For a long time, lipids oxidation and the role of micro-organisms have been considered to be an important factor in the deterioration of meat product quality. In recent years, the influence of protein oxidation on the quality of meat products has been gradually recognized [
1,
2]. Muscle protein could promote the tissue structure of meat products, in particular its gelling property plays an important role in the quality and sensory performance of meat products [
3]. However, myofibrillar proteins is a very sensitive substance to reactive oxygen free radicals. Oxidation of meat is inevitable during processing and storage. In addition, oxidative damage will alter the physical, chemical and functional properties of proteins, thus reducing the sensory and nutritional quality of products [
4,
5]. Under the action of multi-layer metal ions, the oxidation of myofibrillar proteins would lead to the formation of protein carbonyls, which greatly reduces the properties of gel [
6]. At the same time, Liu et al. found that mild oxidation can promote the cross-linking of disulfide bonds between protein molecules, thus making the protein network structure more stable [
7]. Our previous papers mainly investigated the oxidation modification on the gel-forming capacity of duck myofibrillar proteins (DMPs), revealed that excessive oxidation led to explicit cross-linking of DMPs, which negatively affected the gel-forming capacity of DMPs by hydroxy radicals and malondialdehyde, but moderate oxidation of malondialdehyde was beneficial to improve the gel properties [
8,
9]. 2,2'-Azobis (2-Amidinopropane) Dihydrochloride (AAPH) generates alkanoperoxy radicals on degradation, which preferentially oxidize methionine and tryptophan residues, respectively, thereby causing protein oxidation [
10,
11]. In general, the actual meat product system is composed of protein and lipids. When lipids are rapidly oxidized, proteins are subsequently susceptible to oxidation as promoted by lipid-derived radicals and hydroperoxides [
12]. However, to our knowledge, limited literature has discussed the oxidation effect of alkyl peroxide radical system on the gel-forming capacity of duck myofibrillar proteins. Some recent studies have shown the effect of alkanoperoxy radicals on the oxidation of porcine myofibrillar protein [
13] and Casein [
14]. Partial main chain breakage of proteins was also found. In this study, AAPH was used as a typical free radical intermediate for lipids oxidation [
15], and the effects on different degrees of oxidation status (carbonyl, cross-linking) and also the properties of DMPs thermal gel, including rheological characteristics and textures, were investigated and their internal correlation was also discussed. The aim is to provide a theoretical basis to lay a foundation for further control of the oxidation level of duck meat and the rational use of oxidants.