Recently, poultry farming in general has been developing well, with a total flock of nearly 8.9 million birds, an increase of 2.9% compared to the same period last year. Of this, waterfowl (mainly ducks) account for 28.8% of the total poultry flock and increased by 3.1% compared to the same period. With a relatively stable market, this is identified as one of the livestock species many households choose to raise for economic development.
Recently, small-scale, individual duck farming has gradually been phased out, replaced by large-scale, professional, concentrated farming. Most households raise at least 1,000 ducks for meat. Many households with large farms raise up to 5,000-10,000 ducks per batch. Duck farming now relies not only on the post-harvest period of the two rice crops (utilizing by-products) but is also year-round, averaging 6-7 batches per year (for meat ducks). Farmers are adopting enclosed and specialized housing models (not allowing ducks to roam freely in the natural environment). This farming approach is proving effective, ensuring good weight gain for meat ducks and better disease control.
A visit to Mr. Tran Xuan Ky's farm in Hamlet 1, Cong Xa, Vinh Tru town (Ly Nhan district) revealed that since the beginning of 2024, he has been developing his duck farming business in a concentrated and professional manner. Mr. Ky invested in two duck farms with a capacity of 4,000 ducks per batch. He rotates the batches in the two farms to ensure consistent sales throughout the months and to better manage market prices. Mr. Tran Xuan Ky shared: "Since choosing duck farming as my main occupation, the selling price has remained stable at over 40,000 VND/kg for three batches, reaching a peak of 48,000 VND/kg at times. The market for duck meat is very good; traders come directly to the farm to buy and transport the ducks to various provinces and cities. With large-scale farming, the profits are much higher than other types of livestock."
In fact, the most important reason for the increase in the number of waterfowl is the consistently high selling price, which brings profits to farmers. For almost a year now, the price of duck meat has reached 36,000 – 37,000 VND/kg or higher. Especially since the beginning of 2024, the price of duck meat has averaged 42,000 – 45,000 VND/kg. Raising ducks for meat, just selling at 30,000 VND/kg is enough to break even. At the current selling price, each duck, after deducting costs (seedlings, feed, veterinary medicine, electricity, etc.), yields a profit of over 20,000 VND. When ducks reach a selling price of over 45,000 VND/kg, raising 1,000 ducks for slaughter can yield a profit of nearly 40 million VND. Another advantage is that the investment cost for raising ducks is lower than other livestock, only a fraction of that of pigs. The rearing time for meat ducks is short, only 42-45 days, similar to that of white chickens. This makes it easier for farmers to plan for potential negative impacts from the consumer market. To ensure the effectiveness of livestock farming in general, and waterfowl farming in particular, specialized agencies of the agricultural sector, in coordination with local authorities, regularly disseminate information and provide technical training to farmers. Accordingly, biosecurity-based farming practices are applied, especially by professional farmers. Duck flocks are fully vaccinated against common diseases and avian influenza. Duck farming facilities are also ensured to be well-ventilated, clean, cool in summer, and warm in winter.
However, the main difficulty in duck farming today remains the complete reliance on the free market for sales. Prices can fluctuate depending on the production season. Along with this, as the price of duck meat increases, so does the price of ducklings that farmers import. Currently, a single duckling for meat production costs 25-27 thousand VND, accounting for 16-17% of the cost of a duck ready for market. According to Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, Head of the Livestock and Veterinary Sub-Department (Department of Agriculture and Rural Development), waterfowl are currently a highly effective livestock species. However, farmers also need to keep abreast of market trends and prices to determine the scale of investment and minimize risks during production.
Developing poultry farming, including waterfowl, contributes to increasing the value and proportion of the livestock industry in general. However, ducks are quite sensitive animals, easily susceptible to disease when weather and climate conditions change, and therefore require further support from specialized agencies in the transfer of scientific and technical knowledge and disease control to further improve economic efficiency.
Manh Hung
Source: https://baohanam.com.vn/kinh-te/nong-nghiep/quan-tam-phat-trien-dan-thuy-cam-130125.html
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