The Alabio duck is a breed that was developed in Indonesia, and to create their crossbreed Pekin ducks with local ducks in that country. What resulted in an egg-laying race and that lately this race has been raised to consume its meat. We have found a number of ducks to which they place the name is by their place of origin, however, the name of this duck comes from a researcher who contributed to its development.
In Indonesia, Alabio ducks are a popular breed of domestic duck. Alabio ducks were originally found in the Alabian River region of South Kalimantan and spread to other parts of Indonesia through trade routes with neighboring countries. Alabios are an important part of Indonesian cuisine and culture because they can be used to make nata de coco, a traditional dish made from coconut milk, sugar and pandanus leaves.
Characteristics of Alabio Duck
The Alabio duck body color is brown. Males of this breed differ in that they have blue or green heads, while females have a light brown color on their heads. Your body is usually brown with white spots and has a line around your eyes. The females weight between 1.6 to 1.8kg and the male’s weight between 1.8 and 2kg.
Although 5 to 10 eggs can be produced per laying, it has been proven that the Alabio breed can produce between 200 and 250 eggs, weighing 65 to 70 grams per unit. The eggs are born within 26 to 28 days. Their eggs have a high nutritional value, and the shell is thick so the eggs can be kept fresh for a long time.
The posture of your body forms a perfect angle of 60 °, which makes your body always standing and standing in an elegant way. If viewed from an upright position, from head to toe the silhouette of this species is in the form of a bottle.
Their feet are thin, have soft tissue, and few muscles which help them to be good swimmers. The Alabio duck temperament is energetic and docile, making it easy to breed.
Food
The Alabio duck diet is based on eating bran from rice, organic foods, crustaceans, insects, and plants, and they need to have potable water available. They can also be left open for them to look for their own food.
Usage
The Alabio duck is the breed for the double purpose. It’s meat and for producing eggs. Although raised with the intention of creating an excellent egg-laying breed. It is also produced for its meat. Its meat is of good quality and is eaten all over the world. So the country produces them for export.
Special Feature
The Alabio duck breed grows very fast, between 5 and 8 weeks is already developed enough to consume its meat. They can be obtained in lakes, ponds or swamps. Crosses have been made to seek to improve the production of both egg and meat made by this species. For Crosses, they are some physical characteristics that change.
Such as the color of its beak, the color of its feathers and the color of its legs. The color variations that occur when these crosses are made are dark orange, medium orange and yellow. And the colors of the peaks are orange, dark orange, mustard yellow and brown. They are excellent swimmers.
The Alabio duck can live between 4 to 8years but have observed some species that come to live up to 12years. They become resistant birds, and depending on the care they have can live a lot. The females of the Alabio breed become excellent mothers. They take care of their nest once they have laid their eggs, and protect them from any predators.
Even once they have been born the ducklings stay close to them to take care of them. There are more than 3,000,000 individuals of this species and several farms are obtained in Indonesia where they reproduce and maintain this species.
Duck Profile
| Duck Name | Alabio Duck |
| Other Name | Itik Alabio |
| Duck Purpose | Meat and eggs laying |
| Feather color | Blue and green |
| Weight | 1.6 to 2 Kg |
| Climate Tolerance | Warm climates |
| Egg Color | White |
| Egg Size | Medium |
| Egg Productivity | High (200 to 250 eggs in the year). |
| Rarity | Normal |
| Country of Origin | Indonesia |
FAQ
What do Alabio ducks eat?
Alabio ducks are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They feed mainly on rice bran, sago, crustaceans, insects, and other plants. Rice bran is a by-product of processing white rice, and it’s high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Sago is a starch extracted from the pith of certain tropical palm trees. It’s an important food source for Alabio ducks because it provides carbohydrates for energy. Crustaceans like shrimp, crabs, and crayfish are also part of their diet as well as insects such as grasshoppers and beetles. Lastly, Alabio ducks feed on various types of aquatic vegetation including algae and aquatic weeds. These provide them with essential vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.
Do ducks need water to mate?
Ducks do need water to mate, but they don’t necessarily need a body of water. Ducks are aquatic birds and typically prefer to mate in or near water, as it provides them with protection from predators and helps keep their feathers clean. However, if there is no nearby body of water, ducks can still find other ways to mate. For example, they may choose to mate on land or in shallow puddles.
How long are ducks pregnant?
Ducks typically lay eggs that take 28 days to hatch. This is the typical gestation period for ducks, although it can vary slightly depending on the species. For example, Muscovy ducks tend to have a slightly longer period of around 35 days. The female duck will usually lay one egg per day until she has reached her full clutch size. During this time, she will stay close to her nest and only leave when necessary to find food or water. After the eggs are laid, they must be incubated in order for them to hatch successfully. The female duck will do this by sitting on the nest and keeping her eggs warm with her body heat.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you understand the Alabio duck breed. If you live in Indonesia, there are many opportunities to find delicious locally grown eggs and meat from these ducks at your local market or wet markets. This is not only because it’s a common food source for people living on that side of the world but also because they’re very popular among tourists coming into South Kalimantan. The adventurous travelers can try dishes like roast Itik Alabio with rice and vegetables! Good luck finding out more about this fascinating regional animal.
As A Reference: Wikipedia
