English Version

The Barbary Duck
The Barbary Duck, one of the Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) family, comes from South America. It appeared in France in the 16th century but only went into commercial production in the last third of the 20th century. By becoming the main source of meat, the Barbary Duck finds itself once more in the centre of the duck life cycle since it is involved in the production of the Mulard duck. Cairina moschata, a different species from the one that common ducks are descended from, differs mainly in that it has a high degree of sexual dimorphism. Males, reared for about twelve weeks, very quickly achieve a live weight of between 4.2 kg and 5.3 kg depending on the strain. They are normally sold cut into thin duck fillets, thighs, wings etc. Females, reared for about ten weeks, reach 2.4 kg – 2.7 kg depending on the strain. They are sold cut in the same way as the males as far as the biggest are concerned or as whole, oven-ready birds.

Strain/ Growth curves