Wild ducks currently raised in China are primarily mallards. Also known as big ducks or official ducks, mallards are the ancestral species of domestic ducks and are found all over the world. Compared to their wild counterparts, mallards have seen improved productivity. As a meat-type waterfowl, they have a higher slaughter rate than Peking ducks. Female mallards can lay between 90 to 110 eggs during a laying season, with an average egg weight of about 63 grams. In contrast, domestic ducks in northern China typically produce only around 60 eggs per year.
Mallards are more efficient at utilizing rough feed, and when combined with grazing and supplementation, they can reduce feed costs by 15% to 20%. Their strong social behavior makes them suitable for intensive farming. Additionally, they have potential in ecotourism as they can be used for hunting and birdwatching activities. Mallard down is also highly valued for its softness and warmth, making it an excellent raw material for high-quality down products.
Large-scale breeding of mallards has just begun in China, and several key techniques are essential for successful farming:
First, ensure proper hatching conditions. The incubation period for wild duck eggs is slightly shorter than that of domestic ducks—by about 0.5 to 1 day. The early stage of incubation can use the same temperature as for domestic ducks, but during the later stages, especially during hatching, it's important to increase humidity and ensure good ventilation. Mallard ducklings often struggle to hatch on their own, so assisted hatching may be necessary for those that have difficulty breaking out of the shell.
Second, avoid excessive humidity in the brooding area. Wild ducklings tend to gather around water sources, so it’s crucial to separate drinking areas from bedding or heat sources to prevent overly moist conditions. Ideally, the brooding room should have a floor drain. If the environment becomes too wet, the bedding can become moldy, leading to health issues such as eye infections, blindness, or diarrhea, and in severe cases, even death.
Third, maintain a moderate brooding temperature. While wild ducklings are resilient, they require careful temperature management. For the first three days, the temperature should be kept at 29°C, then gradually reduced by 1°C every two days. After two weeks, if the outside temperature exceeds 20°C, the ducklings can be allowed to roam freely during the day, but should still be warmed at night. By around three weeks of age, they are usually fully feathered. Premature removal from the brooder can lead to incomplete yolk absorption, delayed growth, and weakened immunity.
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