Results of analysis and evaluation of current situation on Trungkhanh Co Duck production in Caobang
The study aims to investigate the current production of the local duck breed under the collective trademark “Trung Khanh Co duck” in Cao Bang province. The Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) method was applied, combined with direct observation and interviews with farmers. A total of 200 households were surveyed, with the criteria of raising Trung Khanh Co ducks continuously for at least two years, at a minimum scale of 20 ducks per household, in four communes: Dinh Phong, Dam Thuy, Doai Duong, and Trung Khanh. The results showed that the total number of ducks under the collective trademark was 5,589 heads, accounting for 43.67% of the total investigated duck population. The average herd size was 27.95 ducks per household. The primary production purpose was meat production, accounting for 87.5% of investigated households. The supply of ducklings mainly came from intermediaries such as central markets or traders. The prices of meat ducks and ducklings fluctuated depending on the supply-demand gap, timing, and seasonality. The highest price ranged from VND 120,000 to 130,000 per meat duck and from VND 20,000 to 25,000 per duckling. The lowest price ranged from VND 51,000 to 87,000 per meat duck, and from 17,000 to 28,300 VND per duckling. About 52% of households adopted a semi-scavenging system. 89% of the housing facilities met veterinary hygiene standards, and all investigated households vaccinated their ducks against diseases such as H5N1 avian influenza, hepatitis, and duck plague. The average egg production of Trung Khanh Trungkhanh Co ducks was 147.42 eggs per year. The hatching rate remained relatively low at 68.44%. Although Trung Khanh Co ducks have lower body weight and egg productivity compared to specialized egg-laying breeds, and breeding facilities are still limited, they are easy to raise, resistant to diseases, and have high market prices due to their delicious meat quality, which is highly appreciated by local consumers.
