Characteristics of breeding and performance parameters of the different local types of moscovy duck (cairina moschata) reared in south Benin, West Africa

Abstract Muscovy duck breeding is a critical component of food security and livelihoods in southern Benin, yet knowledge of breeding practices remains limited. This study characterizes Muscovy duck breeding systems across three agroecological zones using a participatory survey of 420 breeders. The survey revealed a male dominance (77.78%) among breeders, with the Fon ethnic group constituting the majority (85.86%). A consistent male bias was observed across zones in ducks exceeding 6 weeks of age. Free-grazing emerged as the dominant breeding system in Zone 5 (100%), while Zone 6 displayed a more diverse approach (free-grazing: 60%, semi-grazing: 30%, confinement: 10%). Zone 8 primarily utilized semi-grazing (56.25%), followed by free-grazing (31.25%) and confinement (12.5%). Housing also varied across zones, with simple shelters dominating in Zones 5 (100%) and 8 (97.92%), while Zone 6 relied more on duck houses (52.5%). Egg laying performance increased significantly with each breeding cycle, with the third cycle yielding the highest number of eggs (15.37). Hatching rate exhibited a different pattern, peaking during the second cycle (95.42%) and showing statistically significant variations across cycles (P < 0.05). Plumage color did not influence reproductive performance. Interestingly, plumage color was associated with duckling survival, with black ducklings exhibiting the lowest mortality risk (P < 0.05). Diseases were reported as the leading cause of mortality. Future research on morphometrics, whole genome sequencing, and immune function variations, particularly in black ducks, alongside MC1R-MITF gene interactions, can improve our understanding of duck breeding in Benin and optimize production and duckling health.