The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-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 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 ₱300 per duck per year. Moreover, Itik Pinas produces eggs at an average of 65 grams a piece, consistent with the requirement of the ‘balut’ industry.
Itik Pinas can adapt to local environment 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 focuses on the uniformity of physical characteristics, higher and predictable egg production performance, and consistent egg quality.
Itik Pinas is an output of DOST-PCAARRD’s Duck Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP), which aims to develop science-based interventions for increased egg 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.
DOST-PCAARRD will launch Itik Pinas during its fifth anniversary that will be held on July 28, 2016. The Council will also feature this commodity, along with its leading R&D initiatives in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sectors during the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) on July 25-29 at the Council’s complex. This year’s NSTW adopts the theme, Juan Science, One Nation.
The Council’s anniversary will also highlight the National Symposium on Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD) in the morning of July 27, 2016 and awarding of papers in the afternoon on the said date. The NSAARRD showcases the most outstanding contributions of individuals and institutions in improving the state of the AANR sectors through research and development.