Yunnan Ma Duck

Yunnan Ma Duck

　　Yunnan Ma Duck

　　Breed Description

　　Origin and Distribution: A medium-sized dual-purpose breed for both eggs and meat. Mainly produced in northwestern Yunnan, as well as in Qujing, Yuxi, Kunming, Honghe, Wenshan, Baoshan, Xishuangbanna, Simao, Dehong, Chuxiong, Zhaotong, and other areas, covering the entire province of Yunnan. In addition to being used for producing table eggs, a significant portion of the ducklings are force-fed to produce preserved ducks.

　　Appearance Characteristics: Male ducks have a deep chest and a rectangular body. The feathers on the head and upper neck are glossy green, with a white feather ring on the lower neck. The chest and back are dark brown, the abdomen is grayish-white, and the tail feathers are black, with 2–3 upward-curled feathers at the tail. Wing feathers are black-green with white edges, white-black edges, or brown-silver edges. Female ducks have dark brown or partially slate-gray iridescence, orange-yellow beaks with black bean spots. Their feathers are dense, with full chests and abdomens, and square-shaped rumps. Feather colors come in two types: yellow hemp and black hemp, with the yellow hemp color being more common, along with a small number of white-feathered and mixed-feathered individuals. The skin is white. Shanks and webs are orange-red or orange-yellow, and toes are black.

　　Breed Performance:

　　① Growth Rate and Meat Production Performance Average Weight: 30-day-old male ducks weigh 829 grams, females 773 grams; 70-day-old males 1568 grams, females 1461 grams; 90-day-old males 1836 grams, females 1681 grams; adult males 1580 grams, females 1555 grams. Adult males have an average semi-eviscerated slaughter rate of 86.40%, females 82.50%; adult males have an average fully eviscerated slaughter rate of 78.40%, females 72.90%; 110-day-old preserved male ducks have an average semi-eviscerated slaughter rate of 86.20%, females 86.70%; 110-day-old preserved male ducks have an average fully eviscerated slaughter rate of 76.70%, females 77.30%.

　　② Egg Production Performance and Reproductive Performance Female ducks begin laying eggs at an average age of 150 days. The average annual egg production is 135 eggs, with some reaching up to 200 eggs, and the average egg weight is 72 grams. The average egg shape index is 1.44. Eggshells come in three colors: light green, green, and white. The male-to-female breeding ratio is 1:12. The average fertility rate of hatching eggs is 79%. Male ducks are usable for 1–2 years, and female ducks for 2–3 years.