Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed summary
The American Pekin Duck is a large, pure-white meat duck developed in the United States from Chinese stock. It is recognized for fast growth, high feed efficiency, and a calm temperament. Typical performance includes a mature drake weight of 4.0-5.0 kg and hens 3.5-4.5 kg; slaughter weight is reached at about 7-9 weeks on a balanced diet. Egg production is moderate for a meat breed, around 120-180 eggs per year with egg weight 70-85 g. In well-managed flocks, average lifespan is 6-8 years.
Detailed origin
Origin: The breed originates from Chinese Pekin ducks, imported to the United States in the 19th century. Through selective breeding, larger, white-plumaged birds with robust carcasses were standardized into the modern American Pekin. The name Pekin derives from Pekin, the former name for Beijing. The breed quickly became the dominant meat duck in North America and was later exported to Europe and other regions in the 20th century.
Detailed description
Appearance: pure white plumage with an orange bill and orange legs; a deep, broad-bodied frame and a well-balanced carriage. Temperament is generally calm and adaptable, suitable for both confinement and free-ranging systems. Management: requires high-quality starter and finisher feeds; clean water and proper lighting support rapid growth. Meat quality: white, tender meat with relatively high meat yield for a duck of this size. Uses: primarily meat production; also popular in shows. Practical notes: efficient feed conversion around 2.5-3.0 kg of feed per kg of gain.