DUCK REARING IN INDIA
Dr. Probhakar Biswas
Assistant Professor, Department of Avian Sciences, F/O VAS, WBUAFS, Mohanpur-741252
1.Introduction
The duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is one of the most significant poultry species, and in India it holds a significant position in terms of egg and meat production. Though ducks are reared throughout the world, the majority are concentrated on the Asian continent. In addition to being a valuable global livestock sector generating eggs, meat, and feathers, duck farming provides small, marginal, and even landless people with a source of income. India’s duck rearing is characterised by being nomadic, extensive, seasonal, sometimes primitive, and still controlled by landless farmers, small-scale farmers, marginal farmers, and nomadic tribes. With growing demand, some organised duck farms are being established in different parts of the country. States which top in duck rearing in the country are West Bengal, the north eastern state of West Assam, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Orissa etc. The fact that fish-based gastronomic preparations go particularly well with duck eggs and meat is one of the reasons that West Bengal and Kerala are historically the two states that consume the most duck eggs and meat. Native ducks, characterised by their attractive plumage, are essential to the resource-poor duck farmers’ ability to sustain their way of life. In spite of the fact that the majority of the ducks reared in the country are of native/nondescript type, they happen to be the second largest poultry species contributing to egg production in India. Ducks lay more eggs per year in comparison to native chicks, and the size of eggs is also bigger. Duck meat is high in calories and often considered a delicacy. Duck husbandry is mostly traditional, but with time, the interest in this sector is increasing. Producing one more egg per capita per year can generate 25,000 or more employment and 50 g more meat per capita per year can provide employment to the same number of people in the poultry sector in India, so the scope for employment generation in this sector is immense with the least investment. To refine current practises in duck farming, location-specific technological interventions are needed.
2.Zoological classification of domestic duck
.platyrhynchos have seven subspecies and among them A. p. platyrhynchos is generally considered as the ancestor of domesticated ducks (2n chromosome number is 80).
3.Ancestry and history of duck domestication and farming
The ancestry of domestic ducks has two hypotheses: one contends that wild mallards (Anas boschas) are the ancestors of domestic ducks, and the other states that domestic ducks are the descendants of a hybridization between mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and Eastern spot-billed ducks (Anas zonorhyncha). A recent whole genome sequence-based study revealed that duck domestication is a complex occurrence that overlaps with the domestication of other vertebrates. A wide range of duck breeds, varieties, and strains have evolved in the process of domestication and have dispersed to numerous countries and areas with varied climatic conditions.
About four thousand years ago, during the Neolithic age, ducks were domesticated first in Southeast Asia. Later, the Romans in Europe and the Malaysians in Asia did the same. Force-feeding grains to Mallard ducks during the Ming Dynasty in China resulted in their larger size. The history of intensive breeding practises in ducks first appeared in ancient Egypt. In India, duck farming has been practised for ages, mostly in a traditional way. The government of India gave special importance to duck farming in 1981 with the establishment of the Central Duck Breeding Farm under the Ministry of Agriculture, India during the 5th Five Year Plan with the alliance of the government of the United Kingdom to introduce improved varieties of ducks. India has only two recognised duck breeds and many still remain unrecognised, being referred to as non-descript or local ducks.
3.Demographic distribution of ducks
The majority of the world’s duck population is located in the Asian subcontinent, with countries like China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and India having a large duck population. From 193.4 million in 1961 to 1177.4 million in 2019, the world’s duck population expanded by a factor of six. In India, the majority of the ducks reared are native or local, and out of the total backyard poultry population (317.07 million), domestic ducks account for 3% share (20th Livestock Census 2019, Govt. of India) and are mostly reared in the eastern, north-eastern and southern parts of the country. West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Orissa are the states that contribute the most to the duck population and production in India.
4.The uniqueness of duck in regards to its management requirements
Ducks are unique in many ways in comparison to chickens or other species of poultry birds. Anatomically and physiologically, ducks differ from chickens, and based on that, their requirements also differ. Ducks, often referred to as aquatic birds or water fowl, also possess unique behaviour. Ducks have a varied requirement for space per bird due to their elongated, broad, and heavy structure, and they can suit a wide range of housing systems. Rearing is comparatively simpler, and just 10 to 14 days of brooding temperature maintenance is required. Due to different anatomy and feeding behaviour, ducks generally prefer wet mash, and during feeding they should always have access to drinking water. Ducks have the natural instinct to forage, and in backyard or semi-intensive farming, a large part of the dietary requirements can be obtained through foraging. Solid, wired, or slated floors are often used in duck farms. Slated floors have the advantage of easy cleaning as duck faeces is wetter and sticky in nature. Ducks need to immerse and wash their heads, otherwise their eyes become scaly and crusty, which may lead to blindness in extreme cases. They also prefer washing their bills regularly. So, water in tubs, drinkers or water channels deep enough to immerse their heads is good enough and no elaborate arrangement as such is required for the same. Due to unique laying behaviour in ducks, it is considered easier to collect duck eggs as they lay mainly during dusk and dawn and the majority of them lay by 9 a.m. Duck eggs hatch in 28 days, and they should be stored at a higher relative humidity than that of chicken eggs to maintain fertility. The size of the egg is bigger than a chicken egg and appropriate egg trays should be used for the same. During incubation, the eggs should be turned at a 180-degree angle in the setter and require regular misting and cooling to maintain their hatchability. Ducks have fewer vaccination requirements in comparison to chickens as they are resistant to many diseases.
5.Some limitations related to duck farming
Feed conversion ratio or feed efficiency is relatively lower in ducks in comparison to chickens, and the ducks are highly vulnerable to mycotoxins. The duck meat is high in fat content, which can be an issue with consumers. The wetter faeces and higher propensity to panic in ducks is a cause of concern. Ducks are also often regarded as reservoirs of various diseases. Even though raising poultry is now considered an industry, duck farming is still in its infancy in comparison to the production of chickens worldwide, not just in India. Both duck meat and eggs are popular food products in contemporary society and are significant sources of nutrients for humans. Ducks are raised for meat in Europe and the United States, while in Asian nations they are predominantly raised for their eggs.
6.Breeds of domestic duck
Based on their utility, ducks can be divided into three categories, i.e., egg type, meat type, and for ornamental purposes. But there are certain breeds which are very popular due to their economic traits, and the majority of the native ducks reared in India have not been categorised. Popular reared breeds of ducks are as follows:
- Ducks reared for egg purpose are Khaki Campbell, Bali, Indian Runner, Nageswari, Chara and Chemballi (Kuttanad ducks) etc.
- Ducks reared for meat purpose Aylesbury, Muscovy, Pekin, Rouen, China duck, Ruel Cayuga
- Ducks reared for ornamental purpose are Call, Carolina, Crested White, Mandarin, Grey calls, White Calls, Black East India breed etc.
Among various breeds, Khaki Campbell is the best egg producer (Fig 1: Khaki Campbell duck farm at Hili Block of West Bengal) and White Pekin is the most popular meat duck. Khaki Campbell has a high laying capacity of 240–280 eggs/bird/year and White Pekin, being a meat-type duck, gains a weight of 2.2–2.5 kg in 40–45 days of age, an efficient FCR of 1: 2.3–2.7 kg. The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources under ICAR has recognised two native breeds of ducks in India, namely Maithili and Pati. The Arani ducks of Tamil Nadu are also quite popular. Certain breeds have also been developed for better performance, like Vigova Super-M, better known as the broiler duck. Other hybrid ducks include Cherry Valley (Dual purpose), Hytop (Mule duck), Legarth (Meat-type), etc.
7.Duck farming practises in India
Due to the lack of industrialization in duck farming as discussed earlier: traditional, nomadic, and occasionally primitive husbandry techniques are used, and the majority of the farmers have continued the traditional methods of raising ducks that they have developed over the years. Ducks are raised in different ways in India, mostly based on traditional practises that the farmers can modify to suit their particular requirements.
7.a. Free range/extensive system
It is one of the most traditional ways of raising ducks. In India, a great number of birds are raised in this system, but typically a small number of birds per unit are raised in it. After the rice harvest, some farmers in India herd their flocks to graze across expansive territories. Ducks are allowed free during the day and kept enclosed at night. Raising birds using this method appears to be profitable as birds locate a sizable amount of food in the environment during the day.
7.b. Confined system
Ducks in this system of rearing are permanently confined in an enclosed structure (an indoor system) or along with an outdoor run. The management and examination of ducks becomes easier as they remain in the same confined location. Arrangements for water trenches are generally made in the open run section to provide the ducks with access to water.
7.c. Open range herding system (layer ducks)
An effective way of rearing ducks is where a circular enclosure generally made with a readily available net provides the maximum space for a given boundary. The area generally remains contamination free as the open area is exposed to sunlight during the day, which acts as a disinfectant.
7.d. Mass duckling rearing without the use of additional heat
One of the most popular indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) practices, especially in Kerela, where ducks are reared in mass without a supplementary heat source during the brooding period with a livability of 92–95% for the first month of age. As this low-cost technique is non-reliant on electricity or any other energy, it can therefore be espoused in remote locations.
7.e. Indoor system
The indoor method is used in organized, large-scale duck farms where production is automated. In comparison to the other rearing systems, as discussed above, this system requires a larger financial commitment in regards to elaborate housing for the birds. The system demands provision for providing the total feed required by the birds, water, and routine cleaning. This system is an organised, modern way of farming and leads to early, fast growth of birds and higher production. Due to the special needs of the ducks, this rearing system also provides access to a sizable, shallow container of water so they may wash and bathe. They should be situated over a drained area with a wire or slatted floor, similar to open drinkers.
7.f. Integrated duck rearing systems
A method for coordinating the management of land, water, vegetation, livestock, and human resources is known as integrated farming systems. This system of rearing may lead to a huge increase in sustainable productivity and guarantee that people have better livelihood security. Duck farming can be combined with other types of farming that work in harmony, resulting in improved productivity and greater financial gain for the farmer.
7.f.(i) Integrated duck cum fish farming
Duck farming over fishponds is extremely compatible and fits well with the fish polyculture method. Ducks fertilise the pond with their waste, which is effective in labor-saving and has been referred to as “manuring machines.” This has led to huge savings on pond fertiliser and supplementary fish feed. Ducks also help in controlling aquatic plants and act as biological aerators since they aerate the water while swimming. The majority of the feed for sustenance that ducks need comes from the pond in the form of aquatic weeds, insects, larvae, earthworms, etc., so they require little supplementary feed. A hectare of land in duck-cum-fish farming can support 300–350 ducks and can be a win-win situation for both. In duck-cum fish farming, ducks should be allowed to access the water bodies having fish above 10 cm in length, otherwise they may be eaten by them.
7.f.(ii) Integrated duck cum paddy cultivation
This combination of integration is very common and popular, where ducks in rice fields consume hazardous insects like snails, caterpillars etc., providing a healthy diet for them and, in return, benefiting the paddy crop with more yield. The risk due to the unpredictable crop is also reduced as earning from ducks can supplement the income in case of crop failure. Often, agricultural labourers engage in the practise of migratory duck farming, which begins in the winter month of December. The duck, while foraging in the rice field, acts as a natural weeder and consumes snails and leftover paddy grains from the field. Duck activity causes muddy water, preventing photosynthesis and controlling weed growth. Their movements and activity also promote the growth of the rice stalk, root, and leaves, hastening rice growth. Duck farming can also be integrated with fish and paddy cultivation.
7.g. Other method of duck rearing
Ducks can also be reared in cages, which is not done in India. The high demand and expanding market have led to the development of cage-rearing duck technology, which has the capacity to improve production efficiency. For example, foie gras is a French delicacy that is a unique food product made of the liver of a duck which is mainly reared in cages and forced to feed.
8.Requirements for duck farming in an organised semi-intensive or intensive system
8.a. Water requirements for duck farming
It’s a common misconception that duck farming necessitates a natural water body like a pond, river, or sophisticated water arrangements, which is not true. Water in tubs, drinkers, or water channels should be clean and deep enough for the ducks to submerge their heads. This is sufficient for duck farming and does not require water for swimming at any stage. Ducks must submerge or wash their heads to prevent their eyes from becoming crusted and scaly, which in severe cases can result in blindness. Ducks also favour routinely washing their bills. Large swimming areas near bodies of water may actually hinder output.
8.b. Housing requirements for duck farming
Ducks do not require elaborate housing, as like chicks, the housing is based on the rearing system. A floor space of 3 square feet per duck is provided in intensive duck farming, while a night shelter of 2–2.5 square feet per duck is provided during semi-intensive duck rearing. The ducks’ shelter should be secure from predators, clean, and well-ventilated. Depending on the investment and requirements, the floor of the duck house can be solid, wire, or slated. In many nations, ducks are frequently raised in cages, but this is not the case in India. While a continuous water channel with dimensions of 20 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep can be installed parallel to the night shelter, complex water arrangements are not necessary for duck housing.
8.c. Feed requirements of the duck
Ducks can be reared on dry mash, wet mash, or pellets. Due to different anatomy and feeding behaviour, ducks prefer wet mash. Dry mash, moist mash, or pellets can all be used to raise ducks. Due to differences in their structural anatomy and feeding habits, ducks like moist mash. Feeding pellets can be quite advantageous because they reduce feed waste, keep the house clean, demand less labour, etc. While being fed, ducks should always have access to water. Ducks naturally have a penchant for foraging, and in backyard or semi-intensive farming, a significant portion of dietary requirements can be met through foraging. Ducks should constantly have access to food throughout their early growing phase. Later, they can be fed 2-4 times per day with only enough food for 10 minutes of eating. Remove and forbid the use of the leftover feed.
Nutrient and feed requirements vary according to age, production, and type of duck reared. It is generally good to give ducks a balanced concentrate as a supplement. This concentrate can be purchased from any reputable feed manufacturer, such as EPIC, etc., or it may be made with locally available components. For layer ducks, the minimum protein and metabolizable energy content in the feed should be 18% and 2600 Kcal/Kg, and for broiler finisher ducks it is 20% and 2900 Kcal/Kg as per BIS 1992. The protein and metabolizable energy content in egg type duck’s starter rations (0–8 weeks) should be a minimum of 20% and 2600 Kcal/Kg, respectively, and for egg type duck’s grower rations (0–20 weeks), the same should contain a minimum of 16% and 2500 Kcal/Kg, respectively. Broiler ducks have the highest requirement of protein in their diet, with a minimum protein and metabolizable energy requirement of 23% and 2800 Kcal/Kg, respectively. It is advised to contact a veterinary doctor or veterinary nutrition specialist for feed formulation or other management issues. Dietary deficiencies can significantly reduce production and make them disease prone. Niacin is a crucial nutrient for ducks, and it can be added to the food by including 5-7 percent brewer’s yeast or by using supplements that are sold on the market. As ducks are very prone to aflatoxicosis, proper storage and freshly prepared feed should be used for feeding.
8.d. Incubation of duck eggs
Duck eggs are to be incubated for 28 days to hatch, and the steps followed during the period are somewhat different from chick eggs, with an average temperature requirement of around 1 oF lower and a higher humidity requirement. In forced-draught incubators, a temperature of 99.5 to 99° F must be maintained for the first 25 days and 90 to 92° F for the final three days of hatching with the appropriate humidity. Among the few procedures to be followed are the hourly turning of the eggs at an angle of 180 degrees in the setter and the sprinkling of lukewarm water with sanitizer. At the field level, natural brooding with ducks or even with brooding hens is also done in small units.
9.Management of ducks at different stages of development
9.a. Initial rearing/ brooding stage (0-4 Weeks)
During initial stage of life, ducks are poikilotherm in nature and need brooding up to 3-4 weeks of age. Meat type ducks achieve the ability to control body temperature a little earlier than egg type ducks. This brooding period is most critical and if proper care is not taken may lead to huge mortality. A temperature of 85 to 90oC is to be maintained in first week with a hover space of 90-100 sq.cm/duckling under the brooder. Reduce the temperature by 3oC per week till it reaches 24oC at 4th week of brooding. Based on flooring and housing ducks are allotted space, in wire floor type 1/2 sq. ft/bird or solid floor space of 1 sq. ft /bird is enough up to 3 weeks of age. Drinkers with water depth of 5-7.5 cm depth will be sufficient. High temperature built up may be controlled by air circulation. Just after bringing the day-old ducklings feed may be sprinkled or provided in the flat trays for easy access to feed in the new born ducklings and second day onwards ad libitum feed may be provided in trough type of feeders.
9.b. Growing stage rearing (5th to 20-22nd Week)
Based on the rearing system, the space per duck is allotted. In an intensive system of rearing, floor space of 3 sq. ft./duck is allotted up to 16 weeks of age. In a semi-intensive technique of rearing, each duck is given a floor space of 2.5 to 3 square feet for a night shelter and 10-15 square feet for an outdoor run. Drinkers with water depths between 12.5 and 15 cm might be adequate for head immersion. A flock of 1000 ducks can be raised on 1 acre of land using the range/herd technique, depending on the availability of food during foraging or any added feed.
9.c. Adult Stock/laying Stage (above 20-22nd weeks of age)
In an intensive rearing system, a floor space of 4-5 sq. ft./duck should be allotted, whereas in semi-intensive rearing, 3 sq. ft./duck in night shelter and 10 to 15 sq. ft./duck as an outside run should be allowed. Feeding space of 10-12.5 cm/duck for wet mash feeding and 5–7.5 cm for dry mash/pellet feeding is required. In the case of wet mash, ‘V’ shaped hopers are preferred, and in the dry type, feed hoppers are preferred. Duck breeds reared for egg production generally come to production at 20-22 weeks of age and it is very interesting that the majority of the eggs are laid within 9 AM in the morning, so egg collection in the case of duck eggs is easier compared to chicks. One nest box with dimensions of 30 x 30 x 45 cm is good enough for 3 laying ducks. For producing fertile eggs for hatching, 1 drake for 6-8 ducks in the case of layer breeds and 1 drake for 4-5 ducks for meat-purpose breeds should be allocated. Light in duck houses is a major consideration during the laying phase, as it is in the case of laying hens, and 14–16 hours of light phase should be maintained in duck houses during the laying phase.
10.Breeding management of ducks
Guided breeding and scientific management procedures are not practised in India when it comes to raising ducks in rural areas. Unplanned and uncontrolled breeding has led to the erosion of the vast genetic diversity of native ducks, most of which are still unrecognized. A special drive should be launched to register and preserve native breeds, as well as to preserve the genetic pool. For optimal fertility and hatchability in ducks, the ideal sex ratio is 1:15–20 for extensive rearing systems and 1:5–6 for intensive systems. Farmers frequently maintain a sex ratio of 1:20-25 in their extensive system, achieving 70-80 percent fertility.
11.Health management and common diseases of ducks
Ducks are less prone to diseases in comparison to chicks as they are more resistant to common avian diseases. Along with preventive measures such as scientific vaccination programs, proper biosecurity measures can be critical in avoiding disease occurrences. Care should also be taken to minimise environmental stress to maintain optimum immunity to fight against diseases. Certain diseases are highly lethal to ducks and of great importance as
(i) Duck Plague is a viral disease characterised by vascular damage along with tissue haemorrhages. The disease generally comes into notice with ducks floating dead in water and other symptoms include greenish diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, swollen moist nasal passages, swollen protruding penis etc. The disease does not respond to any treatment.
(ii) Duck Cholera is a bacterial disease that generally occurs in ducks over four weeks of age. The clinical signs are anorexia, fever, diarrhoea, and the duck may die all of a sudden.
(iii) Duck Viral Hepatitis affects young ducks of 2-3 weeks of age and is characterised by an acute course and mainly hepatitis.
(iv) Botulism/Limber Neck is a bacterial disease that can occur in both young and adult ducks. This is generally caused by the intake of bacteria that grow on decaying vegetation and can best be avoided by preventing ducks from foraging on rotting plants. Affected ducks get paralysed before succumbing to death.
(v) Aflatoxicosis is a disease caused by ingestion of aflatoxin, the toxic metabolite of the fungus Aspergillus flavus, from infected feed. The disease has clinical symptoms of decreased appetite, lameness, purple discolouration of legs and feet, and lower production and can best be avoided by providing fresh feed.
(vi) Risk of insecticides and rodenticide poisoning: As ducks are good foragers, duck farmers should take measures to prevent ducks from entering fields or areas treated with insecticides or rodenticides, which are known to be highly detrimental to ducks. Ducks are very prone to some insecticides, including parathion and diazinon.
The above-mentioned diseases are most important in terms of duck health management. Along with these diseases, other disease occurrences are also noticed like worms, ornithosis, aspergillosis, colibacillosis, coccidia, pox etc. Internal parasites are less of a problem for ducks because they are resistant to the majority of them. Only ducks with access to stagnant water, may be affected. In the event of any disease occurrence or outbreak, a farmer should contact a veterinary doctor at the earliest and seek his guidance. One should adopt preventive measures to avoid disease occurrence, and vaccination is one of the most important steps in doing so. Common vaccines (Fig 2: Vaccination in duck) generally administered in ducks are as follows:
| Sl. No. | Name of vaccine | Dose | Route | Age of vaccination |
| 1. | Duck Cholera | 1 ml | Subcutaneous | 3-4 weeks, adults 2ml after 1 month of last vaccination or 18 weeks age |
| 2. | Duck Plague | 1 ml | Subcutaneous | 8-12 weeks |
In many instances, administration of vaccines against Newcastle disease is advocated. Vaccination of ducks should be done following all scientific measures and can be obtained from manufacturers. Duck vaccines are in short supply, so farmers should check with their local government veterinary doctor to ensure their availability and purchase. Certain government institutions, such as the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Belgachia, Kolkata – 700 037, manufacture duck vaccines.
12.Constraints faced in duck farming in India
The majority of duck farming is still done in traditional ways and lacks scientific management. There is a scarcity of duck breeder farms and good quality day-old ducklings. The availability of good quality duck vaccine is very limited, along with the scarcity of good quality feed. Duck-related products also lack an organised market and may need the development of a marketing channel or cooperative to market products at a higher price. A special drive should be made to increase funds and loan availability to farmers to take up duck farming on a larger scale. Proper guidelines in regards to the breeding of ducks and the recognition and conservation of native breeds are required. There is also a need to educate farmers about scientific management of ducks and an emphasis on following proper biosecurity measures.
13.Scope and future strategies for duck farming in India
Duck farming is profitable and has tremendous scope. Duck eggs and meat are in high demand and fetch a much higher price in comparison to chicken meat. Duck farming can also be very remunerative when integrated with other farming. There is a need to provide more impetus from the government regarding research on ducks in India. There is a need to evaluate and register indigenous ducks and also a need to set up government institutes and agencies to work exclusively on various aspects of duck management, feeding, health care, etc. Research needs to be intensified, taking into account their anatomical and physiological features, in order to make duck farming more lucrative. A methodical redesign of the duck industry is required for it to remain a competitive farming system in the new global environment.
Further reads:
Debnath J, Sarkar D and Das T K (2020) Socio-economic status of duck farmers and duck rearing system in India: A review 8(6): 1262-1266
Duck Management Guide CENTRAL POULTRY DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (kar.nic.in)
Ismoyowati and J Sumarmono (2019) IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 372 012070
Jalaludeen A. & Churchil R. & BAEZA, Elisabeth. (2022). Duck Production and Management Strategies.
Jalaludeen, A. (2005) Duck rearing – A promising enterprise in the changed global scenario IPSACON 2005. Duck rearing – A promising enterprise in the changed global scenario (poulvet.com)
Kamal R, Chandran P, Dey A, Ray P, Kumari R. & Bhatt B. (2020). Characterization of Domestic Duck Production System in Eastern Region of India. International Journal of Livestock Research, 10(10), 118-125. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/ijlr.20200720 045234
Rajput D S, Singh S P, Ghosh S and RP Nema (2014). Duck Farming, Fascinating Option in India, J Veterinar Sci Technolo 5:3. DOI: 10.4172/2157-7579.1000181
Srikanth D, Brahmanandam V, Teja M.R (2018) Emerging Trends in Duck Farming in India. International Journal of Science and Management Studies.
Fig 1: Khaki Campbell duck farm at Hili Block of West Bengal
Fig 2: Vaccination in duck
https://www.pashudhanpraharee.com/modern-duck-farming-practices-in-india/
https://megcooperation.gov.in/duck_farming/Modern_Duck_Farming_Practices.pdf
