Gushi Duck

Gushi Duck

　　Gushi Duck

　　Variety Description

　　Origin and Distribution: A dual-purpose breed for meat and eggs. Mainly produced in Gushi County, Henan Province, and distributed in surrounding areas. Gushi Ducks are known for their robust constitution and ease of fattening.

　　Appearance Characteristics: Relatively large body size, broad and flat back, and a narrow rectangular body shape. The beak is yellow-green, and the iris is brown. Some have white or yellow eyebrows, and a pinkish-white face. The neck is long and slender. Male ducks have green head and neck feathers, a white neck ring, iridescent shoulder feathers, white breast and abdomen feathers, and black tail feathers. Female ducks come in brown-yellow (commonly called dark reddish-brown), black speckled, and orange-yellow plumage. Their legs and feet are orange-red or dark red.

　　Breed Performance:

　　① Growth Rate and Meat Production Performance Average Weight: 52 grams at birth; 370 grams at 30 days; 1100 grams at 70 days; adult male ducks weigh 1868 grams, females 1738 grams. Adult male ducks have an average semi-eviscerated slaughter rate of 81.48%, females 77.00%; adult male ducks have an average fully eviscerated slaughter rate of 74.00%, females 70.00%.

　　② Egg Production and Reproductive Performance Female ducks start laying eggs at an average age of 190 days. They lay an average of 130 eggs per year, with an average egg weight of 80 grams. The average eggshell thickness is 0.39 mm, and the average egg shape index is 1.40. Eggshells are mostly white, with a few being bluish-green. Male ducks reach sexual maturity at 150 days. The mating ratio of male to female ducks is 1:25. The average fertilization rate of breeding eggs is 90%, and the average hatching rate of fertilized eggs is 90%. Male ducks are productive for 1–2 years, female ducks for 2–3 years.