Performance of Ducks under Semi-Intensive Management in Papua New Guinea.

Abstract

A management system for raising Muscovie ducks that is appropriate for subsistence farmers in Papua New Guinea has been developed and has been adopted with considerable success. Farmers received day old ducklings and six weeks supply of feed. After six weeks the ducklings had access to free range all day and were given one meal of the farmer's subsistence diet. Seventy percent of the ducks survived to the age of 36 weeks. Body weight was 1. 7 kg and 2. 9 kg for females and males respectively. Egg production, hatchability and survival of ducklings to six weeks of age, measured over a period of three months, were satisfactory.