A duck's large size makes it an excellent meat source. Aside from its high-quality white meat, duck meat is also a good source of protein & other nutrients. The growth rate of ducks is also faster than that of chickens.

Within weeks, these birds can be butchered. In terms of meat production, Muscovy and Rouen ducks are perfect breeds to add to your flock.

1. Jumbo Pekin Ducks​

Among the fastest-growing duck breeds, Jumbo Pekin ducks make excellent meat production ducks. Homesteads and backyards across the country are ideal habitats for these ducks with beautiful white feathers.

These ducks' large size makes them excellent meat producers. After butchering, Jumbo Pekin drakes can produce a lot of meat, as some weigh as much as 12 pounds. As jumbo Pekin females weigh up to 9 pounds on average, they can also produce a large amount of meat.

Furthermore, Jumbo Pekin duck meat is tastier than that of other duck species, in addition to having high meat production capabilities. They produce tender and fat-free meat, which is healthy. Also, their meat contains a high level of protein, thus making it suitable for those who want a protein-rich diet.

These ducks thrive in virtually any environment because they require very little care. Due to their hardiness, they do not carry diseases like most duck species. They're great meat ducks because they grow fast.

2. Rouen Ducks​

Top 5 Duck Breeds to Keep for Meat

While Rouen ducks aren't good layer birds, they're heavyweight ducks, making them excellent meat birds.

Small farms and homesteads are ideal for these ducks. The meat of these ducks is excellent for roasting, even though they don't grow as fast as most meat duck species. At maturity, they can also be quite large.

By the time these ducks reach maturity, they can weigh 9 - 12 pounds. When Rouen ducks are eight weeks old, they are ready to be butchered.

Providing Rouen ducks with quality food to promote their growth will allow them to reach butcher weight as early as seven weeks. You'll save money on duck feed if you butcher your Rouen ducks earlier.

Additionally, the meat will be tender and lighter in taste. Despite this, butchering Rouen ducks at a young age will prevent them from reaching their full growth potential.

3. Swedish Ducks​

As their name implies, Swedish ducks are native to Sweden. In addition to the Americas, these ducks can be found throughout the world. Due to their heavy weight and ability to produce large amounts of meat, Swedish ducks are excellent meat producers.

Meat from Swedish ducks is exceptionally tasty. Roasting and frying are both suitable methods of cooking their meat. Moreover, the meat of this species is lean and free of fat.

Similarly, Swedish ducks grow quickly, and they are ready to be butchered around eight weeks after birth. Swedish ducks are not only excellent meat producers but also excellent layer birds. Being outdoor ducks, they like to forage outdoors and are easy to keep.

4. Muscovy Ducks​

Top 5 Duck Breeds to Keep for Meat

Considering their large size, Muscovy ducks make excellent meat. There is probably no better duck meat than Muscovy duck meat. The flavor is mild and pleasant, which makes it a good addition to many different types of cuisine.

A Muscovy duck can be whole-roasted. Furthermore, there is very little fat in the meat from these ducks. In comparison to other types of duck meat, Muscovy duck's meat has a remarkable taste.

Among duck species, Muscovy ducks grow at one of the fastest rates. The average Muscovy males weigh more than 12 pounds at maturity. Around six weeks is the right age for butchering these ducks. In addition, these ducks make excellent meat, whether you keep them indoors or outdoors.

These ducks can adapt to virtually any environment, making them suitable for large farms as well as small homesteads. In addition to being disease-resistant, Muscovy ducks are also excellent for keeping in harsh environments due to their highly resilient nature.

5. Aylesbury Ducks​

Duck meat from Aylesbury ducks is also popular. These ducks are native to Europe and are also common in North America. These birds don't lay a lot of eggs, 35 to 125 per year, so they are more meat producers. It is their high meat-to-bone ratio that makes these ducks such great meat producers.

A drake usually weighs over ten pounds, making them a large duck species. Aylesbury hens weigh 7 to 9 pounds, although some can grow much heavier. Eight weeks is the perfect age for butchering these ducks.

Their meat is incredibly delicious. In contrast to most duck species such as mallards, it has a soft, lean, and authentic flavor.

There are several ways to prepare Aylesbury duck meat, including roasting and frying. Although you don't necessarily have to add spices to the meat to make it more delicious, adding some can make it taste even better. Additionally, Aylesbury duck meat has a high protein content and is lean.

Raising Ducks for Meat​

Top 5 Duck Breeds to Keep for Meat

Different breeds of ducks are raised both for their eggs and for their meat. Due to the fact that ducks cannot lay eggs as often as chickens, most duck keepers raise ducks for meat. Since ducks have fewer maintenance requirements than chickens, keeping ducks for meat is relatively simple.

Pick Your Breed​

There are some duck breeds that are not suitable for meat production. The purpose of some breeds is egg production rather than to produce meat, while some are dual-purpose. Due to the fact that you cannot keep every breed of duck for meat, knowing the best duck breed is essential. If you're thinking about keeping ducks for meat, the best ducks you can keep are Jumbo Pekin ducks, Swedish ducks, or Rouen ducks.

Muscovy ducks and Aylesbury ducks also make great meat. It's best to keep large and overweight ducks, since they'll produce a lot of meat.

Housing​

Since ducks usually roll in dirty areas, we sometimes see them as dirty and careless birds, but these birds deserve a clean and dry habitat. Clean, dry, and draft-free conditions are best for your ducks.

A dirty shelter can make ducks susceptible to duck diseases like Avian cholera, which kills ducklings before they are even ready for butchering. Dirty shelters contain toxins that damage your ducks' health, resulting in reduced growth.

To keep their coops comfortable, ducks also need bedding. You can provide your ducks with comfortable bedding in their coops using wood shavings, particularly if you keep them indoors. As soon as the bedding starts wearing off, replace it.

Diet​

A duck's diet is crucial for meat production. A lack of a proper diet will prevent your ducks from growing to their full potential. Developing muscle and accelerating growth in ducks requires protein. Additionally, they require moderate amounts of carbohydrates to provide them with energy.

In order for ducks to maintain a healthy immune system, vitamins are essential. Strong bones can be maintained by feeding your ducks calcium-rich foods. Ducks sometimes require supplements before butchering to accelerate their growth. Furthermore, ducks need water to stay hydrated all day long.

At the right time, butcher the ducks​

When you provide food, water, and proper housing for your ducks, they should be ready to be butchered within a few weeks. By the time most duck species are eight weeks old, they are ready for butchering.

Conclusion​

Ducks produce excellent meat. Unlike chickens and other domestic poultry, they produce large quantities of meat. When keeping ducks for meat, choose the best breed.

If you're looking to raise ducks for eggs rather go for Khaki Campbell, Welsh Harlequin, Indian Runners, Silver Appleyards, Saxony ducks, Ancona ducks, and more as discussed in THIS article.

Do you raise any ducks for meat? Which breeds do you have?
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