Feeding issues for reserve breeder ducks
Release Date:
2023-01-31
For replacement breeder ducks, grazing should be the primary feeding method, supplemented with a moderate amount of concentrated feed to prevent excessive fatness, premature sexual maturity, or poor development, thereby ensuring reliable production levels and high-quality hatching eggs in the laying flock. How should replacement breeder ducks be fed?
1. The principle for feed formulation is “fine at both ends, coarse in the middle”: after transferring the birds to the replacement‑layer phase, continue feeding a high‑quality concentrate, gradually increase the proportion of roughage, and toward the onset of laying, switch to a diet rich in concentrates to promote early onset of production and a peak laying period. Aim to have the flock begin laying around 150 days of age, offering a balanced ration with both animal and plant ingredients, and feeding two to three times daily. Avoid overfeeding at midday to prevent reduced foraging activity. When feeding, you may scatter rice or other feeds in the waterways to help develop the ducks’ diving and foraging skills.
II. When the diet incorporates a high proportion of green and roughage feeds, green forage may account for 55% to 70%, while roughage makes up 20% to 30%, supplemented by 10% to 15% cereal-based feeds. In terms of nutritional composition, crude protein should comprise approximately 14% of the total diet. Adequate mineral supplementation is essential. If replacement breeding ducks become excessively fat before reaching peak egg production, they should be put on a “weight‑loss” regimen: reduce the amount of concentrated feed and increase grazing to encourage moderate weight loss. This process typically begins 30 to 40 days prior to expected laying; after 15 to 20 days, the birds will return to normal condition, at which point feeding can be intensified and management gradually adjusted to meet the standards for laying ducks. Following another 15 to 20 days, egg production can commence.
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