title: [Sexual behavior of muscovy ducks under conditions of intensive husbandry of adult animals: dependence on the time of day, husbandry conditions, body mass and health status].
abstract: Sexual behaviour of muscovy ducks kept under intensive husbandry conditions is described comprehensively. To characterize the sexual activity qualitatively four different categories were used. It could be demonstrated a typical diurnal rhythm of mating activity with a maximum in the afternoon. The mating activity was diminished also at the end of the laying period. Body mass as well as state of health have an influence on quality and quantity of mating activity. Body weight, mating activity and size of foot pads are correlated with each other; the higher the body weight the higher the size of foot pads and the lower the mating activity. Besides of this, the mating activity is influenced by keeping conditions and genetic factors.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Verhaltensbiologie und Zoologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bilsing
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Holub
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nichelmann
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004372:Ducks / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D008297:Male; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal