Duck Farming

Ducks form only about 6% of India's total poultry population, yet duck farming is genuinely profitable, partly because it combines naturally with aquafarming. India has roughly 20 duck breeds, split between native breeds (Indian Runner, Syhlet Meta) and exotic breeds (Muscovy, Pekin, Aylesbury, Campbell) — all ultimately descended from the wild Mallard duck (Anas boscas). Ducks are physically distinctive: their body is entirely covered in oily feathers, and a layer of fat under the skin keeps them dry even in water; they lay eggs at night or in the morning, and feed opportunistically on rice bran, kitchen waste, waste fish and snails. Breeds are further grouped by purpose into meat-productive, egg-productive, and dual-purpose (meat-and-egg) types. Ducks can be reared in small backyards wherever water is available, need relatively little care and management thanks to their hardiness, adapt well across a range of environmental conditions, and …