HEALTH MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF DUCKS IN NIGERIA

At present, duck production is in its infancy stage in Nigeria. Ducks are mostly reared extensively and concentrated in the hands of small-holder farmers. A survey on health management practices and reproductive performance of duckswas conducted in three south-west (Oyo, Osun and Lagos) and one north central (Niger) states in Nigeria. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered to 400(100 per state) duck farmers and were analysed with descriptive statistics (percentage). Results on management of health-related challenges showed that 51.5% of respondents were practicing self-medication and majority in this category used ethno-veterinary medicines. Other measures adopted were neglect (12.25%), consumption of sick animals (10.50%), veterinary service (10.25%), among others. Reproductive performance estimates showed that about half (52.50%) of the respondents indicated 5‒6 (24.75%) and 7−8 (27.50%) months as sexual maturity age of female ducks while the highest proportion (41.25%) indicated 16−20 eggs as clutch size. Hatchability rate was very high; 52% of duck farmers indicated that hatching rate was above 80%. Adoption of improved management systems by duck farmers will be of immense contribution to the health management and reproductive performance of ducks in Nigeria.