Advantages of introducing maggot-fed ducks into a rice plantation with and without Azolla

Abstract

This paper discusses the advantages of introducing Hermetia illucens (maggot) larvae into ducks’ diets in integrated rice–duck farming systems, with and without Azolla. The study was conducted in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, using a factorial experiment based on a completely randomised design with three replications. The first factor was the Azolla and maggot combination package with four levels: D1 (−Azolla, −maggot), D2 (+Azolla, −maggot), D3 (−Azolla, +maggot), and D4 (+Azolla, +maggot). The second factor was duck stocking density at two levels: K1 (3 ducks per 10 m²) and K2 (5 ducks per 10 m²). Ducks were introduced between 28 and 56 days after rice planting. Observed parameters included rice production (number of panicles, grain number per panicle, and yield) and duck performance (body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion). The results showed that maintaining five ducks per 10 m² increased rice production and yield. The D2 treatment resulted in the lowest feed conversion ratio and the highest average duck body weight gain. Economic analysis demonstrated that the D4 treatment with five ducks per 10 m² provided the most favourable revenue–cost ratio. The study highlights an effective approach to improving land productivity and profitability in integrated rice–duck farming systems.

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