Characterization of Indigenous Duck Production Systems in the Madarounfa Department, Niger

The local duck is a type of poultry whose farming remains rudimentary in Niger. This study aims to characterize the local duck production system in the Madarounfa Department, located in the Maradi Region of Niger. A survey was conducted among 100 farmers across five municipalities in the Madarounfa Department. The results show that 81% of producers practice mixed farming with temporary free-ranging. About 42% of respondents have 2 to 5 years of experience, and 61% prefer ducks with black-and-white plumage. The majority of farmers (83%) keep ten ducks or fewer. Farming infrastructure includes night shelters (89%), waterers (95%), feeders (97%), and ponds (55%). The main causes of duck mortality are diseases (27%), domestic accidents (17%), lack of feed (17%), and road traffic (16%). Regarding reproduction, the age at first laying is approximately 360–365 days. A hen lays between 16 and 20 eggs per cycle, with two laying cycles per year. Natural incubation lasts between 35 and 40 days, with a hatching rate of up to 90%. However, only 50% of ducklings survive. The rainy season is the most favorable for hatching. To improve productivity, interventions are needed in housing conditions, feed management, and disease prevention.