (85.4%), slightly better hatchability (43.8% vs. 41.0%), and a greater yield of hybrid ducklings (36.5% vs. 34.7%) compared to Medeo ducks. Thus, the overall results confirm the feasibility of using the teaser female method for semen collection and employing Ansar cross ducks as the maternal line. This approach improves the efficiency of hybrid reproduction and creates prerequisites for further advancement of Mulard meat hybrid production technologies.