A new breed of duck is poised to improve the Philippine duck industry with the support of the private sector.
Launched during the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), Itik Pinas (IP), a genetically superior breeder duck, improves the egg-laying performance of the Philippine Mallard Duck from 55 to 70 percent per year with an egg weight of 65 grams, which is ideal for balut processing.
IP consists of three types: IP-Itim, IP-Khaki, and IP-Kayumanggi.
IP-Itim lays larger eggs at more than 65 g each. It has black plumage and white feather markings in the
neck and orange to brown shank.
IP-Khaki produces more eggs as it shows the highest number of eggs within a 40-week laying period.
The male has a brown plumage and darker brown pattern in the head, while the female has plain brown plumage.
Lastly, IP-Kayumanggi lays more, bigger eggs. It has plain plumage and small body at 1.2 kg.The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology announced that a duck commodity research and development (R&D) review and stakeholders consultation meeting was held recently at the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) to promote the IP.
Attended by technology developers, commercial raisers, farm owners, a teacher from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), and a private animal nutritionist expert, the review and consultation meeting aimed to assess present endeavors and identify future initiatives on Itik Pinas.
Through the meeting, the council gave the private sector an opportunity to comment on the project and provide suggestions for marketing and packaging of the product.
“The government will not only regulate the duck industry but also help develop enabling technologies, strategies, and policies,” said Dr. Synan Baguio, officer-in- charge of the council’s Livestock Research Division.
“We will also seek private sector assistance in putting up specialized laboratories like the Swine Genetic Analytical Service Laboratory,” Baguio added.
IP, developed under the project, Development of Sustainable Breeder Philippine Mallard Duck Production as an innovative technology in duck raising, aims to address the lack in quality breeders and the continuous increase in production cost.
Representatives of the public and private sectors participate in the duck commodity R&D review and stakeholders consultation meeting.