Detailed Analysis of the Composition of Duck-Raising Costs and Control Methods

Duck-raising costs mainly include the cost of building duck sheds, the cost of purchasing ducklings, the cost of duck feed, labor costs and other costs; the other costs here include water and electricity bills, medical expenses, etc. In order to increase breeding profits, we can save on breeding costs from the following aspects.

Raise Excellent Breeds

Meat ducks of excellent breeds have a higher genetic potential for production performance, grow fast, have strong disease resistance and a high feed conversion rate. At the same age in days and consuming the same amount of feed, they gain weight much faster than meat ducks of degraded breeds.

The Ambient Temperature Must Be Suitable

The suitable growth temperature for meat ducks is 12°C to 24°C; within this temperature range, ducks can fully and effectively utilize feed. Therefore, conditions should be created as far as possible, such as keeping them in pens in winter with doors and windows sealed, and erecting shade shelters in summer, to keep warm or cool down, so as to improve feed returns.

The Daily Ration Must Be Balanced

Because all poultry "eat according to energy," when the energy level of the diet is high, feed intake is low; when the energy level of the diet is low, feed intake is high. Therefore, the ratio of protein to energy in meat duck feed must be balanced; otherwise, feed consumption increases and certain nutrients are wasted. For example, if the diet is low in energy and high in protein, the protein feed is consumed as an energy source and thus wasted. Poisoning, diarrhea, etc. in meat ducks will thereby reduce the feed conversion rate. In addition, the feed warehouse and duck house should be protected against insect pests, rodents, etc.

Feed Must Be Fresh and Stored Properly

First, the raw materials must be fresh. Second, the mixed feed should be mixed and fed frequently; after mixing, the feed should be stored in a ventilated, dry place away from light to avoid oxidation of the fat in the feed and destruction of VA and VE. Place a layer of moisture-proof material between the feed and the ground to prevent the feed from caking and molding.

Market Them in Good Time

It is more suitable to market meat ducks at 40 to 48 days, because at this time the weight gain and feed returns of meat ducks have reached their peak; after 50 days of age, the weight gain of meat ducks declines and feed returns decrease.

Use Additives Rationally

Nutritional additives such as minerals, vitamins and amino acids are essential, and other non-nutritional additives are also very helpful for increasing the growth rate and feed conversion rate of meat ducks. For example, probiotics, enzyme preparations, organic acids, polypeptides, etc. have obvious effects on increasing the weight gain and feed conversion rate of meat ducks.

The Form of the Feed and the Feeding Method Must Be Reasonable

Generally, do not feed raw grain; grind the raw grain to the particle size of a complete formula feed, which can vary according to the age of the ducks in days, but it should not be ground too fine, otherwise it easily scatters and causes waste. When adding feed, do not add too much at one time just to save trouble. The structure and height of the trough should be suitable. In addition, attention should be paid to promptly repairing the trough to prevent feed leakage and waste.