Keeping ducks II – duck breeds and commercial hybrids

We have prepared an overview of several additional types. In the text, you will find the Mulard duck, the Pekin broiler duck, and the Muscovy duck.

MULARD DUCK

Final hybrid. This is the so-called “goose-duck” type (although it has nothing in common with geese). This hybrid duck was bred by geneticists in France. It is a cross between the Muscovy duck (Barbarie) and the Pekin duck. Within 84 days, it can reach a weight of up to 4.2 kg. Drakes and ducks differ very little in weight. It is a hybrid intended for the production of large livers and excellent, juicy meat, especially after force-feeding with corn. They are quiet, do not quack, and therefore do not create unnecessary noise in the yard. They are able to graze and are not demanding in terms of feed.

PEKIN BROILER DUCK

Final hybrid. The most productive type of broiler duck in a super-heavy line from the French breed producer CHERRY VALLEY, also known as the English hybrid or Pekin duck. They reach a weight of over 3 kg as early as 45 days of age. Ducklings are supplied at 2 weeks of age, weighing more than 0.5 kg. During fattening, each bird consumes about 10 kg of feed.

BARBARIE – MUSCOVY DUCK

The drake reaches a weight of up to 5 kg, while the duck weighs about half as much. A very distinctive feature, especially in the drake, is the bare red warty skin with a rounded fleshy growth above the dark beak. In the duck, the caruncles on the head are much less pronounced.

BREEDING AND IMPROVEMENT

Anyone interested in breeding and further improving purebred duck breeds has a wide range of options. Breeders who are members of breeders’ associations keep several world-famous breeds that excel not only in productivity but also in appearance. Some are bred in several color varieties.
Muscovy ducks are bred in the original wild coloration, as well as in blue, brown, white, white with black, blue or brown markings, wild-colored white-headed, and other color and pattern varieties.
Duck breeds derived from the wild mallard include the Rouen duck, Saxony duck, Cayuga, Campbell, Streicher (penciled) duck, white crested farm duck, Indian Runner, and others. Anyone interested can see them in person at larger livestock exhibitions or find them online.

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