Study on duck (anas plathyrhinchos) welfare under extensive and intensive systems of production

Shifting duck production systems from extensive traditional to more intensive could have significant effect on egg production and welfare. This research aimed to study the duck welfare under extensive and intensive systems of production. Fourty duck farmers have been involved as respondents comprised 20 farmers using extensive system while the rest was intensive duck farmers. From each farmer 10 samples of duck blood have been taken for hematological analyses. The sample ducks were also used for crop contents analysis. Direct observations were conducted to study the daily management. Sampling was done using cluster sampling method based on location and production systems. The cluster was two locations namely Purbalingga Regency as high altitude area, and Cilacap Regency as low altitude area. Whereas the sub-cluster was production systems i.e. extensive and intensive systems. Farmer respondents were randomly selected from each cluster for both systems. Parameters observed were egg production and blood status. The results showed that average egg production was 64.50 % and 30.56 % in intensive and extensive systems of production respectively. Values of H/L ratio of ducks in Purbalingga were 1.69±1.06; and 2. 29±0.84 for extensive and intensive systems; while those in Cilacap were 2.25±1.22; and 2.94±2.23. It was concluded that local ducks kept at different environmental condition would have different resistance, however areas and production systems did not bring about different stress condition.