Itik Pinas, the native duck behind the Philippines’ favorite balut
Duck Egg
Philippines
Published May 6, 2022
Tridge summary
Next to chickens, duck, or itik, is the second major source of egg and meat in the Philippines. Ducks are primarily raised for balut and salted egg, or itlog na pula. Almost 500,000 Filipino families rely on ducks for livelihood as well. Whether for personal or commercial purposes, a native breed that is suited for egg and meat production is Itik PINAS (IP).
Original content
Itik PINAS is an improved Philippine Mallard duck breed developed through strategic breeding and selection by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and the National Swine and Poultry Research and Development Center-Bureau of Animal Industry (NSPRDC-BAI). This duck is resistant to diseases and suited to the local climate. Therefore, mortality rates are substantially lower. IP produces more eggs compared to the traditional Pateros duck and can generate a total average of 266 eggs yearly. An IP egg consistently weighs 65 grams, matched with the requirements for balut processing. IP lays eggs when they reach 22-23-weeks-old. They are capable of producing eggs for up to a year or more. However, DOST-PCAARRD’s Livestock Research Division Director Synan S. Baguio noted that selective culling must be conducted every year to maintain the flock’s efficiency. Read: A quick guide on ...
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