Abstract
The present article addresses the scenario of duck genetic resources, their production and reproduction performances, their improvement and conservation in Bangladesh. The duck, among other poultry species available in the country, are used for meat and egg production. The duck germplasm available in the country are indigenous/native, improved native, exotic and their crosses. The native duck population is comprised of Indigenous Non-descript, Deshi White, Deshi Black, Nageshwari, Sylhet Mete etc. The improved native such as, BLRI-1 and BLRI-2 are developed by Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute. The exotic duck such as, Khaki Campbell, Indian Runner, Jending, Muscovy, White Pekin, Cherry Valley, Thailand Black etc. are also used at farms level. The crossbred of different ducks are used in the country at different farming systems. Improvement and conservation of native duck are ongoing both in-situ and ex-situ in vivo by DLS, BLRI, BAU and also by others. The present study provided baseline information on duck germplasm of Bangladesh which could be useful for future genetic characterization, improvement and conservation.
 SAARC J. Agri., 17(2): 31-42 (2019)
Highlights
Ducks among other poultry species is considered as an economic livelihood option in Bangladesh especially for smallholders and women
Nondescript local ducks are ubiquitous in the country and most smallholder farmers keep them under a subsistent level of management in Bangladesh (Islam et al, 2003)
The purpose of this study is to address the available duck germplasm with their distributions, productive and reproductive performances along with conservation status so that the duck producers and researchers can get information for future improvement and conservation program
Summary
Ducks among other poultry species is considered as an economic livelihood option in Bangladesh especially for smallholders and women. In Bangladesh, the rural peoples raise ducks in adjunct with other agricultural operations where usually no extra feed is required They are commonly tended for meat and egg under traditional system in rural areas (FAO, 1990). An added advantage is that ducks normally lay most of their eggs within the three hours after sunrise compared with five hours for chickens enabling them to collect those eggs in the morning while at home before going for outside work. Nondescript local ducks are ubiquitous in the country and most smallholder farmers keep them under a subsistent level of management in Bangladesh (Islam et al, 2003). Duck are larger in size and the meat ducks are sold at a price higher than that of local freerange live chicken Indigenous ducks both generate income and ensure protein for the people.
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