How to Feed Laying Ducks? A Detailed Guide to the Four-Observation Feeding Method
I. Feeding by Body Weight
Determine the quality and quantity of feed based on the body weight and egg-laying rate of the laying ducks: (1) If the flock's laying rate is still above 80% while the ducks show a slight trend of weight loss, appropriately increase the amount of animal-based feed in the diet (fresh river snails are even better); (2) If the ducks are gaining weight and showing a trend of becoming fat, but the laying rate is still at 80%, appropriately increase the amount of coarse feed and green feed, or control the feed intake (150 g per duck per day), reducing the amount fed by 50% of the free-choice intake, so the ducks do not eat too much concentrated feed, but the animal protein feed should still be maintained at the original level or slightly increased; (3) If body weight is normal and the laying rate is also relatively high, the protein level in the feed can be slightly increased compared with the previous stage; (4) If the laying rate drops to 60% and is difficult to raise further, there is no need to add feed.
II. Feeding by Droppings
If the droppings are thick, large, soft, strip-shaped, with a glossy surface, and can be broken into several segments with a light poke of the foot, it indicates that the proportions of concentrated, coarse, and green feed are reasonable. If the droppings are small, fine, firm, and black in color, and the cross-section after poking is granular, it indicates that too much concentrated feed and too little green feed are being given, and digestion and absorption are abnormal; the amount of concentrated feed should be reduced and more green feed should be given. If the droppings are light in color, unformed, and scatter as soon as they are excreted, it indicates that the concentrated feed is insufficient and the nutrition is on the low side, so concentrated feed should be supplemented. If the droppings are yellowish-white or grayish-green with a foul odor, it indicates that the ducks are sick and should be isolated for treatment.
III. Feeding by Egg Production
If the eggs are abnormal in shape and small, it indicates insufficient nutrition; feed such as soybean cake, peanut cake, and fish meal rich in protein must be added, raising the crude protein content of the daily ration to 20%, and the total daily ration should be appropriately increased. If the eggshells become thin, translucent, have sand holes, are rough, or soft-shelled eggs are even laid, it indicates that the feed quality is poor, especially insufficient calcium or a vitamin deficiency; supplements such as bone meal, shell powder, and lime powder, as well as feed rich in vitamin D, should be added. If egg weight decreases, fish liver oil and mineral additives can be increased. If egg laying is concentrated at 2:00 a.m., it indicates that feeding is done properly; if laying is delayed each day and the eggs laid become smaller, then more feed should be given.
IV. Feeding by Spirit and Vitality
Healthy ducks with a high laying rate are full of energy, dive for long periods, and after coming ashore have smooth feathers that are not wet, splashing water in all directions. If the ducks are listless, move weakly, are afraid to enter the water after being let out, and after entering the water have sticky, wet feathers or even sink, it indicates insufficient nutrition. Animal-based fresh live feed should be added in a timely manner, and fish liver oil should also be supplemented (clear fish liver oil is better for feeding), mixed into the powder feed. Give 1 mL per duck per day, feed for 3 d then stop for 7 d as one treatment course, or give 0.5 mL per duck per day continuously for 10 d.