Centennial Review: History and husbandry recommendations for raising Pekin ducks in research or commercial production

Water for Domestic Ducks: The Benefits and Challenges in Commercial Production

“…Over 80% of global duck meat production occurs in Asia (including China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and India), followed by Europe (including France, Germany, Hungary, and the UK) and North America (FAO, 2021). The market weight for domestic grower meat ducks typically ranges from 2.75 to 4 kg (Chen et al, 2021). Pekin ducks reach this market weight and are slaughtered around 4-5 weeks of age, while Muscovy and Mulard ducks (hybrid Pekin and Muscovy crossbreed) reach this weight around 10 weeks of age (Chen et al, 2021).…”

“…The market weight for domestic grower meat ducks typically ranges from 2.75 to 4 kg (Chen et al, 2021). Pekin ducks reach this market weight and are slaughtered around 4-5 weeks of age, while Muscovy and Mulard ducks (hybrid Pekin and Muscovy crossbreed) reach this weight around 10 weeks of age (Chen et al, 2021). Breeder flocks of ducks producing fertile eggs are kept for much longer and follow a production cycle similar to laying hens where they reach sexual maturity around 20 weeks of age and lay for many months (Chen et al, 2021).…”

“…Pekin ducks reach this market weight and are slaughtered around 4-5 weeks of age, while Muscovy and Mulard ducks (hybrid Pekin and Muscovy crossbreed) reach this weight around 10 weeks of age (Chen et al, 2021). Breeder flocks of ducks producing fertile eggs are kept for much longer and follow a production cycle similar to laying hens where they reach sexual maturity around 20 weeks of age and lay for many months (Chen et al, 2021). Domestic ducks may be kept in various types of production systems including intensive indoor (fully enclosed or opensided), semi-intensive, extensive (free-range), or integrated farming systems (e.g., with rice paddy or fish farming systems) (Jalaludeen and Churchil, 2020).…”

“…They are typically housed on litter or raised plastic/wire floor-based systems with a combination of natural and artificial lighting and ventilation depending on how enclosed the systems are (Karcher et al, 2013;Karcher and Mench, 2018). Due to the biosecurity concerns associated with the provision of open water sources there has been a general move toward more intensive indoor housing systems where ducks typically only have water access via nipple or bell drinkers (Rodenburg et al, 2005;Chen et al, 2021). Where open water sources are provided this has been done using troughs, baths or showers in indoor systems, and small ponds or pools in systems with outdoor access (Rodenburg et al, 2005;Chen et al, 2021).…”

“…Due to the biosecurity concerns associated with the provision of open water sources there has been a general move toward more intensive indoor housing systems where ducks typically only have water access via nipple or bell drinkers (Rodenburg et al, 2005;Chen et al, 2021). Where open water sources are provided this has been done using troughs, baths or showers in indoor systems, and small ponds or pools in systems with outdoor access (Rodenburg et al, 2005;Chen et al, 2021). In terms of housing regulations, globally, there are some recommendations for water provision for bathing or head dipping where it does not compromise duck health, but to date there is no regulation that requires open water provision in commercial housing (Poultry S&Gs Drafting Group, 2016).…”