Introduction

Ducks are reared because they are excellent poultry for meat production.  In Guyana, at the National Agricultural Research Institute three breeds of ducks are reared to supply the demands of farmers.  These are: Pekin, Kunshan and Muscovy.  Unlike the Muscovy, the Kunshan and Pekin are comparatively quality for meat production because of their excellent ability to increase their weight.  Originating from the Wild Quacker (Anas platyrhynchos), the Peking duck has the ability to increase its body weight by 50-60 times in the first 7-8 weeks of its life.

When rearing ducks there are two recommended systems:  Intensive and semi intensive.

Intensive:  Ducks are kept in total confinement.  All facilities are provided i.e. water and feed in a sheltered area or pen.  A well balanced ration is needed.  Water pans should be placed such that the ducks cannot sprinkle the water.

Semi Intensive:  Ducks are free to go from pen to an outdoor extension or 'run' during the day where they feed freely on insects and worms.  This helps to provide added nutrition and assists in balancing their diet.  There is also reduction in feed cost.  The meat from birds grown semi intensively in unpolluted areas has a better taste and food value than those grown intensively.

NB  Duck meat is tender, juicy, biologically complete with its own specific taste.  It contains 63-68% water, 18-20% raw protein with amino acid balance very close to the optimal formula, as well as phosphorous, calcium, iron, copper and magnesium.

If one should embark on duck rearing for meat production special emphasis should be placed on pen construction, feeding and post harvest management.

Housing

 1.     Brooding pen for ducks under 3 weeks old.

 2.     Fattening pen for older ducks.

Pens must be clean, comfortable and well ventilated.

Floor:  Wire mesh raised above the ground, earth or concrete can be used for the construction of the floor.  A concrete floor is better if there is no accessible water outside the pen.  Concrete floors should be slanted for easy cleaning and drainage.

Litter:  A  2 cm thick litter or bedding should be placed on the floor.  This may be of cane bagasse, wood shaving or paddy hull.  Litter must always be clean and dry.  On an earthen floor it would be necessary to change litter regularly.

NEVER ALLOW DUCKLINGS TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH USED LITTER.

Population:  To avoid over crowding, the following is recommended:

                         AGE IN WEEKS             DUCKS PER sq m

                                   1                                        25

                                   2                                        20

                                  3-4                                      15

                                   5                                        10

                                   6                                          7

Construction of the 'RUN' :  The 'run' is the area between the pen and the 'waterway'.  This should be twice the area of the floor of the pen, enclosed and ideally paved with bricks or stones.  A gentle slope helps the ducks to enter and leave the water.  

Feed and Feeding

Feeding Practice:  For Pekin ducks to reach 4-6 lbs or higher in 8-9 weeks, they must be carefully fed and well managed.  The traditional backyard feeding of table scraps and leftovers will be inadequate.  Ducks may be fed a complete commercial or farm mixed ration.  Self mixed feed is cheaper than the commercial feed.  However, if not properly mixed the birds can become under nourished thus weigh loss will be high.  The following formulae were successfully used at the LIVESTOCK FARM at NARI, Mon Repos.  These rates are for 100 lb batches of feed.

The above Formulae, combined with good housing and management of the birds have given good results.

Feed:  Immediately after purchase, ducklings should be fed a commercial starter ration or half cooked broken rice mixed with boiled eggs and some sugar.  Wash cooked rice with cold water to remove stickiness.  Feed seven times per day or every two hours.

At 3 days old, add boiled fish and other inputs, gradually reducing rice.  Forage may be introduced.

At 5 days old, dampen the feed.  Do not make it ' soup like ', since this may cause inflammation of the nose.

At 7 days old, feed water weeds, grass or leguminous plants, either separately or mixed with feed.  Feed every 2 1/2 hrs to 3 hrs.

The following weight gains can be expected:

                    AGE IN WEEKS                     WEIGHT GAIN (kg)

                              1                                              0.23

                              2                                              0.58

                              3                                              1.24

                              4                                              1.71

                              5                                              2.25

                              6                                              2.41

                              7                                              3.15

                              8                                              3.46

N.B.  Each bird should gain approximately just over 0.34 kg per week.

Vaccination:  The natural resistance of Pekin ducks to many infectious diseases makes vaccination unnecessary.

N.B.  The tables and some of the information appearing in this document were taken from the Ministry of Agriculture Publication 'FEEDING DUCKS FOR MEAT PRODUCTION'.

For further information contact:

Livestock Farm

National Agricultural Research Institute

Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara

Tel: 220 2841-3     Fax: 220 4481

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