Wendeng Black Duck

Wendeng Black Duck

　　Wendeng Black Duck

　　Breed Description

　　Origin and Distribution: A laying-type breed. Mainly produced in coastal towns such as Xiaoguan and Zetou in Wendeng City, Shandong Province, and also found in other towns as well as neighboring areas like Rushan and Muping.

　　Appearance Characteristics: Well-proportioned body, delicate and compact physique, gentle temperament. The head is square-round. The beak is mainly bluish-black, with less deep black. The eyes are large and bright, with dark brown irises. The neck is slender and of medium length. The entire plumage is black, with features such as a “white crop” and “white wing tips.” Male ducks are larger than females, with neck and head feathers exhibiting a bluish-green sheen, and 3–4 curly sex feathers on the tail. The skin is light yellow. The webbed feet are black or wax-yellow.

　　Breed Performance:

　　① Growth Rate and Meat Production Performance Average Weight: 49-day-old male ducks weigh 910 grams, female ducks 925 grams; adult male ducks 1900 grams, female ducks 1760 grams. Adult male ducks have an average semi-eviscerated slaughter rate of 77%, female ducks 73%; adult male ducks have an average fully eviscerated slaughter rate of 72%, female ducks 66%.

　　② Egg Production and Reproductive Performance Female ducks start laying eggs at an average age of 140 days. They lay an average of 262 eggs per year, with an average egg weight of 80 grams. The average egg shape index is 1.39. Eggshells are green or light green, with a few being white. Male ducks reach sexual maturity at 120 days, and the mating ratio of male to female ducks is 1:20 or higher. The average fertilization rate of breeding eggs is 95%, and the average hatching rate of fertilized eggs is 90%. Female ducks do not exhibit broodiness. Male ducks are usable for one year, while female ducks can be used for 3–4 years.