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ItikPINASBoosting the ‘balut’ industry through

increased duck egg productionAlfredo Ryenel M. Parungao

PCAARRD has partnered with the National Swine and Poultry Research and Development Center-Bureau of Animal Industry (NSPRDC-BAI) to develop the Itik Pinas, which can produce 50 more eggs than the traditional Pateros duck. Itik Pinas was launched during PCAARRD’s fifth anniversary held on July 28, 2016. The Council also featured this commodity, along with its leading R&D initiatives in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector, during the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) on July 25–29 at the Council’s complex.

Itik Pinas is a genetically superior breeder duck which has a higher average productive period of 70% in a year, compared with 55% for the old breed. This translates to an increase in egg production of at least 50 quality eggs per duck per year or an additional income of at least ₱P300/duck per year. Moreover, Itik Pinas produces eggs at an average of 65 grams a piece,

consistent with the requirement of the ‘balut’ industry. Balut is a developing bird embryo that is boiled and eaten from the shell. It is a popular street food in the country.

Itik Pinas can adapt to local conditions and can perform well even with simple housing and low-cost feeds.

The strains of Itik Pinas are products of organized breeding and selection that focus on the uniformity of physical characteristics, higher and predictable egg production performance, and consistent egg quality.

Itik Pinas is an output of PCAARRD’s Duck Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP), which aims to develop science-based interventions for increased production and egg weight. Moreover, the program addresses the decline in number and quality of breeders as well as the lack of stable supply of ready-to-lay pullets, among other challenges.

IP - Khaki Production CharacteristicsAge at first lay (wk) ............................................ 22Age at peak of production .................................. 29Peak egg production (%) ................................... 98Duration of >90% egg production (wk) ............. 11Egg production/duck per year .......................... 256Feed consumption, 0–18 wks old (kg) ............ 12.5Daily feed intake at laying period (g) ............... 149Body weight at 18 wks old (RTL pullet, kg) ........ 1.27

IP - Kayumanggi Production CharacteristicsAge at first lay (wk) ............................................ 20Age at peak of production .................................. 29Peak egg production (%) ................................... 98Duration of >90% egg production (wk) ............. 12Egg production/duck per year .......................... 266Feed consumption, 0–18 wks old (kg) ............ 12.5Daily feed intake at laying period (g) ................ 140Body weight at 18 wks old (RTL pullet, kg) ...... 1.19

IP - Itim Production CharacteristicsAge at first lay (wk) ............................................ 23Age at peak of production .................................. 29Peak egg production (%) ................................... 99Duration of >90% egg production (wk) ............. 12Egg production/duck per year .......................... 256Feed consumption, 0–18 wks old (kg) ............ 12.8Daily feed intake at laying period (g) ............... 142Body weight at 18 wks old (RTL pullet, kg) ........ 1.22