Performance of Khaki Campbell ducks in the free-range management (A field study)

S.C. Giri, S.K. Sahoo, B.K. Panda and M.K. Padhi
Regional Centre Central Avian Research Institute,
In front of Kaling Studio, Bhubaneswar - 751003

A field trial was conducted by supplying 133 straight run Khaki Campbell ducklings at 4 weeks of age to 22 farm families habituated keeping native ducks in three villages. These ducklings are allowed to grow in free-range system along with the native ducks with similar management and feeding. The birds were fed with kitchen waste and were allowed to graze in near by pond and in the backyard of households. Biweekly body weight was taken regularly at farmer’s doorstep. As a precautionary measure, all the ducklings were vaccinated against Duck Plague at 6 th-8 th week of age. The mean body weight at 4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18 and 20 th week of age were 489.6±8.22, 702.7±14.91, 1003±12.14, 1221±26.01, 1439±25.07, 1521±15.51, 1546±30.76, 1501±24.75 and 1553±34.74 g respectively. It is further noted that the males grow faster than the females and exceeded 1 kg body weight at 10 weeks of age. No specific disease outbreaks were recorded so far. However, there were eight deaths (6.01%) due to attack of predators and poor care by the farmers during growing period. Among the survivals, we have recorded the first egg laying at 17 th week of age in few farmers. From the above study, it is concluded that, Khaki Campbell ducks can be reared successfully in extensive system without any change in management practice followed for native ducks. Selective drakes can be disposed for meat purpose after 12 th week of age to provide better facilities for female ducks. The annual laying performances of ducks are under study.

Source : IPSACON-2005

Did You Like This Article? Bookmark it at Del.icio.us

Article Tools