Managing Ducks for Better Production in Ahmed Ecofarm, Keshurbari, under the District of Dinajpur, Bangladesh

Abstract

Duck farming is not going equal to chicken farming in Bangladesh. Due to some superstitions, many people do not consume ducks’ meat and egg. In this regard, this article will provide those positive pieces of information about successful duck farming to consume its meat and eggs. Being a riverine country, Bangladesh is suitable for rearing ducks, and natural feed is available. Khaki Campbell (laying breed) and Beijing (table breed) were kept as two study birds for qualitative analyses through the questionnaire method. The result suggested that 2-months aged per duck consumed 70 g feed and 6-months adult duck 140 g daily with the cost of 3.22 and 6.44 taka. The semi-intensive farm provided 336 kg of regular feed for 4000 ducks (3200 Khaki Campbell, 800 Beijing duck). 1000 square feet brooding room maintained 30-32oC temperature and 100 watts (60 pieces) bulbs and 200 watts (30 pieces). For egg-laying, only sand was used (100%). After sexing the day-old ducklings, 30% found male ducks during the rearing period. The owner provided snails and hyacinth occasionally with the conventional feed. Ahmed Eco- farm was established only for egg purposes, so out of 3200 Khaki Campbell, 400 ducks laid eggs daily (50-60%) when they reached 150 days with a bodyweight of 1.5 kg. Viral paralysis, kidney disease, and flu were the diseases, and vaccines, antibiotics, and overall hygiene helped control that situation. Ahmed Ecofarm in Dinajpur district is in profit by supplying eggs in the local markets. This study period was from January 2020 to April 2022.