Di Gao duck

Di Gao duck

　　1. In 1987, the parent stock of Di Gao ducks was introduced to the duck breeding farm in Nanhai City, Guangdong Province. This breed grows quickly, matures early and easily becomes fat, has strong cold and heat resistance, and adapts well to dryland pen-raising or net-raising.

　　2. Physical characteristics: Large body size, appearance similar to Cherry Valley Lz line, whole body covered in milky white feathers, large and flat elongated head, orange-red shanks, beak, and webbed feet, thick and long neck, long and broad back, wide and upright chest, slightly raised tail, body leaning forward, rear close to the ground, short and thick legs.

　　3. Production performance: Parent stock begins laying eggs at 26 weeks of age, with an annual egg production of 200–230 eggs. The male-to-female breeding ratio is 1:5, with a fertilization rate of about 90% for breeding eggs, and a hatching rate of approximately 85% for fertilized eggs. Each female duck produces around 160 commercial ducklings per year. Commercial ducklings weigh about 3.0 kilograms at 7 weeks of age, with a feed-to-weight ratio of (2.9–3.0):1, and a dressing percentage of 79.7%–82%.