MALLARD DUCK

Is a large and heavy- looking duck. It has a long body,

and a long broad bill. The male has dark green head, a
yellow bill, is mainly purple- brown on the beast and
grey on the body. The female is mainly brown with an
orange bill. It is suitable in wetland habitats, although it
is rarer in upland areas.
 TYPE OF PRODUCTION

• Mallard Duck has two types of production

Which is the meat production and egg production.
EXTERNAL ANATOMY OF MALLARD DUCK
INTERNAL ANATOMY OF MALLARD DUCK
 HOUSING & EQUIPMENT IN MALLARD DUCK
For each type of housing:

• The housing must be clean, dry, adequately ventilated and able to keep out beating rain.
• Allow each breeder an area of at least 0.2 m2 of floor space inside the shed (i.e. 5 birds/m2).
• Cover the shed floor with litter for the comfort of the birds, to absorb moisture and to prevent
egg breakage — wood shavings are probably the most suitable, but any soft absorbent
material to a depth of about 7–8 cm is satisfactory.
Siting

• The area selected for sheds should be gently sloping. If the site is too hilly, sheds will be
difficult to build; if the site is too flat, drainage will be impeded. For siting and layout contact
your local council for development advice.

• The shed should face north to north-east and should be at least 2 m high at the back, to give
enough head room. Since ducks are very susceptible to excessive sun, provide adequate
shade.
Layout

• For a systematic farm layout, first draw up a ground plan and spend some time
thinking about the plan and shed design. This will enable you to make
modifications. When planning the farm, allow for housing growers and adults
separately, and make sure there is no drainage from the adult housing area to
growers. Whatever housing is chosen, a cheap and effective type of shed is one with
a squillion roof

• The ideal method of housing breeding stock is in a building which has both litter and
slatted or wire floor areas. This greatly reduces the amount of wet litter and
improves overall production. Feeders and waterers are placed on the slats. The litter
area is used by the ducks for mating and for laying eggs. A combination of litter and
slats prevents possible leg damage to heavy breeding ducks, which may occur if
they are housed on slats only.
Nests

• Encourage ducks to use nests because cleaner eggs result and fewer breakages
occur. Furthermore, eggs laid in nests are not exposed to sun or damp. This may be
difficult with breeds other than Muscovies.

• Nests should be clean, dry, comfortable and only large enough to be used by one
duck at a time. Build them from timber and place them in rows along the walls. A
suitable size is 30 cm by 30 cm by about 40 cm deep. Nesting material should be
placed in the nest to a depth of about 7 cm. Use shavings, sawdust, sand or shell
grit. Broody ducks will further line their nests with their own body feathers.

• If you wish to follow a system of progeny testing, use trap nests to facilitate
identification of eggs laid by individual ducks. Identify and discard ducks that
continually lay almond-shaped eggs or other misshapen eggs. Individual duck
production can also be recorded. In intensive buildings, encourage Pekin ducks to
lay in nests by providing open-framed nest boxes on the side of the walls. The nest
boxes must be at floor level, as ducks will not use elevated nests.
Feeders

• No special feeding equipment for ducks is manufactured in this country, so

equipment made for other poultry has to be used. This gives satisfactory results. As a
general rule, ducks need twice as much feeding space as hens. Flock feeders are the
most satisfactory types of feeders for ducks. Provide each duck with a feeding space
of at least 12 cm (the equivalent of four 2 m flock feeders per 100 adults).

Waterers

• Swimming facilities are not essential. However, pools can be made available where
outside runs are provided. Concrete ponds 1 m wide by 0.25 m deep are satisfactory.
To keep litter in the shed dry, place the ponds away from the house. Alternatively,
saucer-shaped pools 0.25 m deep and 2 m wide may be used. In both cases, good
drainage is essential. To limit wastage of eggs, it is advisable to prevent outside
swimming until about 10.00 am, when most eggs will have been laid (most ducks lay
their eggs in the evening and early morning).
 MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF MALLARD DUCK

FLOOR SPACE
Overcrowding ducks can extremely detrimental to their health or egg production. Providing
adequate floor space at each stage of development is basic to successful duck raising. While
under crowding is not usually a problem, it is better to stock ducks at near the recommended
density in cold weather so that body heat will help warm .

MANAGEMENT OF LITTER& YARDS

Ducks drink and excrete more water than chicken or turkeys. Their droppings contain over 90%
moisture. It is necessary to take extra measures to maintain litter floors inside sheltered areas in
a dry condition. This will require regular addition of fresh bedding, on top of the bedding that
has became soiled or wet, and necessary cleaning out the old litter and replacing it with fresh
water.
 VENTILATION
• Duck houses or shelters for small flocks usually do not require mechanical ventilation as used in modern
commercial duck buildings. However some ventilation is always necessary when ducks are kept in a house
enclosed on all sides. Window openings, and ridge ventilation may provide adequate air exchange. If
larger flocks are kept in totally enclosed houses, the use of ventilation fans may be necessary. Proper
ventilation of commercial duck buildings requires the expertise of an agricultural engineer or someone
with knowledge and experience in designing and ventilating poultry buildings.

• Modern duck buildings must be adequately insulated for ventilations systems to work properly.
Ventilation systems for ducks should deliver a minimum of 0.2 cfm/lb duck weight at .05 inches (water
gauge) static pressure and a maximum ventilation rate (when temperatures are above the desired point)
of 0.8 cfm/lb duck weight at .02 inches static pressure.
 LIGHTING
• The length of the laying period of ducks can be increased considerably if supplemental lighting is provided.
If supplemental light is not provided, egg production will be seasonal and dependent on changes in
natural day length. Adding artificial light to extend the daily light period to 14-17 hours, and preventing
any decrease in day length, will provide adequate light stimulation for ducks to lay continuously for 7-12
months, depending upon their ability to lay, and other conditions. If ducks are confined to a building at
night and allowed outdoors during the day (or if confined to non-lightproof housing), the usual practice is
to turn artificial lights on at a set time before sunrise, off at a set time after sunrise, then on again before
sunset and off after sunset, maintaining a constant light period (14 hours, for example) and a constant
dark period (10 hours in this case) each day. Such a lighting regimen is usually implemented with the aid of
electric time clocks that turn lights on and off at set times.
• A light intensity of about 10 lux (1 foot candle) at the duck's eye level is sufficient to stimulate adequate
sexual response in both drakes and ducks. In practice, however, breeding and laying ducks are commonly
lit to provide 20-30 lux at duck level. Artificial lighting is less important for growing ducks. Ducks are
nocturnal, and can find feed and water in the dark. However artificial light is important the first few days
to assist ducklings in getting started drinking and eating. Totally confined ducks being grown-out for
marketing, as in commercial production, are usually provided some light every day. It is also beneficial to
provide dim light by means of low wattage bulbs during dark periods to help prevent stampeding if the
flock is disturbed and to discourage feather pecking.
 BREEDING OF MALLARD
DUCK
• Mallards form nesting pairs in the fall and winter. Females can lay between 5 and 15
eggs, which she incubates for 26 to 30 days. The young leave the nest within a day
of hatching, led to the water by their mother. A mallard usually lives for 5 to 10
years in the wild.
 FEEDING & NUTRITION OF MALLARD DUCK

• Proper nutrition is necessary if the ducks are to perform at their maximum

genetic potential. The quantity and quality of feed influence growth rate,
reproduction, carcass quality, health and eventually cost of production. Proper
duck nutrition means providing a balanced diet with everything needed for
growth and development. The feed must include protein, an energy source,
vitamins and minerals. The nutritional requirements will vary with the stage of
development of the duck. An abundant supply of cool, clean water is also
necessary throughout the life of the duck.
 DISEASES IN MALLARD DUCK
Duck Virus hepatitis
Duck virus hepatitis is a highly fatal contagious
disease of young ducklings, 1-28 days of age.
Ducklings are most susceptible at the younger ages
and gradually become more resistant as they grow
older. The disease is rarely seen in ducklings over 4
weeks of age. The onset of the disease is very rapid,
it spreads quickly through the flock and may cause
up to 90% mortality. Sick ducklings develop
spasmodic contractions of their legs and die within
an hour in a typical "arched-backward" position. The
liver is enlarged and shows hemorrhagic spots. To
prevent this disease, keep age groups isolated and
vaccinate breeder ducks with an attenuated live
virus duck hepatitis vaccine (to produce maternally
immune ducklings).
Avian Cholera
Avian cholera, also called fowl cholera, caused by the
bacterium Pasteurella multocida is an important disease of
domestic ducks, and is an especially troublesome disease
of ducks in some parts of Asia. This disease is associated
with poor sanitation, and standing water in duck pens.
Symptoms include loss of appetite, mucous discharge from
the mouth, diarrhea, and in breeder ducks, labored
breathing. Lesions found in dead birds include
hemorrhages on heart muscle, mesentery and abdominal
fat. The liver is enlarged, copper colored and friable (easily
crumbled). Pinpoint whitish spots may be seen on the
liver. Good sanitation practices go a long way toward
preventing this disease. Sulfamethazine-ormetoprim
(0.02-0.04%) and Chlortetracycline (0.044%) given in feed
are effective treatments.

Riemerella anatipestifer Infection
• This bacterial disease of ducks is also known as
Pasteurella anatipestifer infection, infectious
serositis and New Duck disease. Anatipestifer
infection causes high mortality, weight loss and
condemnation. In the acute form, listlessness, eye
discharge and diarrhea are commonly seen. Ducks
show incoordination, shaking of the head and
twisted neck. Birds are commonly found on their
backs, paddling their legs. Typical lesions found in
dead birds are infected air sacs, membranes
covering the heart and liver, and meningitis.
Preventive management and vaccination are
effective means of control. Penicillin, enrofloxacin
and sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim (0.04-0.08% in
feed) are effective in reducing mortality.
Duck Plague (Duck Virus Enteritis)
Duck virus enteritis is an acute, contagious, highly
fatal disease of waterfowl caused by a herpes virus.
This disease is most likely to affect mature ducks, but
is also seen in young ducks. Affected birds show
sluggishness, ruffled feathers, greenish-yellow
diarrhea that is sometime blood-stained. Dead birds
often have blood-stained feathers around the vent
and blood dripping from the nostrils. Hemorrhages
may be found in tissues throughout the body.
Eruptive lesions of the mucous lining of the
esophagus and intestine are characteristic signs of
the disease. Necrotic plaques may be observed in the
cloaca. Regular immunization of breeder ducks with
an attenuated live duck virus enteritis vaccine
provides adequate protection.
 PREVENTION AND CONTROL ON MALLARD DUCK

• Establish and maintain a biosecurity program that will prevent the introduction of diseases into the
premises where ducks are kept. This includes prohibiting the admission of any potential source of
infectious agents, such as live ducks, other fowl or animals. In cases where it is necessary to bring live
ducks to the farm, the ducks must be from an established disease-free source, and should be
quarantined for observation before being placed on the farm premises. Entry of potential carriers of
infectious material such as people, trucks, poultry crates and equipment must be denied unless
appropriate disinfection measures are taken. Duck caretakers should change clothing and boots and
use disinfectant foot baths upon entering the premises or buildings.
• Immunize ducks against known infectious diseases. In many cases a high level of protection against
common duck diseases can be induced by the administration of appropriate vaccines or bacterins at
the proper time. See Duck Biologics for more information.
• Minimize environmental stresses which may cause ducks to become susceptible to infections. This
includes providing proper housing, management, ventilation and nutrition
 VENT SEXING
Vent sexing involves opening up the duck's anal vent (called a cloaca)
slightly, to see if the duck has a penis, which indicates that the duck is a drake
(male). Venting normally happens only when species don't show sexual
dimorphism; mainly geese, swans and juvenile Vent sexing involves opening
up the duck's anal vent (called a cloaca) slightly, to see if the duck has a
penis, which indicates that the duck is a drake (male). Venting normally
happens only when species don't show sexual dimorphism; mainly geese,
swans and juvenile ducks.Vent sexing involves opening up the duck's anal
vent (called a cloaca) slightly, to see if the duck has a penis, which indicates
that the duck is a drake (male). Venting normally happens only when species
don't show sexual dimorphism; mainly geese, swans and juvenile ducks.
 FEATHER SEXING
VFaeATH
Ff

Males have green heads, while the females (hens or ducks) have
mainly brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes have an area of white-
bordered black or iridescent purple or blue feathers called a speculum
on their wings; males especially tend to have blue speculum feathers.
 MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN MALLARD DUCK
Artificial Incubation
Maintain the correct temperature and humidity in the incubator. It take
Maintain the correct
29 daystemperature
total for Mallard
and humidity
duck eggs
in the
to hatch.
incubator.
FromItday
takes
1 to day 25, th
around 26 to 29in days
the incubator
total for Mallard
should beduck
99.5eggs
degrees
to hatch.
Fahrenheit
From day
(37.5
1 degrees Cels
to day 25, the relative
temperature
humidity
in theshould
incubator
be 86
should
degrees
be Fahrenheit
99.5 degrees
(55%).
Fahrenheit (37.5 degrees Celsius). The relative humidity should be 86
degrees Fahrenheit (55%).
Natural Incubation
The incubation period for waterfowl lasts from 21 to 31 days, and
females spend from 73 to more than 99 percent of each day on the
nest. In the extreme case of emperor geese, females spend as much
as 99.5 percent of each day on the nest.
 LIGHTNING PRACTICES IN MALLARD
DUCK

If ducks are confined to a building at night and allowed outdoors during

the day (or if confined to non-lightproof housing), the usual practice is to
turn artificial lights on at a set time before sunrise, off at a set time after
sunrise, then on again before sunset and off after sunset, maintaining a
constant light period (14 hours, for example) and a constant dark period
(10 hours in this case) each day. Such a lighting regimen is usually
implemented with the aid of electric time clocks that turn lights on and off
at set times.
 DEBEAKING

Beak trimming, the removal of the sharp upper and lower mandible
tips of the beak, is a widespread management practice designed to
reduce the degree of damage inflicted if one bird pecks at the
feathers or skin of another.

The proper debeaking is Mechanical techniques use a

scissor-like device like secateurs to cut the tip of the beak.
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