Among different types of poultry, ducks are not very popular. It is believed that the cost of spent feed does not pay off: ducks eat a lot, but they give few eggs. However, if we take into account the physiological characteristics of these birds, breeding them turns out to be much more profitable than it seems at first glance.
Ducks can be divided into two groups: domestic and wild. Ducks are known to be a genus of waterfowl with webbed feet and belonging to the duck family, or Anatidae. These birds are rather small in size, with short legs and neck, as well as a thickened body.
Wild ducks
Wild ducks tend to inhabit freshwater lakes and slightly salted seas. The most widely known breeds of wild ducks are considered to be: gray duck, mallard, black mallard, pintail, teal, gogol, red-headed duck, American red-headed duck, and long-nosed red-headed duck. In Russia, the gray duck, red-headed duck, gogol, teal whistle, great merganser and sheath live. As a rule, gray duck and mallard can be found without any effort.
These species breed in southwestern Canada or in the subarctic regions of the Old and New Worlds. The gray duck has a rather variegated color. It has a white belly, black undertail and a light spot on the hind edge of the wing. This species is herbivorous. The mallard, on the other hand, has a dark brown color and a white wing lining; on the side of the wings, they have a clearly visible purple metallic shade of feathers.
Domestic ducks
Among domestic breeds, Peking ducks, Khaki-Campbell, Moscow White and Muscovy ducks are highly popular. Peking ducks are generally preferred by poultry farmers. This species usually does not exceed 4 kg in weight, has a wide, dense body and short legs. They are quite unpretentious and practically not afraid of the cold.
The second most profitable breed is the Khaki Campbell. It is characterized by a fairly high meat productivity and has an unusual color. Its plumage color can range from dark brown to green.
Muscovy ducks are of particular interest. These birds have coral growth in the upper part of the beak, due to which they have a distant resemblance to turkeys. Therefore, they are often called Indo-women. The meat of such ducks is considered very elite and expensive, as it is quite dark, tender and has a characteristic game flavor.
In addition to domestic and wild, decorative breeds are planned. They will be obtained by crossing wild and domestic animals, while meat productivity will be in the last place, and the beauty of the resulting breed will come to the fore.
