A Sex-linked Character in Ducks

Abstract

ALTHOUGH sex-linked characters are known in fowls, pigeons, doves, and canaries, none has hitherto been recorded in ducks. From the industrial point of view, a sex-linked character affecting the down of the newly hatched duckling, enabling the sexes to be distinguished at this stage, would be of considerable importance; for the runner duck, though a magnificent layer, is comparatively valueless for table purposes. It is true that the sexes can be distinguished by a careful examination of the cloaca even at hatching, but this as a rule demands more skill on the part of the operator than the average duck farmer possesses.