Duck Farming in India: A Comprehensive Exploration of Breeds-Management Practices- and Integrated Farming for Sustainable Livelihoods
Ashmita Debnath1, Hemanth kumar2, Palagiri Madhuri2, Deshmukh Kaivalya Ruprao
1PhD Scholar, Division of Animal Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatanagar, Bareilly – 243122. Email ID – drashmitadn11@gmail.com
2PhD Scholar, Division of Animal Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatanagar, Bareilly – 243122. Email ID – kumarhemanth360@gmail.com
2PhD Scholar, Division of Animal Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatanagar, Bareilly – 243122. Email ID – madhup047@gmail.com
2M.V.Sc Scholar, Division of Animal Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatanagar, Bareilly – 243122. Email ID – kaivalya.deshmukh17@gmail.com
Abstract:
Duck farming is one of the popular poultry activities in rural parts of India, particularly in regions with abundant water resources like ponds or lakes. Desi ducks, native to the region, are preferred for their disease resistance and ability to adapt to local conditions compared to exotic duck breeds. Successful duck farming relies on various factors including housing, nutrition, hatchability rates, overall health management, and care of ducklings. Duck farming is the branch within poultry farming focused on raising ducks primarily for meat, eggs, feathers. The major duck based integrated farming is duck-fish, duck-rice or duck-rice-fish .Ducks naturally forage on a variety of food sources including insects, snails, kitchen waste, paddy grains, and weeds. Farmers often rear ducks using these natural food sources in addition to providing supplemental feed. Depending on the economic condition of the farmer, extra feed supplements may be necessary to enhance production levels.
Keywords: Desi Ducks, nutrition, health management, market demand, feeding requirement, integrated farming, livelihoods.
- Introduction-
The Neolithic Period in Southeast Asia is when ducks were first domesticated around 4,000 years ago. Later, the Romans in Europe and Malaysia in Asia did the same.Ducks are raised primarily for their eggs and meat, just like chickens, which makes duck farming a lucrative livestock business in India. Egg size of ducks is comparatively larger as compare to chicken egg. Weight of egg is 4.5% of duck’s body weight and weight of chicken egg is only about 3.3% of the hen’s body weight. The hardiness to disease, long production year, ease of training, large sized eggs, early morning egg laying characteristic, and natural tendency to forage on aquatic weeds, algae, green legumes, fungi, earthworms, maggots, snails, various types of insects, etc., all make ducks an important species of poultry in many developing countries. Furthermore, ducks are more adaptable to a free-range upbringing method and more productive than chickens. Growth rate of duck is also higher than chicken. Duck egg and meat is an excellent source of micronutrients such vitamins, carotenoid colors, and trace elements . Ducks may lay more eggs and need less care in addition to feeding on insects, snails, earthworms, small fish, and other aquatic materials. Ducks are resilient, easily adaptable to a wide range of agro climatic conditions, and have a reasonable level of disease resistance. In the mixed agricultural systems of many developing nations, ducks and other scavenging poultry species are vital for supplying the daily protein demands and sustaining farm families’ household income. Female heads of households in rural regions are exclusively responsible for raising ducks, it is seen as a women’s enterprise in the smallholder farming system. In 2019, there were 841,405 thousand ducks and poults in India, with 807,894 thousand fowls and 33,511 thousand ducks (or just 3.98%) in total. However, the number of ducks has grown more than that of fowls (42.36% vs. 16.64%) compared to 2012, and the overall number of ducks and fowls in the nation has climbed by 17.48%. The 20th livestock census results showed there are 851.81 million poultry birds in the globe. There has been a noteworthy increase (17.48%) in the production of chickens in India during the 19th and 20th livestock censuses, when there were 729.21 million and 851.81 million, respectively.Different duck breeds are well-suited for farming, each possessing unique traits and serving specific purposes. The most common breeds of ducks found in India are the locally accessible indigenous or non-descriptive breeds (Pati, Maithili, Nageswari, Chara, Chemballi, etc.) and a few exotic breeds (Khaki Campbell, White Pekin, Indian Runner, etc.). However, only Pati duck of Assam (Accession Number: INDIA_DUCK_0200_PATI_11001) and Maithili duck of Bihar (Accession Number: INDIA DUCK 0300 MAITHILI_11002) are registered under ICAR, New Delhi. The benefits of rearing duck can be profitable for the farmer and therefore scientific research aids in formulating an appropriate dietary and management strategy to investigate the potential of native ducks. Like other species duck should be more explored for its self sufficient production which leads to economic growth.
2.Why Duck farming?
Duck farming is commonly regarded as an additional source of revenue and is typically undertaken for the production of meat, eggs, and ornamental purposes.One of the most profitable and beneficial forms of animal production is duck farming. Over the course of a year, ducks lay more eggs than chickens do. The size is also large when compared it with the chicken. Ducks thrive in scavenging environments with minimal intervention. They augment their diet by foraging, making them cost-effective to raise. Ducks have a longer productive lifespan, often laying eggs well into their second year. Unlike chickens, ducks do not require elaborate housing facilities. They are hardy birds, less susceptible to common avian diseases, and adapt well to free-range farming methods. Ducks exhibit higher productivity and faster growth rates compared to chickens, yet they can thrive in simpler housing setups.
2.1. SCENARIO OF DUCK FARMING IN INDIA-
In 2019, India’s total poultry population grew to 851.81 million, with backyard poultry at 317.07 million and commercial poultry at 534.74 million. Duck farming in India relies on traditional methods, favoring indigenous breeds adapted to local conditions, mainly in Eastern, North-eastern, and Southern states. West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Orissa have high duck populations. Duck farming is prevalent among small, marginal, and nomadic tribes, with significant consumption of duck eggs and meat in West Bengal and Kerala. Tamil Nadu sees duck farming as a vital seasonal business contributing to the rural economy.
3.Classification of Ducks-
| Category | Subcategory | Details |
| Type | Wild Ducks | Diverse group with various species inhabiting freshwater, saltwater, and wetlands. |
| Domesticated Ducks | Descended from wild ducks, bred for various purposes. | |
| Taxonomic Hierarchy | Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata | |
| Class | Aves (Birds) | |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) | |
| Family | Anatidae (Duck, Goose, and Swan Family) | |
| Subfamily | Anatinae (True Ducks) | |
| Tribe (May Vary) | Tadornini (Shelducks & Steamer Ducks) | |
| Dendrocygnini (Whistling Ducks) | ||
| Anserini (Geese & Screamers) | ||
| Stictonettini (Freckled Duck) | ||
| Genus | Anas (Mallard & many others) | |
| Cairina (Muscovy Duck) | ||
| Aythya (Pochards) | ||
| Aix (Wood Ducks) | ||
| Many Others | ||
| Species | Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard) | |
| Cairina moschata (Muscovy Duck) | ||
| Many Others | ||
| Subspecies | Anas platyrhynchos domesticus (Domestic Mallard) | |
| Cairina moschata domesticus (Domestic Muscovy) | ||
| Many Others | ||
| Sexual Dimorphism | Term | Male (Drake) |
| Size | Larger | |
| Sexual Organs | Longer/Lengthened | |
| Tail Feathers | Curled feather present (in some species) | |
| Vocalizations | Softer/Harsher Quack | |
| Plumage | More colorful (breeding season for some) | |
| Bill Color | More colorful (breeding season for some) | |
| Habitat Preference (May Vary by Species) | Freshwater | |
| Saltwater | ||
| Wetlands | ||
| Forests | ||
| Grasslands | ||
| Utilization Purposes (Domestic Ducks Only) | Meat Production | Breeds like Pekin Duck. |
| Egg Production | Breeds like Khaki Campbell. | |
| Down Production | Breeds like Muscovy Duck. | |
| Companion Birds | Many breeds popular as pets. |
4.Common Duck Breeds of India-
When it comes to the country’s production of table eggs, duck comes in second to chicken. (Livestock Census, 2019). The ICAR National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, recognized Pati hans and Maithai as official duck breeds of India, despite the fact that there are around 10 different indigenous duck genetic isolates accessible nationwide. Commonly available indigenous and exotic breeds in India are mentioned in the table (1).
Table no.1
| Breeds | Regions |
| 1.Pati Hens | Tripura, Assam |
| 2.Maithili | Motihari, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Araria, Kishanganj and Katihar districts of Bihar |
| 3.Nageswari | Tripura, Assam |
| 4.Sada Pati | West Bengal |
| 5.Chara-Chemballi | Kerela |
| 6.Sanyasi and Keeri | Tamil Nadu |
| 7. Kuttand | Kerela |
5.Advantages of Duck Farming-
Ducks rank as the second most important alternative poultry species after chickens in terms of egg and meat production.
-Benefits of duck production over chicken include: 1. Long production year
- Large egg size
- Early morning egg laying
- Disease resistance
- Suitability for integrated farming
- Versatility in various rearing systems, including backyard farming
- Survivability in moist land
- Ease of taming
- Maintenance under a minimum input system of management
– Market demand for duck meat and eggs in various regions of India is high.
– Both local and foreign breeds of ducks are available in India for production purposes. Notably, the Khaki Campbell breed is renowned for its rapid growth in producing eggs and meat, with high feed conversion efficiency.
6.Constraints of Duck Farming-
The reduction of grazing land is primarily attributed to the urbanization of rural regions and the constriction of water channels, along with encroachments on lakes and ponds, posing significant threats to duck farming. Furthermore, the absence of technical assistance and healthcare services, as well as inadequate marketing infrastructure, exacerbates the challenges faced by farmers. Additionally, there is a concerning decline in the involvement of the younger generation in duck farming. Consequently, it is imperative for the government to implement effective measures to encourage and motivate youths to engage in duck farming.
7.Types of sexing for Breeding-
Ducks, as with most avian species, have a diploid chromosome number of 80 (2n = 80), indicating they possess 40 pairs of chromosomes in their somatic cells. This chromosome count is consistent across various breeds and species of ducks. However, there are several types of sexing to differentiate male and female ducklings are as follows-
7.1.Feather Sexing: Some duck varieties may show variation in feather growth between male and female. For instance,certain breeds might show that female ducklings have quiker feather development compared to males. However this method is limited and typically only applicable during the initial weeks post-hatching.
7.2.Vent sexing: Vent sexing entails inspecting the vent region of ducks to differentiate between males and females. Female ducks generally possess a larger, oval-shaped vent opening, while males have a smaller, round vent. Vent sexing demands expertise and is commonly conducted by trained professionals.
7.3.Behavioral Differences: In some instances, male and female ducks may demonstrate distinct behaviors that aid in sexing. For example, male ducks, known as drakes, may display more vocal and aggressive behavior, while female ducks tend to be quieter and more passive. Nevertheless, relying solely on behavioral disparities may not always guarantee accurate gender identification.
7.4.Genetic Testing: DNA testing offers precise sex determination in ducks, although it is typically reserved for specific breeding programs or research endeavors due to its cost and complexity.
- Breeding Management-
In intensive duck farming, the ideal sex ratio for optimal fertility and hatchability is typically 1 female to 6 males. However, in extensive rearing systems, such as those common in rural areas, farmers often maintain a wider sex ratio of 1 female to 20-25 males. Despite this wider ratio, they still achieve a reasonably good fertility rate of 70-80 percent. Drakes typically engage in mating behaviors while swimming.
- Disease prevalence in ducks and maintaining their health-
Duck populations can decline due to migrating birds carrying avian influenza, particularly around large bodies of water in regions like West Bengal and North-East India. Domestic ducks are relatively resilient to disease when provided with proper nutrition, space for exercise, and regular access to fresh water. However, ducklings are more susceptible than adult ducks, with survivability rates ranging from 40% to 80%, averaging around 65%. While domestic ducks generally exhibit good disease resistance, certain infections can lead to significant economic losses, primarily through mortality. Diseases affecting ducks worldwide stem from various agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Common ailments include brooder pneumonia and aflatoxicosis. Rearing domestic ducks requires access to water bodies, which, when shared with wild waterfowl, can increase the risk of disease transmission.
10.Aflatoxicosis-
Aflatoxin, produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus, poses a significant threat to poultry farming due to its toxicity and carcinogenicity. It contaminates feedstuffs like groundnuts, maize, and rice polish, stored under humid conditions. Ducks are particularly susceptible, followed by turkeys, Japanese quail, and chickens. Aflatoxin B1 is the most prevalent form and is highly mutagenic and hepatotoxic. Symptoms include poor growth, reduced feed conversion, anemia, decreased egg production, and mortality. Preventive measures involve controlling moisture levels in stored grains to inhibit fungal growth.
11.Feeding requirement of Ducks-
Standard duck diet consists of grains, cereal byproducts, animal and vegetable proteins, minerals, and vitamin supplements. Ducks are usually fed in two forms of feed: pelleted feed and mash. Due to their ease of intake and less waste, pelleted diets are used more effectively than mash diets. Starting (0 to 2 weeks) and grower (after 2 weeks) meals have pellet sizes of 3.18 mm and 4.76 mm diameter, respectively (NRC 1994). Typically, maize and groundnut are avoided in duck feed due to their susceptibility to aflatoxins, to which ducks are particularly sensitive. According to Mishra et al. (2021), juvenile White Pekin ducks should have limited exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ideally maintained below recommended safe levels (<10 ppb). Exceeding a threshold of 200 ppb can lead to poor growth, inefficient feed conversion rates (FCR), adverse blood biochemical changes, increased mortality, morbidity, and lameness. Dietary supplementation of vit E and selenium is beneficial for the egg production, hatchability and fertility.(Gir et al.,2012)
12.Method of Duck rearing-
Duck farming has traditionally served as a supplementary source of income for a vast majority of farmers. Ducks can be raised under intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive rearing systems. In the intensive rearing system, ducks are housed in enclosed structures, sometimes with water channels provided. They are confined indoors and not allowed to scavenge outside. Feed and water are provided within the closed house. Typically, ducks in this system are kept on a deep litter bedding made of materials such as paddy husk or chopped straw. In the semi-intensive rearing system, ducks are also housed in shelters but are given locally available or homemade supplementary feed in addition to being allowed to forage outside during the day. This system is commonly practiced by farmers and strikes a balance between confinement and outdoor scavenging.
13.Integrated Duck Farming-
The traditional “duck-cum-rice system,” also known as the “duck-cum-fish system,” is a well-known and well-established method that is accessible in India In this technique, the farming of fish or rice is combined with the production of ducks. Ducks and rice farming, or ducks and fish, coexist in a symbiotic connection. Fish and rice farming are good complementary practices to duck raising. The farmer will have higher productivity and greater profit in these systems since the many modes of production work well together.
14.Conclusion-
Duck farming offers additional income in India, with highly productive birds laying around 20-25 eggs. It’s an emerging sector needing awareness, with various duck breeds available. Ducks have a long lifespan, laying eggs profitably for multiple years. Efforts are needed to develop suitable breeds for rural farming, along with comprehensive feeding packages and scientific management practices. Establishing rural hatcheries and infrastructure is crucial for advancing duck farming and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
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