Developmental Changes of Skin Quality From Breast, Back, and Thigh of Pekin Ducks From 1 to 6 Weeks of Age

This study on Pekin ducks examined the developmental changes in skin quality from 1 to 6 weeks of age, focusing on skin strength, thickness, and collagen content. Six male ducks were sampled weekly from the breast, back, and thigh. Results indicated that body weight, skin weight, area, density, and collagen content increased with age, peaking at 5-6 weeks. Gene expressions related to cell proliferation and collagen synthesis varied, with IGF-1 and FGFR1 peaking at 3 weeks, and FGF14 and EGF at 5 weeks. The study concluded that skin growth followed a linear pattern, while skin quality improved quadratically, linked to gene expression changes.