Regarded as a royal delicacy during the feudal era, the Trac Nhat duck breed in Thach Thanh district has been documented in many ancient texts as a specialty of Thanh province. However, today, this distinctive duck species has dwindled to fewer than 20 individuals and is facing hybridization. Without timely protection and restoration measures, it is certain to face extinction in the near future.
Together with Sai crab, Giang village clams, Sánh Lược tea, and dozens of other specialties, the Trac Nhat duck from Thach Thanh district is mentioned as one of the traditional delicacies of old Thanh province. Currently, this duck breed is found in two villages of Thanh Tho commune in the mountainous Thach Thanh district.
Trac Nhat duck has short legs and distinctive feather color.
According to surveys, there are still several households in the Du and Trac villages that spontaneously raise this duck breed. Although the exact number of individuals has not been determined, the total population of Trac Nhat ducks currently does not exceed 20. Additionally, some households raise them alongside other duck breeds, resulting in hybridization, with most being F1 or F2 hybrids of the Trac Nhat duck.
One of the families that still maintains the largest number of Trac Nhat ducks is that of Mr. Bui Xuan Hoa in Du village, Thanh Tho commune, although their total is only five ducks.
This breed is characterized by short legs, a small neck, delicious meat, and a distinct sweetness. The weight of this duck species is relatively small compared to other modern breeds, with males reaching up to 2.5 kg, while females typically weigh between 1.5 and 2 kg.
Local elders in Du and Trac villages affirm that the Trac Nhat duck is an indigenous breed that has existed for generations. Many sources from the Thanh Tho commune People’s Committee also mention that the name of this duck breed is derived from the name of the former Trac Nhat commune, which now includes the communes of Thanh An, Thanh Tho, and Ngoc Trao.
Those who still raise this precious duck breed indicate that Trac Nhat duck eggs are significantly larger than those of local ducks. Many long-term female ducks can lay eggs as large as goose eggs. This is also why some families continue to raise them primarily for egg production, without fully realizing the importance of conserving the breed to prevent extinction.
Although natural grazing environments are diminishing, there is still potential to encourage the development of Trac Nhat duck farming models in gardens and ponds in many villages of Thanh Tho commune and surrounding areas. Nguyen Van Goi, Vice Chairman of the Thanh Tho commune People’s Committee, expressed that if a project to restore this precious duck breed were established, the fields adjacent to Du and Trac villages could serve as grazing areas, as raising this specialty duck could yield higher economic returns than single-season rice cultivation today.
In recent months, the Thanh Tho commune People’s Committee has sent officials to various households that still raise Trac Nhat ducks to encourage them not to slaughter the ducks and to raise awareness that this is a precious livestock breed at risk of extinction.
