There is an art to feeding laying ducks, and scientific feeding methods must be mastered

I. Feed according to body weight

Determine the quality and quantity of feed according to the body weight and laying rate of the laying ducks:

① If the flock's laying rate is still above 80% while the ducks' body weight shows a slight downward trend, appropriately increase the amount of animal-based feed in the diet (fresh river snails are even better);

② If the ducks' body weight is increasing and they show a tendency to become fat, but the laying rate is still 80%, appropriately increase the amount of coarse feed and green feed, or control the feed intake (150 grams per duck per day);

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 already difficult to raise, there is no need to add feed.

II. Feed according to droppings

If the droppings are thick, loose, and strip-shaped, with a glossy surface, and can be broken into several segments with a light nudge of the foot, it indicates that the proportions of concentrated, coarse, and green feed are reasonable. If the droppings are small, thin, and firm, dark in color, and the cross-section appears granular after being broken apart, it indicates that too much concentrated feed and too little green feed are being given, and digestion and absorption are abnormal, so the amount of concentrated feed should be reduced and more green feed should be added. If the droppings are light in color and unformed, scattering as soon as they are excreted, it indicates that the concentrated feed is insufficient and the nutrition is on the low side, so supplemental feed should be given. 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. Feed according to egg production

If the eggs are abnormal in shape and small, it indicates insufficient nutrition, and feed rich in protein such as soybean cake, peanut cake, and fish meal must be added, raising the crude protein content of the daily ration to 20%, and appropriately increasing the total amount of the daily ration. If the shells become thin, translucent, pitted, or rough, or if soft-shelled eggs are laid, it indicates that the feed quality is poor, especially insufficient calcium or a lack of vitamin D, and feed rich in minerals such as bone meal, shell meal, and lime powder as well as vitamin D should be added. If egg weight decreases, cod liver oil and inorganic salt additives can be increased. If egg laying is concentrated at 2 a.m., it indicates that feeding is proper; if egg laying is delayed each day and the eggs laid become smaller, then more feed should be given.

IV. Feed according to 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 everywhere. If the ducks are listless, move weakly, are afraid to enter the water after being let out, and their feathers become wet or they even sink after entering the water, it indicates insufficient nutrition, and animal-based fresh live feed should be added promptly, along with sufficient cod liver oil.