Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of Andaman local duck

Qualitative and quantitative traits are useful descriptors of any breeds under inhabited agro-ecological conditions. Hence, the present study was undertaken to characterize the local duck populations in Andaman based on morphology and morphometric observations under field conditions. Morphology for Drake and Ducks was noted by visual observation. Body measurements (cm) were recorded on length and width of bill and head, length of body, neck, and shank, wingspan, and body circumference. The overall mean values were (cm); 4.01±0.07 (bill length), 1.54±0.04 (bill width), 8.42±0.20 (head length), 3.70±0.36 (head width), 20.32±0.95 (neck length), 48.52±0.58 (body length), 82.27±0.50 (wingspan), 37.75±0.93 (body circumference) and 3.37±0.06 (shank length). Drakes of Andaman local ducks were having more values than ducks. The common bill colour was yellow with black tip, shank and web were yellow, and skin was mostly black. The plumage colour patterns were gray, black, and chocolate in different parts of the body. A white band on the neck was commonly found. The present study generates the baseline information which may be useful for formulation of systematic breeding policy to exploit potentiality of these local ducks and their conservation.