SURVEY ON INFLUENCING FACTORS LIMITING DUCK PRODUCTION IN KAZAURE LGA, JIGAWA STATE

Abstract

 A total of 150 residents were surveyed to gather information responsible for declining duck farming in Kazaure Local Government Area. A well-structured questionnaire and verbal interview were administered at random to the respondents. The data collected were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The socio-economic activities of the respondents are mainly farming (61.06%) including livestock (29.20%), crop (25.66%) and mixed (45.14%) production systems. In poultry production, the respondents engaged more into chicken production (50.45%) compared to the duck production (35.40%). Majority of the duck farmers are keeping 6 – 10 ducks (60.10%) within a range of 6 – 10 years (33.63%) of farming experience. Extensive system is the main management practice in the area (84.08%) with no provision of supplementary feeding and housing. The main reasons responsible for rapid decline of duck production includes production of exotic chicken (45.14%), disease outbreak (35.39%), lack of adequate water (10.62%) and allergy for consuming duck meat (5.31%). In conclusion, duck population is still decreasing with no sight of ducks in many areas with the history of production. To prevent further damage on duck species, it is highly recommended that population genetic study must be conducted. Also, extension agents work must be intensified on general public awareness and new innovations concerning duck production.