Abstract

Gross morphology and properties of duck wing feathers were studied in order to investigate the possibilities for the valorisation of waste duck feathers. Feather samples were collected from a total of 24 birds comprising of six males and females each of broiler Vigova Super-M ducks of six to eight weeks of age and spent Kuttanad (layer) ducks above 40 weeks of age from the Meat Technology Unit, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Kerala. The length and diameter of the feather barbs of these birds were recorded. Properties of barbs such as aspect ratio and fineness of barbs and density of whole feather fraction were also estimated and compared. The results pointed towards the sole features of the duck feather that are comparable with other natural or synthetic fibres for their substitution in various industries. Average length of barbs in broiler and Kuttanad ducks in the right side of right-wing feather was 2.32±0.10 cm and 1.83±0.07 cm, respectively. The diameter of the barbs was similar in both groups and the average diameter of barb was 0.06±0.004 mm which falls under spinnable diameter range which is suitable for textile application. Aspect ratio of barbs of duck feathers was in the desired range to be used in textile manufacturing. The fineness and relative density of barbs showed almost similar values among the groups. The relative density of whole feather fractions in ducks was found to be 0.65±0.01g/cm³. These results demonstrated the potential of duck feathers as a valuable raw material for spinning into thread, preparing slab or mat and they can be used directly or as composite for weaving clothing, eventually reducing the risk of environmental pollution produced by the feather wastes and ultimately generating extra income to the duck farmers.

Keywords : Wing feathers, Barbs, Properties, Kuttanad duck, Broiler duck, Aspect ratio