Detailed Explanation of Key Points for Meat-Type Mandarin Duck Breeding Techniques

Economic Value

The meat-type mandarin duck grows quickly and has low feeding costs. It can reach 3 kg in 80 days and begins laying eggs at 6 months of age. From chick to adult and during the laying period, the average daily feed requirement is only 0.25 jin. Annual egg production can reach about 200 eggs, with an average egg weight of 72 g and a maximum of 100 g. The meat of the mandarin duck is fresh, fragrant, and pure in flavor, even better than soft-shelled turtle.

Living Habits

The meat-type mandarin duck can be raised in water or on dry land. It tolerates both heat and cold and has strong adaptability, so it can be raised all over the country.

Feeding Methods

Breeding Mandarin Duck Feeding Management Males and females can be mixed at a ratio of 1:3. Pen raising, free-range raising, or open-range raising are all suitable. For pen raising, 50 to 100 birds is appropriate. The pen should be equipped with a water pool and a suitable activity area, as well as a nesting box or laying pool, with drinking water available at all times. Try to keep the shed dry, clean, ventilated, and with sufficient light. In terms of feed, more concentrated feed should be given during the laying period. At the same time, add some inorganic salts and trace elements. During the non-laying period, coarse feeding is acceptable.

Chick Mandarin Duck Feeding Management Within 1 to 3 days after hatching, chicks are sensitive to temperature, prefer warmth, and sleep a lot, so the temperature should be kept no lower than 30°C. After 3 days, gradually reduce the temperature. At the same time, maintain light duration and intensity, gradually shortening and weakening the light as they grow. Start feeding at about 24 hours after hatching, keep drinking water available at all times, and chicks should not enter water. They can be fed chick feed for chickens or ducks, or partially cooked rice, noodles, and similar foods.

Growing Mandarin Duck Feeding Management After 1 month of age, mandarin ducks grow faster, especially between 2 and 4 months of age, when growth is fastest. Therefore, this is also the period of greatest feed intake, and a complete feed must be provided. If conditions permit, raise males and females separately. During this period, there are two times of beak and feather growth: first, around 1 month of age when tail feathers grow; second, after 2 months of age when the main wing feathers grow. To reduce feather pecking, start adding sulfur-containing amino acids and additives for treating feather pecking at 20 days of age, such as feather meal and stop-pecking agents. Pay attention to raising density, environmental hygiene, and limiting light intensity.