There are a number of local or regional breeds, and drakes of these are commonly cross-bred with domestic ducks to produce the hybrids called mulards.

The Muscovy had been domesticated by various indigenous peoples of the Americas well before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492.

The duck is much smaller, typically about half the size of the drake, with a weight of 2.3–3.2 kg.

[4]: 78 In commercial production, it is often crossed with a mallard-derived domestic duck such as the Rouen or Pekin to produce the hybrid known as a mulard.

[4]: 97  These hatch in about four weeks and grow rapidly like a mallard-type duck, but to about the size and weight of the Muscovy.