1. Monitor the weight: If the laying rate of ducks is above 80% and their weight slightly decreases, it's important to adjust the feed properly. When the ducks gain weight and the egg production remains at 80%, you can provide some roughage and green feed, while controlling the concentrate intake. Avoid overfeeding concentrates, but ensure that animal protein levels stay the same or increase slightly. If the ducks are in good condition with a high laying rate, the protein content in the feed should be slightly higher than before. However, if the laying rate drops to 60% and doesn't recover, it’s best to stop feeding.
2. Observe the feces: Healthy duck droppings should be thick, soft, and have a glossy surface, easily dividing into sections when lightly pressed. This indicates a balanced mix of fine, coarse, and green feeds. If the stool is hard, black, and granular at the end, it suggests too much concentrate and not enough green material, leading to poor digestion. Reduce the concentrate and increase the green feed. If the feces are loose, pale, and spread out, it means the diet lacks sufficient concentrate and nutrients—add more concentrate to improve nutrition. Yellow-white or gray-green stools with a foul smell may indicate illness, so isolate the affected ducks and seek treatment.
3. Check the eggs: Abnormal or small egg sizes suggest inadequate nutrition. Add protein-rich feeds like soybean meal, peanut cake, or fish meal, and increase the crude protein in the diet to around 20%. Also, adjust the total grain intake accordingly. Thin, translucent, or porous eggshells may signal calcium or vitamin D deficiency; add bone meal, shell powder, or lime powder along with vitamin D supplements. If the egg weight is low, consider increasing cod liver oil and inorganic salt additives. If the ducks lay eggs consistently around 2 AM, it shows proper feeding. But if egg-laying time is delayed and eggs become smaller, it’s a sign to adjust the feeding schedule and increase feed amounts.
4. Observe the ducks' behavior: A healthy, high-producing duck will be energetic, dive for long periods, and have smooth, dry feathers after shaking. If a duck appears weak, moves slowly, avoids water, or has wet, matted feathers even after swimming, it may be undernourished. Provide fresh, live feed as soon as possible, and supplement with cod liver oil. Administer 1 ml per duck daily for 7 days as a course, or 0.5 ml daily for 10 days. This helps improve overall health and egg production.
By closely observing these four aspects—weight, feces, egg quality, and duck behavior—you can effectively manage the feeding and health of your flock, ensuring optimal egg production and overall well-being.
linear pendant lighting,linear light fixture,linear wall light, wall linear light
HSONG LIGHTING CO,. LTD , https://www.hsonglighting.com