Abstract: Duck feet,as an important byproduct of poultry with significant economic value,have witnessed a rapid increase in consumer demand.Consumers prefer larger-sized and heavier duck feet,making quality breeding one of the means to obtain these desirable traits.While scholars both domestically and internationally have conducted research on the morphology,weight,size,and meat quality of duck feet,there is a lack of reported studies on quality breeding of duck feet.A comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying the growth and development of duck feet,as well as the screening of associated genetic markers,serves as an important theoretical foundation for quality breeding.It can provide crucial genetic resources for the improvement of meat duck varieties.Therefore,this paper provides an overview of the research progress on various traits of duck feet,including their basic structure,external morphology,weight,size,and meat quality measurement indicators and methods.It briefly describes the developmental process of duck feet during the embryonic stage,and focuses on discussing factors influencing the size,weight,external morphology,and meat quality of duck feet.Feasibility of quality breeding of duck feet is analyzed from a genetic perspective,and genes and genetic markers related to duck feet discovered in previous studies are summarized.Moreover,modern technologies and prospects for the study of duck feet meat quality are analyzed.Finally,this paper presents prospects for the future breeding direction of duck feet,advocating for the accurate assessment of duck feet using modern techniques,and the cultivation of meat duck strains with larger size and greater weight through the selection of molecular genetic markers associated with metatarsal and toe bones.This approach not only enhances their economic value but also benefits the health of ducks,further improving production performance and laying the foundation for genetic improvement of meat ducks and the development of related industries.

Key words: duck feet; duck; breeding; traits