May 8, 2006

Vietnam declares success in raising ducks on dry land

A pilot programme in which a British duck breed was chosen to replace free-ranging water fowls banned because of bird flu has been a success so far, Vietnam's ministry of Agriculture said on Friday (May 5).

Dr Nguyen Dang Vang, director of the Ministry Of Agriculture And Rural Development's breeding department, said the duck was highly productive and would be able to satisfy current demand.

Vietnam's current ban on water fowl extends until February next year. Meanwhile, it has launched a pilot programme with the new duck breed in the northern Ha Tay province and southern Binh Duong province.

The duck, which can live in dry environments, has greater immunity to the H5N1 virus. It can also grow twice as fast as water-bound species, reaching 3-3.5kg in 60-75 days from birth.

The pilot programme which lasts until March next year, would provide 3,000 birds daily to slaughterhouses.

Plans are underway to develop 30 more of such farms, Vang said.