ZOOT 2120 - Poultry Production and Herd Health Management
ZOOT 2120
Duck Production
Module 7
Prepared by: Ren Lenard N. Valdez, DVM
OVERVIEW
This lesson will cover practices in duck production, as well as an effective and
efficient strategy in the Philippines.
I. OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this module, you are expected to:
1. Classify the appropriate breeds used in meat and egg production
2. Determine and classify the proper management of meat and egg laying
production.
II. LEARNING ACTIVITIES
In many tropical countries, particularly Southeast Asia, duck is considered as an
economically important species, as a source of meat and eggs. Of the more than 500
million ducks reared worldwide almost 90 percent are in the Asia-Pacific region, with
China having the highest population inventory. In the Philippines, ducks rank second to
chickens in economic importance. The volume of duck production from April to June 2024
was registered at 6.83 thousand metric tons, liveweight. This indicates an annual increase
of 1.3 percent from the same period of 2023 volume of production of 6.74 thousand
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metric tons, liveweight.
Central Luzon was the top producer of duck with 1.88 thousand metric tons,
liveweight or 27.6 percent share to the total duck production during the quarter.
Completing the top five regions with the highest volume of duck production at liveweight
in the second quarter of 2024 were the following:
a. SOCCSKSARGEN, 1.39 thousand metric tons;
Some
b. Cagayan Valley, 0.66 thousand metric tons; Cows
Went
c. Western Visayas, 0.65 thousand metric tons; and North
d. Northern Mindanao, 0.64 thousand metric tons.
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Among regions, Central Luzon was the top producer of duck egg with 8.07 thousand
metric tons or 56.1 percent share to the total duck egg production during the quarter.
Completing the top five regions with the highest volume of duck egg production in the
second quarter of 2024 were the following:
a. Northern Mindanao, 0.87 thousand metric tons;
b. Western Visayas, 0.84 thousand metric tons; No
Westerner
c. CALABARZON, 0.73 thousand metric tons; and Calculates
d. Bicol Region, 0.69 thousand metric tons. Bills
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As of 30 June 2024, the total duck inventory was recorded at 14.09 million birds. This
was 2.9 percent lower than the previous year’s same period level of 14.52 million birds.
About 67.4 percent of the country’s duck population came from small hold farms, while
the remaining 30.2 percent and 2.4 percent were from semi-commercial and commercial
farms, respectively.
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Central Luzon recorded the highest duck population of 4.64 million birds as of 30 June
2024. This was followed by Cagayan Valley and SOCCKSKSARGEN with corresponding
duck population of 1.52 million birds and 1.47 million birds. These three regions
accounted for 54.1 percent of the country’s total duck population during the period.
Ce
Ca
So
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Central Luzon recorded the highest duck laying flock population of 3.61 million birds as
of 30 June 2024. This was followed by Western Visayas and Cagayan Valley with
corresponding inventories of 0.54 million birds and 0.53 million birds. These three regions
accounted for 61.8 percent of the country’s total duck laying flock population during the
period.
Can
We
Cag
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The average farmgate price of duck for meat for the second quarter of 2024 was quoted
at PhP 184.96 per kilogram, liveweight. This indicates an increase of 13.1 percent from
the previous year’s same quarter average farmgate price of PhP 163.52 per kilogram,
liveweight.
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The average farmgate price of duck egg for the second quarter of 2024 was quoted at
PhP 8.36 per piece. This was 4.0 percent lower than the previous year’s same quarter
average farmgate price of PhP 8.71 per piece.
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DUCK SPECIES AND THEIR ORIGIN
There are two commonly known species of ducks-the Mallard and the Muscovy. Mallard
and Muscovy ducks are classified under the order Anseriformes, suborder Anseres, family
Anatidae, and subfamily Anatinae. Mallard ducks belong to tribe Anatini, genus and
species Anas platyrhynchos (Linnaeus). There are several subspecies of mallard ducks
but the common mallard (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos) is believed to be the sole
progenitor of the domestic form. The more popular breeds and varieties of mallard ducks
in the tropics include the Pekin, Khaki Campbell, Indan Runner, Tsaiya and the different
local mallard ducks in various countries.
Muscovy ducks belong to tribe Cairinini, genus and species Cairina moschata. There are
no recognized subspecies. They are native to Mexico, Central America, and most of South
America. They are known by different names-Brazilian, Peruvian, Guinea, Musk,
Muscovite, Turkish, and Barbary.
In the Philippines, the local mallard duck is called Pateros duck or "itik". Muscovy ducks
are either called "pato" or "bibi."
Distinguishing Characteristics of Mallard and Muscovy Ducks
The general distinguishing characteristics of Mallard and Muscovy ducks in terms of the
presence or absence of the fleshy caruncles, presence or absence of a curly main tail
feather in the male, size dimorphism, vocal sound, and incubation period
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General distinguishing characteristics of Mallard and Muscovy ducks
TRAIT MALLARD MUSCOVY
Caruncles Absent Presence of a reddish fleshy
growth at the base of the
upper bill; more
pronounced in males
Drake feather Main tail curls up and Absent
forward in the male
Size dimorphism Males range from equal to Male muscovy are about
about 20 percent higher in twice the size of females at
terms of body weight than adult age
females
Vocal Sound Ducks (referring to Both drakes and ducks are
females) make a quacking only able to make a sibilant
sound while drakes hiss that is even less
(referring to males) make a audible compared to that of
hoarse hissing sound Mallard drakes
Incubation period 28 days 34-36 days
BREEDS AND VARIETIES OF DUCKS
Ducks can be generally classified as meat type, egg type, or dual/ general purpose type.
Some breeds of ducks are classified under pet or ornamental type. Common examples of
breeds of ducks under each classification are as follows.
Meat Type
Ducks popularly raised for meat production in the tropics include Pekin, Muscovy, and
mule ducks. The prominent characteristics of these ducks are described below.
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a. Pekin
The Pekin duck breed has been raised in China for many centuries. They are also
known as Peking or Beijing ducks. It was introduced in the United States in 1873
and later on to England. They are now popularly raised for their meat in many
countries including France and Australia. In 2003, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and
Malaysia were included in the top ten duck meat producing countries
Pekin ducks have creamy white feathers and yellow skin. Their bills and legs are
deep orange in color. They grow fast and are well-fleshed and are preferred by
some group of consumers for their high fat carcass for special cooking
preparations. Adult drakes and adult female ducks weigh an average of 4 and 3.6
kg, respectively.
b. Muscovy
Muscovy ducks are sometimes called Brazilian or Barbary ducks. The most popular
variety is the white-winged black. Other varieties include the white-winged blue,
black, black and white, and pure white. Their bills are yellow and black with some
red. Their legs are yellow in color. The egg shell is white. Adult drakes weigh
between 4.5 to 6.4 kg. Adult female ducks weigh between 2.3 to 3.1 kg. Their
meat is dark in color and is preferred for their "gamey" flavor.
In the tropics, Muscovy ducks are mostly raised in small flock sizes under free-
range conditions. They are good foragers. Their meat is utilized as special food
during holiday seasons and other festivities.
c. Hybrids
Progenies resulting from the intergeneric mating between Muscovy (Cairina
moschata L.) and Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L.) ducks are produced
commercially in several countries. In France, they are called mullard which is
utilized for liver (pâté de fois) production. In Taiwan, hey are called mule ducks
which are utilized for their meat. These hybrids weigh about 3 kg at eight weeks
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of age but are sterile. The mule duck in Taiwan is produced through a three-way
cross among Pekin, Tsaiya, and Muscovy ducks. The Tsaiya is the local egg-type
Mallard in Taiwan. A Pekin drake is mated to Tsaiya ducks to produce the F,
progenies called Kaiya. Kaiya female ducks are mated to Muscovy drakes to
produce the mule ducks. In France and other European countries, mule ducks are
produced through the mating of Muscovy drakes and Pekin female ducks. They
call these ducks "mullards" or "moulards." In the Philippines, the progenies
produced from the three-way cross among Pekins, local Mallards called Pateros
ducks, and the Muscovy ducks are called Laguna Ducks. At about ten weeks of
age, their average weights range from 2.5 to 3 kg. Their meat is found to be
comparable to imported duck meat in terms of quality and flavor. They are leaner
than the Pekin duck and meatier than the Pateros duck.
Breeding scheme for the production of the Laguna Duck
Pekin (male) x Philippine Mallard (female)
F1 (female) x Muscovy
Laguna Duck
Other Meat-Type Breeds
Other breeds of ducks which were developed for meat but are not popularly raised in the
tropics include the Aylesburg, Rouen, Pennine, and the White Table Duck.
Egg Type (Layer Type)
a. Khaki Campbell
The Khaki Campbell is considered the best duck variety for its eggs. It was
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developed through the crossing of a Rouen drake with a Fawn and White Indian
Runner duck. Although their value in commercial production lies in the eggs they
produce, they also have good body conformation suitable for the table.
The female has a warm khaki color throughout the head, with the neck and wings
in a slightly lighter shade. The rest of the body is covered with brown feathers that
are narrowly laced with a slightly lighter shade of khaki. The drake's head, neck,
stern, and wing-bar plumage is a lustrous green bronze with the remainder of the
body having an even shade of warm khaki. This variety starts to lay at around
eighteen weeks of age and is capable of producing 300 or more eggs in a year.
b. Indian Runner
The Indian Runner breed was believed to have originated from Asia and derived
its name from its place of origin in East India. They produce about 150 to 200 eggs
in a year. The adult drakes are between 600 to 800 mm long while the adult female
ducks are between 600 to 700 mm long. Drakes weigh 1.6 to 2.2 kg while the
adult female ducks weigh between 1.4 to 2.0 kg.
The three varieties are the fawn and white, the black, and the chocolate. The
outstanding feature of this particular breed is its type of carriage wherein its body
is almost perpendicular to the ground when in standing position. When excited,
they often stand perfectly upright. From the side view, they appear as a straight
line from the head down through the neck and body, to the feet and with the tail
sometimes tucked right back under the body between the legs.
This breed is no longer used for commercial production.
c. Local Mallard Ducks
In the tropics, there are examples of Mallard ducks which are regarded as native
or indigenous. The Philippine local mallard duck is oftentimes called the Pateros
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duck. Their original plumage color was black with a white bib or necklace. The
present-day Pateros ducks show various plumage color and pattern. The
predominant plumage colors and patterns are the khaki-type (brown), the Pateros-
type (black), and the intermediate-type pattern. This variation in color pattern is
believed to be a consequence of their mating with exotic stocks. Drakes weigh
between 1.5 to 1.75 kg while adult female ducks weigh between 1.25 to 1.5 kg.
The average egg size is between 65 g and 70 g. The average annual egg
production is between 200 to 270 eggs. Pateros ducks are primarily raised for the
production of balut-a special Filipino delicacy. Balut is an incubated fertile egg with
a sixteen to eighteen day-old embryo which is cooked and eaten with a dash of
salt. Incubated eggs which are either infertile or with dead embryos are called
penoy and are consumed just like balut. Pateros duck eggs are also popularly
utilized in the form of salted eggs and century eggs.
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Muscovy Pekin
Indian Runner Khaki Campbell
Mule duck CV 2000
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HOUSING AND MANAGEMENT
In the tropics, housing for ducks is not as elaborate as that of chickens. Most local ducks
are raised the herding system way with very simple housing. Sophisticated housing,
however, is usually provided to exotic stocks (e.g., Pekin, Khaki Campbell) raised at
commercial level.
Farm Location
An ideal farm location for raising ducks in the tropics should have the following features:
good drainage, good ventilation, far from residential areas and business establishments,
accessible to source of inputs (stocks, feeds, water, power, etc.), and accessible to the
products' market.
Source of Stock
Ducks to start with or those that will be used as replacement stocks could be obtained
either as day-old ducklings or as ready-to-lay pullets. Day-old ducklings are usually
bought from balutan or hatcheries present in the area. Sexually matured female ducks
and drakes are usually procured from the duck growers themselves or from their sales
agent. Some duck layer farms with hatchery facilities produce their own replacement
stocks from hatching eggs that they produce. Other raisers buy duck eggs which have
been incubated for about twenty days (half- hatched eggs) and then hatch them at their
own farm.
Management Systems
A. TRADITIONAL SYSTEM
The traditional way of raising Mallard ducks is still popular in most tropical
countries. In this system, brooding of ducklings is done for about two to three
weeks in confinement. Thereafter, ducks are raised under the herding system
during the growing and laying stages
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Brooding
Since day-old ducklings have thick down feathers, the brooding period is
relatively shorter than that of chickens. During warm months, the brooding
period could be shortened to about two weeks. The brooder area could be an
enclosed pen or a house with the floor area covered with rice hulls, wood
shavings, sand, or chopped rice straw. A brooder guard made of woven
bamboo (sawali) or plain GI sheet could be used to confine the ducklings near
the heat source.
In backyard operations, incandescent bulbs could be used as a source of heat.
A 50-watt incandescent bulb could provide the necessary heat for fifty
ducklings. Kerosene gas lamps and burning charcoal placed in a can could also
be used as heat sources.
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AGE COOL MONTHS ℃ HOT MONTHS ℃
1 day 35 35
2–7 days 32-35 32-35
1–2 weeks 26-32 26-32
2–3 weeks 23-26 No heat supplementation
Growing/Rearing
Mallard ducklings should be trained early for herding. At about two to three
weeks of age, they should be allowed to go around the vicinity of the farm to
search for food.
Newly harvested rice fields are good areas for herding. Available feeds for
growing ducklings include fallen palay grains, snails, insects, worms, and
succulent grasses. A herdsman looks after the ducks during herding. Herding
is done from morning until before sundown. At night, they are confined in a
grower house or on a temporary holding area fenced with nets. When food
becomes depleted in the area, ducks are transferred on foot or transported
using a vehicle to other herding areas where food is available. Lakeshores,
rivers, and streams could also be used as grazing areas for ducks.
Laying
In the traditional system, raisers continue to manage their Mallard ducks via
the herding system throughout the entire laying period. Tents are used as a
temporary holding area during the night. Clean litter materials are placed in
this holding area to prevent the eggs from being soiled.
When herding areas are not yet available, ducks are kept in temporary
confinement. During this period, feeds (home-mixed or commercial) and water
are provided until a new place for herding becomes available.
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B. CONFINEMENT SYSTEM
In the tropics, the confinement system of raising Mallard ducks is less popular than
the traditional system because of cost considerations. This system, however, is
commonly used in raising Pekin ducks and other exotic breeds.
Brooding
The principle involved in brooding ducks is similar under traditional and
confinement systems. If a large number of ducklings are involved, then more
sophisticated brooding techniques should be used.
Growing/Rearing
In this system, the ducklings are transferred to the grower house immediately
after the brooding period. Houses used during this period could either be of
the litter-floor type, slat-floor type, and slat-litter floor type.
a. Litter-floor Type
Litter material functions to absorb the droppings of ducks which are wet.
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The frequent removal of soiled litter materials may not be practical since it
may cause unnecessary stress on the ducks. Adding litter materials may be
more appropriate to reduce labor cost and stress to the ducks.
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b. Slat-floor Type
In an elevated slat-floor type of housing, there is good ventilation and
sanitation. Slat floors facilitate good air circulation. Most, if not all, of the
ducks' droppings pass through the slats, hence, do not get in contact with
the ducks.
c. Slat-litter Combination
The most common design of a slat-litter combination type of housing is litter
floor at the middle part of the house but elevated slat-floor towards the wall
side. This type of flooring is commonly adopted by duck raisers
supplementing snails as feed for ducks.
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Laying
Most of the laying houses for Mallard ducks under the confinement system are
either of the all-litter type or the slat-floor combination. Housing provisions are
similar to the grower houses except that nesting areas are provided inside the
house. Unlike layer chickens, egg-type ducks are not popularly raised in cages
since fertile eggs are needed for the production of balut.
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Space Requirements
Under the confinement system, the provision of adequate space is necessary.
The floor, feeder, and drinker space requirements of ducks during the
brooding, rearing, and laying period
Space Requirement of Ducks under the confinement system
Age Level Floor Space Feeder Space Drinker Space
(SQ FT/ Duck) (Linear Inch/ (Linear Inch/
Duck) Duck)
Brooding 1-2 1-2 0.5-1
Rearing 2-2.5 2-3 1-1.5
Laying 2.5-3 3-4 1.5-2
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DUCK HOUSE FIXATURES
A. Feeders
In a duck house, the feeding troughs may be fixed or be designed as movable items.
They should be located along the wall where they are accessible to the ducks from
the inside of the house and to the caretaker from the outside
Feeding troughs may be made of concrete, wood, or galvanized iron sheets. The
feeder should be designed so that it will be convenient for the ducks to feed, avoid
feed spillage, and hold enough feed needed for at least one day of feeding.
B. Drinkers
Ducks are notoriously sloppy when drinking and tend to wet the surrounding area.
Thus, drinkers should be designed to avoid wetting the litter. Ducks need to drink to
enable them to swallow feed properly. Drinkers with a continuous supply of clean,
cool water should be located relatively close to the feeding trough. A good drainage
system for excess water should also be provided.
C. Nests
Mallard ducks will lay eggs on the floor even without a nest. They lay most of their
eggs between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Ducks like to lay eggs in groups. Nests should
be conveniently located along the wall side or in the darker and quiet areas of the
house. The nesting areas should be provided regularly with dry and clean litter
materials.
When no nests are provided, ducks just lay eggs on the litter floor. The incidence of
eggs being soiled or broken will be high.
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D. Pond
Ducks are aquatic birds and love to swim or wade in the water. Mating among ducks
is mostly done in the water. Some duck farms are designed to provide ponds for
ducks. The nature of construction and dimension of duck ponds vary. The pond, if
cleaned regularly, could also serve as a drinker. The pond should also be designed so
as to minimize if not avoid the wetting of the litter.
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FEEDS AND FEEDING
Under the traditional management system, ducklings are provided various feed
combinations. For instance, some raisers feed ducklings with porridge combined with
either mash feeds, chopped trash fishes, and small shrimps. Some raisers give boiled rice
with chick booster or starter mash feeds. These combinations of feedstuffs are usually
placed on clean mats or empty sacks rolled over the floor. After brooding, ducks are
already allowed to graze on herding areas where they look for their own food. Feed
supplementation is only given during times when the available food in the herding areas
is already depleted. While waiting for the available herding areas, temporarily confined
ducks could be given home-mixed feeds or commercial feeds so that their performance
will not be drastically affected.
Under the confinement system, Mallard ducks could be fed with commercially mixed
feeds.
Where duck starter and grower feeds are not yet available in the market, commercial
feeds for chickens could be used as substitutes.
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Commercial duck layer pellets are already available in many duck raising areas. They are
preferred for feeding ducks because of the following advantages: a.) saves on feeds; b.)
more convenient to handle; c.) reduces labor and other handling costs; d.) reduces feed
wastage; e.) drinking trough stays cleaner; and f.) absence of molds and flies.
If pellet feeds are not yet available in the area, duck layer mash feeds could also be used.
Moistening the mash feeds first before feeding facilitates easy swallowing and minimizes
feed wastage.
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MANAGEMENT OF MEAT-TYPE DUCKS
There are several breeds of ducks for meat production purposes. In the tropics, the most
popular breeds are the Pekin, Muscovy, and the commercial hybrids.
a. Pekin
Pekin ducks are fast growers. Commercial stocks with good genetic potential can attain
live body weight between 2.5 to 3 kg in eight to ten weeks if provided with good
management. Good management includes good quality feeds, appropriate housing, and
an effective health program. Pekin breeding stocks should not be overweight during the
growing period. Their body weight can be controlled by following a feeding regimen.
Adjustment of feed given should be based on whether the ducks are above or below the
standard body weight for a certain age.
b. Muscovy
In most tropical countries including the Philippines, Muscovy ducks are mostly raised on
a smallhold level. Flock size is usually small and management system is mostly free-range.
They feed on a wide range of feedstuffs that are available which include grasses, grains,
root crops, mixed feeds, and kitchen leftovers. In some countries, Muscovy ducks are
raised on a commercial scale because of the quality of their meat. A Muscovy drake when
mated to a female Mallard duck results in the production of mule ducks. Under smallhold
conditions, very little care is needed by Muscovy ducks for reproduction. The ratio of
breeder males to females varies from 1:5 to 1:10. Mating is through the natural way. The
presence of too many males in the flock results in frequent fighting.
Muscovy ducks are broody. They lay about ten to twenty eggs in a clutch. Even if regular
nests are provided, Muscovy ducks look for nests in secluded areas. They sit on their
eggs and hatch them. The incubation period is about thirty-four to thirty-six days. They
also have the ability to rear their young until they are weaned.
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Muscovy ducks are ready for market at three to four months of age. At this age, the
males and females weigh an average of 4 and 2.5 kg, respectively.
c. Hybrid Ducks
The hybrid egg-type duck known as the CV 2,000 was developed in England and now
being marketed worldwide. This hybrid duck has been introduced in many countries in
the tropics. They are primarily raised for their eggs but they could also be used for meat
production. Another commercial hybrid egg-type duck (Gold Star) is being marketed
worldwide and is claiming to have high egg production and a calmer temperament than
other breeds. The progenies of the mating of a Pekin drake with the local female duck
are also utilized for their meat.
Mule ducks and mullards are intergeneric hybrids. They are sterile but raised for their
meat and liver (foie gras). They are ready for market at eight to ten weeks of age,
weighing about 3 kg. In many parts of the world, they are becoming popular for meat
because of the degree of leanness and quality of their carcasses.
PROCESSED DUCK PRODUCTS
The primary products obtained from ducks are eggs and meat. Mallard duck eggs are
processed into balut, penoy, salted eggs, and century eggs. Balut and penoy are regarded
as special delicacies among Filipinos. The demand for salted eggs has been increasing
over the years due to its affordability and keeping quality. Century eggs are very popular
among Chinese and Filipino-Chinese communities. Duck meat is usually obtained from
Pekin and Muscovy breeds and their crosses. In the Philippines, meat from excess males
and culled layers and drakes are deep fried and are called kinulob.
a. Balut
Balut refers to incubated fertile duck eggs with fifteen to eighteen day- old
embryos which are boiled for about thirty minutes and consumed with a dash of
salt. Only sound eggs weighing 65 grams and above are considered for balut
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processing. Newly laid eggs or those that are not older than three days are
incubated. Incubation can be done using either the parched rice method in a
balutan or any artificial incubator for poultry.
Balut with smaller embryos are called balut mamatong while those with bigger
embryos are referred to as balut sa puti.
b. Penoy
Penoy is the by-product of balut processing. Eggs with dead embryos are called
penoy na may sabaw o hihigupin while the infertile ones are called penoy na tuyo.
They are also boiled for about thirty minutes but sold at a relatively lower price
than the balut.
c. Salted Eggs
Salted eggs are locally called itlog na maalat or itlog na pula. They are cured using
a salt solution. The salt-clay mixture is more popular than the brine solution
method of curing. The curing period lasts for about eighteen days. The cured eggs
are then boiled for about an hour or more using slow fire. If colored egg shells are
desired, the boiled eggs are then dipped in a hot fuchsia crystal solution.
d. Century Eggs
Century eggs are duck eggs processed through the use of chemicals which result
in a grayish-green and gelatinous texture. They are popularly used as appetizers
or as condiments for some Chinese dishes. Aside from the added value to the
product, the procedure also extends the keeping quality of the duck eggs.
e. Kinulob
The meat from Mallard ducks are deep-fried and are popularly known as kinulob.
Excess males and culls are used for this purpose. Aside from kinulob, this kind of
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duck meat is also cooked as adobo, afritada, and other culinary preparations
similar to chicken meat.
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Ducks are hardier and more resistant compared to chickens and other species of poultry.
here are many diseases of chickens that are not considered problems with Mallard ducks.
In some countries where ducks are raised, outbreaks of diseases have been reported. In
the Philippines, very few duck farms follow regular medication and vaccination programs
similar to that of other countries. Despite of this, there are very limited reports of duck
disease outbreaks in the country.
Ducks perform better when they are in good health condition. Their overall productivity
declines when they are affected by any kind of disease. The following are some
management tips for an effective flock health program:
a. Buy ducklings and sexually matured drakes and ducks from reputable hatcheries
and growers.
b. Provide balanced diets of good quality at all times.
c. Provide clean drinking water at all times.
d. Clean feeders and drinkers regularly.
e. Do not raise ducks of different ages in one pen.
f. Maintain dryness and cleanliness inside the duck house.
g. Dispose dead ducks by properly burying or burning them.
h. Isolate immediately ducks showing physical and health problems.
i. Observe strict biosecurity measures.
j. Provide antistress preparations when ducks are subjected to stress conditions.
k. Control infestations against harmful parasites and insects.
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