ZHEJIANG KINGSIR VALVE CO., LTD. , https://www.cn-kingsir.com
Meat ducks are known for their fast growth, short rearing period, easy feeding, and low disease incidence. As a result, raising ducks has become one of the key industries for farmers to increase income and achieve prosperity. However, feed costs remain a major challenge, often accounting for around 80% of the total cost of raising meat ducks. To improve the profitability of duck farming, reducing feed waste is essential. Here are several effective strategies to help save feed.
Choosing high-quality meat duck breeds with good genetic potential can significantly improve growth rate, disease resistance, and feed efficiency. These breeds consume the same amount of feed as other types but grow faster, leading to better overall performance.
The optimal temperature for meat ducks is between 12°C and 24°C, where they can utilize feed most efficiently. Farmers should create a suitable environment by using greenhouses in winter and providing shade in summer to maintain comfort and enhance feed conversion.
Balancing the diet is crucial. The energy-to-protein ratio must be well-maintained. If the diet is too high in energy, ducks may eat less, while a low-energy diet might lead to increased consumption and wasted nutrients. Proper balance ensures efficient use of feed and prevents unnecessary waste.
Fresh feed is essential. It should be stored in dry, well-ventilated areas, with moisture-proof materials placed between the ground and the feed. Ingredients should be used quickly to avoid spoilage, mold, or contamination, which can cause health issues and reduce feed utilization. Pest control in both the feed storage area and the duck house is also important to prevent damage.
Using appropriate feed additives, such as minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and non-nutritive supplements like probiotics, enzymes, and organic acids, can greatly improve growth rates and feed efficiency. These additives help optimize digestion and nutrient absorption.
Feeding methods should be carefully managed. Avoid feeding whole grains; instead, crush them to ensure proper particle size that suits the age of the ducks. Overly fine feed may cause waste due to flying, while improperly sized feed can lead to inefficiency. Feeding should be done in portions, not all at once, and troughs should be maintained to prevent leakage and loss.
Finally, it's best to market ducks between 40 to 48 days of age, when their weight gain and feed conversion are at their peak. After 50 days, growth slows down, and feed efficiency decreases. Timely marketing helps save feed and maximize profits.
By implementing these practices, farmers can significantly reduce feed costs and improve the economic returns from meat duck farming.