Detailed Explanation of Key Techniques for Winter Fattening of Meat Ducks

For winter fattening of meat ducks, breeds such as Cherry Valley ducks, Campbell ducks, Peking ducks, and Cherry Valley (Digao) ducks should be selected. Fattening is most suitable when young ducks have been raised to 45-60 days, have a certain frame and muscle, and are at their fastest growth rate. There are two commonly used methods.

1. Free-feeding fattening.During the fattening period, high-energy, low-protein compound feed should be used. After feeding, release the ducks into water to bathe and consume aquatic plants to aid digestion. For one nighttime feeding, feed and water should be provided simultaneously. In terms of management, note that the duck house should be dimly lit so the ducks move less and rest more. The confinement area should be clean and hygienic, and must never be damp or foul-smelling, otherwise the fattening effect will be seriously affected. A reference feed formula is: corn 40%, sorghum 15%, wheat bran 10%, wheat 23%, soybean cake 7%, salt 0.5%, shell powder 2%, bone meal 2%, trace element additive 0.5%, poultry multivitamins 5 grams.

2. Manual force-feeding fattening.A reference feed formula is: corn 45%, wheat 15%, wheat bran 10%, barley 25%, soybean cake 5%, bone meal 1.5%, shell powder 2%, salt 0.5%, trace element additive 0.5%, poultry multivitamins 5 grams. Place 2/3 of the mixed compound feed into a basin, add an equal amount of boiling water to soak, stir into a paste, then add the remaining 1/3 of dry feed, stir thoroughly, and roll into rod-shaped pellets about 5-6 cm long and weighing about 25 grams each. When rolling the pellets, hands should be dipped in water to keep the pellet surface smooth for easy feeding. In winter, they can be made once every 2 days. To prevent the pellets from drying and cracking, cover them well with a damp cloth.

The specific operation method for manual force-feeding of ducks is: the feeder sits on a low stool, spreads the duck's wings and clamps them between the left leg bend, holds the duck's upper beak with the left thumb and index finger, presses the front part of the duck's tongue with the middle finger, holds a water-dipped pellet with the right hand, and massages downward along the esophagus to send the pellet down. Initially, feed 3-4 pellets per day, gradually increasing to 13-14 pellets. To help the ducks gradually get used to force-feeding, feed and force-feed simultaneously during the first 2-3 days. Before each force-feeding, check the duck's digestion; if poor digestion is found, feed one fewer pellet to prevent feed accumulation. Sick and weak ducks should not be fattened by manual force-feeding.

The main management practices for manually force-fed ducks are: keep the area around the force-feeding pen quiet. Keep the pen temperature at 15°C-24°C, and no lower than 5°C in winter. Never let the pen temperature get too high, as this may affect the fattening effect. Force-fed ducks have a large feed intake and need plenty of drinking water for good digestion, so water basins should be placed in the pen to allow the ducks to drink freely. In addition, they should be released into water 2-3 times a day for 10-20 minutes each time, and returned to the pen after their bodies are shaken dry.