In recent years, with the growing demand for duck products in the market, the duck farming industry in China has experienced significant growth. More and more rural farmers are entering this sector. However, due to seasonal changes, winter ducks often face a decline in egg production. During this period, the price of duck eggs tends to rise. Therefore, mastering high-yield techniques for winter ducks is essential to maintain stable and high productivity, which directly impacts economic returns.
Before the onset of winter, it's important to cull the duck flock. Remove old, weak, sick, or non-productive ducks to ensure that only those with strong health and good egg-laying performance remain. To identify low-producing ducks, check their physical condition: look for signs like falling feathers, yellowish base of the beak, a thin body, or poor feather quality. Also, touch the cloaca—dry and small, with a small and hard abdomen, and wide pubic bones without eggs in the oviduct. These are indicators of low productivity.
Maintaining an optimal temperature is crucial for egg production. Ducks lay best when the temperature is between 13°C and 20°C. Extreme temperatures can reduce egg output. So, keeping the environment stable and warm is key to ensuring consistent yields during the cold season.
Diet adjustments are also necessary. Winter ducks require more energy to stay warm. Increase the proportion of energy-rich feeds like corn and wheat, and add 1–2% of animal or plant oils to raise the metabolic energy in feed to 12–12.5 MJ/kg. Keep protein levels at around 15%, and provide more green feed. Supplement with cod liver oil every 8–10 days, and increase feeding by about 10%. Since nights are longer in winter, adding night feedings helps maintain productivity.
Lighting plays a vital role in stimulating egg production. Ducks need at least 16 hours of light per day. In winter, natural light is limited, so artificial lighting should be used. Install a 40-watt bulb for every 30 square meters of the duck house, placed 2 meters above the ground with a shade. Turn the lights on between 5–8 PM and 4–7 AM to ensure sufficient illumination.
Introducing a small percentage of male ducks (2–5%) into the flock can help stimulate breeding behavior. Males naturally attract females and encourage hormone secretion, leading to increased egg production.
Proper management is essential for success. Feed warm food and provide warm water (around 30–40°C) to minimize stress and heat loss. Keep the environment calm and quiet to avoid disturbing the ducks. Avoid loud noises and prevent interactions with other animals.
Disease prevention is equally important. Although ducks have strong immunity, they can still fall ill due to environmental factors. Regular cleaning, vaccination, and monitoring are necessary to keep the flock healthy and productive.
By implementing these strategies, farmers can optimize their winter duck production, ensuring both quality and quantity, while maximizing profitability in a competitive market.
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