Feeding Management Techniques for Captive Ducks
(A) The Advantages of Captive Breeding
(1) One of the main benefits of captive breeding is that environmental conditions can be controlled more effectively, reducing the impact of natural constraints. This allows for a more scientific and efficient approach to raising ducks, ultimately leading to higher productivity and better yields.
(2) Captive breeding significantly reduces labor intensity and improves efficiency. In traditional grazing systems, one person can typically manage only 200–300 ducks, which requires a lot of physical effort. With captive methods, such as automated feeding systems, one person can easily manage up to 1,000 ducks. This not only increases labor efficiency but also makes it possible for women and the elderly to participate in duck farming with less strain.
(3) Another advantage is the reduced risk of infectious diseases and accidents like poisoning. By limiting contact with the outside environment, ducks are less likely to be exposed to pesticides or disease-causing agents, which helps increase their survival rate.
(B) Grouping and Density of Captive Ducks
When grouping young ducks, it's important to keep each group size manageable. A group of about 500 ducks is usually ideal. Ducks should be grouped by age, size, species, and gender to ensure uniform growth and reduce stress.
The rearing density varies depending on the duck’s age, season, and temperature. For example, during the 4–10 week period, a density of 20–12 ducks per square meter is recommended. From 11–20 weeks, this should be reduced to 12–8 per square meter. In colder winter months, slightly higher densities may be acceptable, while in summer, lower densities are preferred. Ducks that grow faster may require slightly lower densities, while slower-growing ducks can tolerate slightly higher ones.
(C) Feeding Practices for Captive Ducks
Captive ducks rely entirely on artificial feeding, so it's crucial to provide a balanced diet that meets all their nutritional needs. Especially during the growth phase, they need sufficient nutrients for bone and feather development. The feed should be diverse, containing enough energy, protein, sulfur-containing amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Protein levels in the diet should not be too high, and calcium content must be carefully managed. Since there is no standardized breeding system yet, adjustments should be made based on the duck’s development. For instance, if a duck reaches a weight above 1,500 grams before the expected laying date, it may be overfed, and the diet should be adjusted to include more green feed and roughage. Conversely, underdeveloped ducks should receive higher-quality feed. On average, each duck should consume around 150 grams of feed per day, supplemented with small amounts of animal-based feed to promote healthy growth.
Feed should be mixed into a fine powder, avoiding single grains like corn or wheat. It should be processed into a wet mash by adding water before feeding, and fed 3–4 times daily. The intervals between meals should be as even as possible to avoid hunger and overfeeding.
(IV) Key Management Points for Captive Young Ducks
(1) Encouraging exercise is essential for healthy bone and muscle development. Ducks should be taken out of the house daily for short, circular movements lasting 5–10 minutes, two to four times a day. If there is a suitable pasture nearby, short grazing sessions can also be beneficial.
(2) Building trust between humans and ducks is important to prevent fear and stress. Young ducks have small gall bladders and are very sensitive to human presence. Regular interaction through feeding, watering, and grass exchange helps them become more comfortable around people. Over time, this reduces their fear and prevents panic when they grow older. Ducks raised in captivity need to be trained to be bold, unlike grazing ducks that naturally experience varied environments.
(3) Providing low-level lighting at night is necessary for safety and comfort. During the growing phase, ducks don’t need strong light—8–10 hours of stable daylight is sufficient. If using natural light, autumn-born ducks are most suitable. However, low-intensity lighting should be used throughout the house to allow ducks to drink at night and prevent disturbances from pests or animals. A 1.5-watt bulb in a 30-square-meter house is usually adequate. In case of power failure, a kerosene lamp with a glass cover should be used immediately to avoid sudden darkness, which can cause panic and loss.
(4) Disease prevention is critical. Two major diseases affecting young ducks are duck plague and cholera. Vaccines are available for both. A typical vaccination schedule includes: injecting cholera vaccine at 60–70 days of age, then another dose 100 days later, and a duck plague vaccine at 70–80 days. Ducks raised for one year should be vaccinated once, while those raised longer may need it every other year. These vaccinations should be completed before the start of egg production to avoid disrupting laying performance.
(5) Establishing a consistent routine is key to maintaining a stable environment for captive ducks. Unlike grazing ducks, which are exposed to varying conditions, captive ducks thrive on predictability. Creating and following a regular schedule helps reduce stress and supports overall health and productivity.
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