The feeding process of the Cherry Valley Duck is divided into three key stages: ducklings (0–4 weeks old), growing ducks (5–25 weeks old), and laying ducks (from 26 weeks until culling). Each stage requires specific management practices to ensure optimal growth, health, and productivity. Based on practical experience, I will share my insights on the key technologies involved in each phase.
**1. Key Technologies for Raising Ducklings**
Creating an ideal environment is crucial during the early stages. The main factors to consider are temperature, humidity, ventilation, and lighting. Among these, temperature is the most critical. The recommended temperature range for ducklings is as follows:
- Days 1–3: 30°C to 28°C
- Days 4–7: 28°C to 26°C
- Days 8–11: 26°C to 24°C
- Days 12–16: 24°C to 22°C
- Days 16–21: 22°C to 18°C
- Days 21–28: 18°C to 15°C
Maintaining the right temperature helps prevent health issues such as weakness or even death. Humidity should also be carefully controlled—around 60% for the first week, and lower in the second week. High humidity can lead to poor digestion and increase the risk of mold and disease.
Proper feeding is another essential aspect. Ducklings should start eating within 24 hours after hatching. Commercial feed pellets are commonly used, and free-choice feeding is suitable for the first 1–3 weeks. However, by the fourth week, feed should be limited to prevent overeating and maintain healthy growth.
Duckling management involves grouping them appropriately—usually around 300 per group—and adjusting groups every other week based on size and strength. Regular cleaning, proper sanitation, and monitoring of water and feed availability are also important to maintain a healthy environment.
**2. Key Techniques for Growing Ducks**
For growing ducks, weight control and uniformity are key. This is achieved through restricted feeding and proper lighting. Two common methods are used: daily feeding restriction and alternate-day feeding. These methods help regulate body weight and improve overall consistency among the flock.
Weight control should be maintained within 10% of the standard body weight. Weekly weighing of 50–100 ducks is recommended to monitor progress. If the average weight is above or below the target, feed amounts should be adjusted accordingly.
During restricted feeding, it’s important to separate weak or underweight ducks and provide extra care. Ensuring enough feeding and drinking space for all ducks is also vital. Regular weigh-ins and adjustments to feed quantity help maintain balance. Sick ducks should not be restricted and should be isolated until they recover.
Uniformity is measured weekly by weighing 60 ducks and calculating the percentage within 10% of the average weight. A uniformity rate of over 80% is ideal, as higher uniformity leads to better egg production.
Lighting plays a role in managing the growth cycle. Light duration should remain constant or gradually decrease, avoiding sudden increases that could trigger early egg-laying. Nighttime dark lighting is also used to support natural rhythms.
**3. Key Techniques for Laying Ducks**
When ducks reach 24 weeks of age, their diet should transition from grower feed to layer feed. The feed amount should be increased by 10%, and when the first eggs appear, it should be raised by another 15%. Once egg production reaches 5%, free feeding can begin until the end of the laying period.
Crude protein levels should be around 17–18% during this phase, along with adequate vitamins and minerals. Lighting should be increased gradually to 16–17 hours per day, with night-time dark lighting to support both feeding and egg-laying behavior.
A quiet environment is essential during egg-laying hours, which typically occur between 2–4 PM and sometimes as early as 5–6 AM. Keeping the house calm and releasing ducks after 6 AM helps reduce stress and supports consistent egg production.
Regular health checks are crucial to ensure the ducks are in good condition. Monitoring the male-to-female ratio (ideally 1:8) and checking semen quality in males helps maintain high fertility rates. Sick or weak ducks should be removed promptly to prevent disease spread.
By implementing these feeding and management strategies, farmers can significantly improve the health, growth, and productivity of their Cherry Valley ducks.
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