What should be noted when mixing your own feed for free-range ducks?

Small-scale duck farmers should pay attention to the following points when mixing their own feed:

1. Select feed ingredients according to local conditions. Make the most of local feed resources; consider nutritional value as well as price in order to reduce costs.

2. Adjust the feed formula to ensure the ducks' nutritional needs are met. The mixed daily ration should be close to the feeding standard, so as to avoid nutritional deficiencies or excesses that could cause certain deficiency diseases or economic losses. At the same time, the protein-to-energy ratio in the duck feed should be balanced, otherwise feed consumption will increase.

3. Do not use moldy raw materials or those containing harmful substances to mix the daily ration. The amount of feed mixed each time should not be too large; it is best to use it up within a week and keep the feed fresh. During periods of high temperature and high humidity, self-mixed feed or purchased feed that is stored too long, or that sits in the trough too long during feeding, will ferment and deteriorate and become moldy. In summer, it is best to mix feed and use it up the same day. Ensure the feed is fresh.

4. The feed must be thoroughly mixed, especially various additives such as multivitamins, trace elements and drugs; be sure to mix them evenly, otherwise adverse consequences will result.

5. The daily ration should be relatively stable. If it must be changed, there should be a one-week transition period, and this is especially important during the peak laying period, so as to avoid a drop in the laying rate.

6. The crude fiber content in the daily ration must not be too high; it is best at around 3%.

7. In summer, add carbonate and vitamin C to the daily ration or drinking water to help maintain electrolyte balance and reduce the adverse effects caused by stress factors.