Performance of Pekin Duck (Anas platyrhychos domesticus) Supplemented with Different Rates of Azolla Raised Under Molave Trees

Sustainable and integrated farming systems increasingly focus on alternative feed supplements and agroforestry-based rearing environments, yet their combined effects on duck production remain underexplored. This study assessed the growth performance, feed efficiency, and economic viability of Pekin ducks fed varying levels of Azolla and reared under Molave (Vitex parviflora Juss.) trees. A total of 120 two-month-old ducks were allocated across two rearing environments (open field and under Molave canopy) and four dietary treatments: 100% commercial feed, 85% commercial + 15% Azolla, 70% commercial + 30% Azolla, and 55% commercial + 45% Azolla. Azolla supplementation did not significantly influence weight gain, feed conversion ratio, dressing percentage with giblets and liver, or gross income. In contrast, rearing environment significantly affected weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and gross income, with net income highly influenced by both environment and Azolla inclusion. The highest profitability was achieved with 55% commercial feed plus 45% Azolla. These results demonstrate that integrating Azolla with silvopastoral systems can enhance economic returns without compromising duck performance, offering a viable strategy for sustainable smallholder duck production.

Keywords: Azolla; Molave trees; Pekin duck; Silvipastoral system.