Key Technical Points and Methods for Raising Green-Headed Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)

AbstractFirst comes the selection of breeding stock; high-quality breeding ducks play a crucial role in later-stage farming. When raising ducklings, the temperature must be well controlled, and within 24 hours after hatching, they must be given water before feed. During the rearing of growing ducks, attention must be paid to their diet; this period is the growth stage, feed intake increases, and the feed formula can appropriately reduce the proportion of concentrates and increase the proportion of coarse feed. During the fattening period, some cereal feeds such as paddy rice and corn can be added as appropriate.

1. Selection of breeding stock

It is best to choose green-headed ducks around 9 weeks of age, and the number of male and female green-headed ducks to be retained should be selected at a ratio of 1:4-5. For male green-headed ducks, it is best to retain those with a relatively long body, a somewhat broad back, a relatively large head, a very thick neck, round and bright eyes, glossy feathers, and a relatively lively temperament. For females, healthy ducks with a relatively large head, a thick neck, and a fairly full breast are required to be kept as breeding ducks.

2. Feeding and management of ducklings

Generally, green-headed ducks from hatching to 3 weeks of age are called ducklings. Ducklings have very strict temperature requirements, so in autumn and winter, the keeper must control the temperature well. Within 24 hours after hatching, ducklings must not be fed food first; they must first drink water, and then start feeding.

3. Feeding and management of growing ducks

Green-headed ducks are generally called growing ducks from the fourth week to the seventh week. During the growing duck stage, green-headed ducks grow relatively quickly. At this time, the feed intake of growing ducks becomes very large, and they like to eat some animal-based feed, so the keeper can reduce the proportion of concentrates and increase the proportion of coarse feed in the feed.

4. Feeding and management during the fattening period

During the fattening period of green-headed ducks, the keeper should decide based on the differences among the green-headed ducks and the speed of their growth and development. If it is too early, it may affect the normal development of the green-headed ducks, and if it is too late, it will reduce the feed conversion rate. Some cereal feeds such as paddy rice and corn can be fed every day; this kind of feed is rich in carbohydrates. The feeding method is to mix the feed and some nutrients evenly in a certain proportion, add some water and stir, then pour it onto a plastic sheet or into a feeding basin.