Introduction to duck farming
Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) are widely consumed for their white meat, renowned for its rich flavor and nutritional value, and are particularly popular in regions like Asia and Europe. In 2020, ducks represented about 3% of the world’s poultry population, with chickens dominating at 94% and turkeys at 1%, according to FAO data. While chickens contribute 90% of global poultry meat production and 93% of egg production, ducks account for 4% of poultry meat and play a notable role in egg production, especially in Asia where they contribute 10% of eggs. The top-ranked country, China, leads the world in duck meat production, responsible for 79.1% of the global supply, with the top three producing countries (Vietnam and France) holding a combined 84.0% share. Duck farming, therefore, remains a significant aspect of both commercial agriculture and small-scale operations, adapting to meet the growing demand for these versatile birds and their by-products.
Characteristics and Breeds
Ducks have short legs, webbed feet, and a flat bill. Ducks were domesticated about 2000 years ago in Asia. They include breeds such as Pekin, Aylesbury, Rouen, Muscovy, Cayuga, and Mallard. The white Pekin and Muscovy ducks are preferred for meat production due to their flavor and juiciness. Duck sex can be identified by plumage, voice, or vent examination. For optimal meat production, males should reach 2.5 kg and females 2 kg by 24 weeks of age. (1)
Wild Mallard ducks are the ancestors of all domestic duck breeds. Pekin ducks, originating from China and first imported to the U.S. in 1874, are favored in commercial production for their early maturity and good carcass quality. Now centered in the Midwest, the U.S. duck industry produces around 24 million ducks annually, significantly less than the chicken or turkey industries. China leads global duck production with approximately 4,8 million metric tons, followed by France, Thailand, Vietnam, and the U.S.. Duck meat consumption is relatively low worldwide compared to chicken and turkey. (1)
Duck Farming for egg production
Duck eggs are a vital nutritional resource in many Asian countries, with production and sales increasing in recent years and expected to continue growing. While some countries confine laying ducks, many in Asia still raise them in backyards, which poses challenges for controlling the avian influenza virus as duck herds can become hosts for the virus. Concerns also include the potential contamination of duck eggs by pesticides, Salmonella sp, and industrial by-products, particularly in developing countries with expanding industrialization.
Egg production in ducks is high when they are in small groups, but commercial production suffers due to the ducks' nervous nature, making it less economical. Muscovy ducks are unique in that they go broody and lay eggs in batches of about 20, with the initial eggs of each batch being smaller and unsuitable for incubation.
Ducks typically start laying eggs when they become 6–7 months old and should achieve a laying rate of 90% within 5 weeks. English breeds usually maintain over 50% production for about 5 months, while Pekins begin laying around 26–28 weeks and remain productive for about 40 weeks, laying around 160 eggs. For optimal egg production, ducks should be housed in groups of no more than 250, and nest litter should be changed daily. Most eggs are laid between 4:00 and 7:00 am, with collection needed promptly to avoid dirt and breakage. Eggs should be collected directly onto plastic trays, with dirty eggs kept separate from clean ones.
For incubation, only select eggs that are clean, well-sized, and have good shell texture. Dirty eggs should be cleaned immediately with fine-grade steel wool and a damp cloth, avoiding washing as it removes the protective coating. If washing is necessary, use warm water and appropriate sanitizers. Eggs should be stored at 13°C with 75% humidity and stored with the pointed end down. Eggs should be turned daily if stored longer than 7 days, as the chance of successful hatching decreases significantly after 7 days and is very low after 3 weeks. (2)
Housing for Ducks
Ducks can be efficiently raised in small home flocks with minimal equipment, including a simple shelter, fencing, and basic feeding and watering setups. If possible, the shelter should be on a well-drained, high area with sandy soil, and bedding should be kept dry. Low fencing suffices for non-flying breeds like Pekins but not for Muscovies, which may require additional netting to protect against predators.
Ducks on open ponds need a nearby dry, sheltered area and may require supplemental feeding. In tropical regions, ducks are often raised alongside fish, using their manure to support both species. Modern commercial duck housing typically involves either total confinement or semi-confinement systems. Total confinement houses are well-insulated and ventilated, with separate rooms or buildings for different age groups. Semi-confinement allows older ducks outdoor access while proper ventilation and insulation manage moisture and temperature effectively. (4)
Feeders for ducks should accommodate their larger bills and "shoveling" eating motion. Simple trough feeders are suitable, but if using feed hoppers, they should be designed to prevent feed clumping and waste. A feeding apron can help catch a dropped feed. Waterers should be wide enough to allow ducks to submerge their bills, and ideally, waterers should be placed on wire screens indoors to minimize litter wetting. Nipple waterers should be adjusted for the ducks' height and provide sufficient space.
Lighting is crucial for extending ducks' laying periods. Supplemental lighting should increase the daily light period to 14-17 hours to maintain continuous egg production. Artificial lights should be turned on before sunrise and off after sunset, with consistent light and dark periods to regulate production effectively (5).
Duck feeding requirements - How to feed ducks
Feeding ducklings and ducks throughout the different developmental stages requires careful attention to dietary composition to optimize health and productivity. From hatching to four weeks, ducklings should be fed a high-energy, high-protein starter feed (22% crude protein) in crumble form, which minimizes wastage and promotes efficient feed conversion. A weekly vitamin supplement can prevent nutritional deficiencies that might cause issues like bow legs or lameness. Adequate feeding space is crucial to ensure all ducklings receive sufficient food. At five weeks and beyond, the feed composition should be adjusted based on the purpose: meat production or rearing breeders. A grower/finisher ration with reduced protein levels is appropriate for meat production ducks, while breeders should continue on a grower feed until 24 weeks. Protein sources such as fishmeal, poultry meal, or soybean meal can be added to the feed mix in a 1:10 ratio to meet nutritional needs.
Once ducks reach 24 weeks, they should be switched to a layer ration to support egg production, with added crushed oyster shells for calcium. The feed should be of high quality and provided twice daily to prevent spoilage. Maintaining a balanced energy intake is critical for meat-type ducks, as energy is a significant cost factor. Growth efficiency depends on providing balanced protein, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins, with specific adjustments based on genetics, husbandry practices, and environmental conditions.
References
- Paul Mozdziak, Species of Meat Animals: Poultry, Elsevier 2019
- Huang, J. F., & Lin, C. C. (2011). Production, composition, and quality of duck eggs. In Improving the safety and quality of eggs and egg products (pp. 487-508). Woodhead Publishing.
- Jalaludeen, A., & Churchil, R. R. (2022). Duck production: an overview. Duck production and management strategies, 1-55.
- Abdel-Hamid, S. E., Saleem, A. S. Y., Youssef, M. I., Mohammed, H. H., & Abdelaty, A. I. (2020). Influence of housing systems on duck behavior and welfare. Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research, 7(3), 407.
- Erisir, Z., Poyraz, O., Onbasilar, E. E., Erdem, E., & Kandemir, O. (2009). Effect of different housing systems on growth and welfare of Pekin ducks. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8(2), 235-239.
