This study evaluated the duck growth performance and the economic benefits on using illite as a feed additive for ducks. Illite powder at three levels (0%, 1%, and 1.5%) was added to commercial duck diets, and fed to 180 one-day-old ducks (Pekin, 3 replicates, 20 ducks per pen) using a randomized block design for 39 days. During the experimental period, there were no significant growth performance differences between treatments (p>0.05), except with the feed conversion ratio (p<0.05), for all periods (8-39 days). In addition, the dietary supplementation of 1% and 1.5% illite did not significantly improve (p>0.05) Feed Intake Cost (FIC), Weight Gain Value (WGV), Meat Production Cost (MPC), Economic Efficiency (EE), Profitability (P), or cost benefit ratio for 8 to 21 d, 22 to 39 d, and 8 to 39 d. However, the differences in meat production cost and profitability between treatments were statistically significant (p<0.05) for all periods (8-39 d). In conclusion, adding 1% and 1.5% illite to duck diets is not beneficial for improving either the duck growth performance or the economic indicators.

Abstract
 1. 서 론
 2. 연구방법
  2.1. 사양시험 설계
  2.2. 경제성 분석
  2.3. 통계분석
 3. 결과 및 고찰
 4. 결 론
 REFERENCES

• 최인학(중부대학교 애완동물자원학과) | In Hag Choi (Department of Companion Animal & Animal Resources Science, Joongbu University) Corresponding author