What methods are there to increase duck egg production when raising ducks in winter?
Winter weather is cold and temperatures are low, so how to increase the egg production rate is a concern for many farmers.
Pay attention to cold protection and warmth
Cold air activity is frequent in winter, making it difficult for laying ducks to adapt and causing a drop in egg production. Therefore, cold protection and warmth work for laying ducks must be done well, such as closing the doors and windows of the duck house to prevent cold wind from invading. Spread bedding straw so that the duck's belly will not get cold when resting. Supplement lighting to promote the secretion of gonadotropins from the duck's pituitary gland, prompting follicle maturation and ovulation. Appropriately increase the stocking density per unit area, using their body heat to raise the house temperature, and keep the duck house temperature above 5°C day and night.
Raise the feed standard
The outside temperature is low in winter, and the energy needs of laying ducks for maintenance are greatly increased compared with other seasons. Therefore, attention should be paid to increasing the content of energy and protein in the diet of laying ducks, thereby promoting sustained high production.
Supplement green feed
Green feed is rich in protein, vitamins and chlorophyll, and especially contains some special nutritional factors that can activate the reproductive function of laying ducks. Feeding laying ducks an appropriate amount of green feed every day can not only increase their egg production rate, but also improve feed utilization.
Release at the proper time
When the weather is cold, laying ducks should be released late and shut in early. When severe frost and freezing weather occurs, the ducks can only be let out of the house after the sun comes out and disperses the frost and mist. This is because laying ducks are prone to getting sick after inhaling frost and mist, and when the duck webs step on frost, the webs can crack and bleed. Therefore, the release of laying ducks must take good control of the weather, time and frequency.
Pay attention to duck house hygiene
Doing a good job of environmental sanitation in the duck house is the basis for ensuring the health of the duck flock and increasing the egg production rate. Therefore, it is required to change the bedding straw in the duck house frequently, disinfect equipment frequently, and isolate and treat problems promptly when found.