Duck Farming

How To Raise Ducks
For Food and Project
Sustainable Agriculture

Training Pac
©1996 Sommer Haven Ranch International

1. Introduction
Duck raising has been practiced in the Philippines for such a long time that nobody can say exactly when it started. It was introduced here by early
Chinese traders. The Spaniards found it already a thriving industry in Pateros,
Rizal, which is still the center of the duck in the Philippines. (Fronda, 1972).
Ducks are now being raised in many other areas in the country, and they are second only to chickens in popularity and economic importance (see Table
1).
TABLE 1. Popularity of Poultry on Farm, by Kind: 1950 to 1983
(in thousand heads)
Year

Chicken

Duck

1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
1971
1972
1973
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983

25,235
44,584
52,335
56,929
56,999
56,512
50,103
49,965
45,671
45,289
58,892
49,320
52,761
57,724
59,710
62,255

709
1,696
2,231
1,478
2,132
2,352
2,600
2,906
4,104
4,228
5,365
5,338
4,725
4,783
4,905
5,419

Note: The reference date of the population is March 1 for 1955, 1960, and
1965 and January 1 for 1950 and 1970 to 1980. Date for 1974 and 1975 are not available.
Source: Bureau of Agricultural Statistics.

How to Raise Ducks …

1

2. Advantages of Raising Ducks
There are several reasons why Filipino farmers should raise ducks in their farms or backyards. Consider the following:
Good source of protein. Duck raising provides meat and eggs for the family. Duck eggs are nutritious and provide needed protein for the family.
Duck meat can be cooked in even more ways than chicken and is an excellent addition to the family diet.
More economical. A farm family will have a daily supply of eggs, and you will be able to sell any surplus eggs for additional income.
More practical. Duck raising is more practical for a small backyard project than raising chickens. Ducks are productive for a longer period of time

References: BERNARDO, Juanito C. 1982. “Duck Raising in the Barangay.” Asian Farms, Vol. 3 (10) The Committee for Duck. 1977. The Philippines Recommends for Duck Raising Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research and Development, Los FRONDA, F.M. 1972. Poultry Management in the Philippines. Revised edition. MANGUIAT, Rey J. 1985. “How to Integrate Ducks with Fish and Clam,” The Baptist Farmer RIOS, Ariel S. 1986. “Successfully Raising 15,000 Ducks,” Greenfields Magazine, Vol SOLIVEN, Max E. 1986. “Raising Ducks Profitably.” Greenfields Magazine, Vol. TACIO, Henrylito D. 1986. “So, You Want to Raise Ducks?” Greenfields Magazine, Vol ZAMORA, F., Jr. 1987. “Duck-Fish-Clam-Snail Polyculture.” Agriscope Magazine.