The feeding process of the Cherry Valley Duck is divided into three key stages: ducklings (0–4 weeks), growing ducks (5–25 weeks), and laying ducks (from 26 weeks until culling). Each phase has specific management techniques that are essential for optimal growth, health, and productivity. Based on practical experience, I will share my insights on the critical technologies involved in each stage.
**1. Key Technologies for Raising Ducklings**
1.1 **Creating Optimal Environmental Conditions**
Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, and lighting play a crucial role in the early development of ducklings. Among these, temperature is the most important, followed by humidity. The ideal temperature range for ducklings is as follows:
- 1–3 days: 30°C to 28°C
- 4–7 days: 28°C to 26°C
- 8–11 days: 26°C to 24°C
- 12–16 days: 24°C to 22°C
- 16–21 days: 22°C to 18°C
- 21–28 days: 18°C to 15°C
If the temperature is too high or too low, it can negatively impact their growth and even lead to mortality. While ducks are waterfowl, excessive humidity can cause digestive issues and promote bacterial growth. Humidity should be around 60% during the first week and gradually reduced afterward.
1.2 **Proper Feeding Practices**
Ducklings should be introduced to food after they have been dried and warmed. It’s common to start feeding them with starter feed, allowing free access for the first 1–3 weeks. However, since meat ducks grow quickly, overfeeding can lead to obesity. Therefore, from the fourth week onward, feed intake should be controlled to prevent weight gain.
1.3 **Effective Management**
Duckling management involves proper grouping, typically 300 per group, and regular sorting based on size and strength every two weeks. Maintaining clean and dry living conditions is also essential. Regular cleaning of excrement, ensuring good ventilation, and keeping the area tidy help prevent disease outbreaks.
**2. Key Techniques for Growing Ducks**
2.1 **Controlled Feeding Methods**
Controlling feed intake is vital for growing ducks to maintain uniformity and manage body weight. There are three main methods: daily feeding restriction, alternate-day feeding, and limited feeding. For example, daily restriction involves feeding a set amount of feed each day, while alternating days helps improve consistency among the flock.
2.2 **Weight Monitoring**
Regular weighing is necessary to ensure ducks meet the expected growth standards. A weekly check of 50–100 randomly selected ducks helps track average weight. Adjustments in feed amounts should be made based on whether the average weight is above, below, or within the target range.
2.3 **Important Considerations During Restricted Feeding**
Before implementing feed restrictions, weak or underweight ducks should be separated and given extra care. Ensuring enough feeding and drinking space for all ducks is also important. Any signs of illness require immediate attention and suspension of restricted feeding until recovery.
2.4 **Calculating Uniformity**
Uniformity is calculated by selecting 60 ducks, weighing them, and determining how many fall within 10% of the average weight. This helps assess overall growth consistency. A uniformity rate of over 80% is ideal for better performance.
2.5 **Lighting Control**
Lighting plays a key role in regulating the growth cycle of ducks. Similar to chickens, light duration should remain constant or gradually decrease, never increase. This helps maintain a stable laying schedule and avoid early egg production.
**3. Key Techniques for Laying Ducks**
3.1 **Feeding Adjustments**
At 24 weeks of age, the diet should be changed to a layer-specific feed, increasing the feed amount by 10%. When the first eggs appear, the feed should be increased by 15%, and once the egg production rate reaches 5%, free feeding can begin until the end of the laying period.
3.2 **Crude Protein and Nutrient Supply**
During the egg-laying phase, ducks require higher levels of crude protein, ideally between 17% and 18%. Adequate vitamins and minerals must also be provided to support reproductive health.
3.3 **Lighting for Egg Production**
From 24 weeks onwards, the lighting period should be extended to 16–17 hours per day to stimulate egg production. This schedule should remain consistent throughout the laying period.
3.4 **Maintaining a Quiet and Regular Environment**
Ducks tend to lay eggs in the late evening or early morning. Keeping the environment quiet and managing feeding times after 6 AM helps reduce stress and improve egg quality.
3.5 **Health and Fertility Monitoring**
Regular health checks are essential to identify sick ducks and ensure the male-to-female ratio remains at 1:8. Semen quality in males should also be monitored to maintain high fertility rates. Sick or unproductive ducks should be removed promptly.
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