Phenotypic Characterization, Production Performance and Adaptive Traits of the Indigenous Non-Descript Sundarbani Duck (Anas Platyrhynchos Domesticus) of the Sundarban Delta, West Bengal, India

The Sundarbani Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) is an indigenous duck population traditionally reared under extensive backyard scavenging systems in the Sundarban delta of West Bengal, India. The present study, conducted during 2023–2026 under the Network Project on Animal Genetic Resources of West Bengal funded by the ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR–NBAGR), Karnal, aimed to characterize its phenotypic, productive, reproductive, and adaptive traits. Field investigations were carried out in the native tract covering the South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas districts using household surveys, field observations, and morphometric measurements following ICAR–NBAGR and FAO descriptors. The Sundarbani Duck was found to be predominantly distributed in the coastal wetland ecosystem and maintained under traditional scavenging systems, with an average household flock size of 7.39 birds comprising 21.4% drakes, 61.4% adult ducks, and 17.2% ducklings. This duck exhibited medium body size, compact conformation, predominantly dark plumage, strong webbed feet, and distinct sexual dimorphism. Average adult body weight was 1.335 kg in males and 1.265 kg in females. Ducks attained sexual maturity at 6.12 months and produced approximately 140 eggs annually, while hatchability under natural incubation averaged 80%. Mortality declined from 10% during the first week after hatching to about 1% after eight weeks, indicating high survivability under village conditions. This duck also demonstrated excellent adaptation to the saline coastal wetland ecosystem through efficient scavenging ability, strong broodiness, disease tolerance, and resilience to seasonal flooding and fluctuating salinity. These findings establish the Sundarbani Duck as a distinct and valuable indigenous duck genetic resource and provide a scientific basis for its recognition, conservation, and genetic improvement for sustainable, climate-resilient duck production.

Sundarbani Duck, phenotypic characterization, Adaptive traits, backyard scavenging system, duck genetic resources, production performance, Subdarban wetland ecosystem, West Bengal.

1. Banerjee, S. (2013). Morphological traits of duck and geese breeds of West Bengal, India. Animal Genetic Resources, 52, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2078633612000793 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Banerjee S, Kundu A, Ghosh MK, et al. 2022. Characterization of indigenous ducks of West Bengal. Journal of Livestock Biodiversity. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2007). Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources. Rome, Italy. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2012). Phenotypic Characterization of Animal Genetic Resources. FAO Animal Production and Health Guidelines No. 11. Rome, Italy. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2015). The Second Report on the State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Rome, Italy. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Government of India. (2019). 20th Livestock Census. Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, New Delhi. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR–NBAGR). (2023). Guidelines for Registration of Animal Genetic Resources of India. Karnal, Haryana, India. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Kamal, R., Chandran, P. C., Dey, A., & Bhatt, B. P. (2020). Characterization of Maithili duck in the Middle Gangetic Plain of Bihar. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 90(7), 1018–1023. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Kamal, R., Chandran, P. C., Dey, A., Ray, P. K., Kumari, R., & Bhatt, B. P. (2020). Characterization of domestic duck production system in eastern region of India. International Journal of Livestock Research, 10(10), 118–125. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Kamal, R., Chandran, P. C., Dey, A., Sarma, K., Padhi, M. K., Giri, S. C., & Bhatt, B. P. (2023). Status of indigenous duck and duck production system of India: A review. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 55, Article 15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-022-03401-6 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Kaushik, P., Saikia, J., Kalita, K., & Deka, R. (2021). Morphological and morphometric characteristics of Pati duck. International Journal of Chemical Studies, 9(2), 351–354. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Mallick, P. K., Padhi, M. K., & Prasad, S. M. (2009). Performance evaluation of Deshi ducks of Orissa and Deshi × Khaki Campbell cross under extensive system of rearing. In Proceedings of the IV World Waterfowl Conference (pp. 93–95). Thrissur, Kerala, India. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Naik, P. K., Swain, B. K., & Beura, C. K. (2022). Duck production in India—A review. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 92(8), 917–926. https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v92i8.118712 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Padhi MK. 2016. Importance of indigenous poultry breeds in India. World's Poultry Science Journal, 72: 617–634. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Padhi, M. K., & Giri, S. C. (2024). Status of duck breeding in India. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 94(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v94.i1.141689 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Padhi, M. K., Giri, S. C., & Sahoo, S. K. (2021). Production performance and egg quality of Kuzi ducks of Odisha. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 56(1), 15–18. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Padhi, M. K., Panda, B. K., Giri, S. C., & Sahoo, S. K. (2009). Evaluation of Khaki Campbell, indigenous ducks of Orissa and their crossbreds for important economic traits. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 79(1), 52–57. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Singh, P. K., & Sharma, A. (2016). Phenotypic characterization and documentation of animal genetic resources in India: Current status and future prospects. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 86, 127–135. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Yakubu, A. (2013). Characterization of indigenous poultry genetic resources: Phenotypic and genetic approaches. World's Poultry Science Journal, 69, 601–614. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Global Political Economy and Educational Reforms in the Global South: An Evolutionary Study of Ghana
• Electoral Militarization and the Challenges of Free and Fair Elections in Nigeria: A Focus on the 2023 Presidential Election
• Political Awareness and Engagement in Relation to Voting Behavior among College Students
• Role of Community Leaders in Ensuring Secure Electoral Process in Nairobi City County, Kenya
• Assessing the Delivery of Local Disaster Management Services and Client Satisfaction through SERVQUAL Dimensions