The domestic duck or domestic mallard (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) is a subspecies of mallard that has been domesticated by humans and raised for meat, eggs, and down feathers. A few are also kept for show, as pets, or for their ornamental value. Almost all varieties of domesticated ducks, apart from the domestic Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata), are descended from the mallard.
The average life span of a domestic duck is 10 years or less. As a rule, the larger breeds of duck have the shortest life spans. Mallard ducks are domesticated in the same way as most agricultural animals. It is typically raised for meat and/or eggs.
