Feeding programs for ducks

Comprehensive Balanced Feeding for Ducks

Feeding ducks is one of the most important stages in raising these birds, both in home and industrial farming. A well-formulated diet, the use of high-quality compound feed, premixes, protein-mineral-vitamin supplements (PMVS), and vitamins ensures high growth rates, shorter fattening periods, and high-quality meat and egg production.

Ducks are omnivorous birds that consume both plant and animal-based food. They grow quickly and have a high feed conversion rate, meaning they efficiently convert feed into meat. To feed ducks properly, it is important to consider:

• The age of the duck or duckling;
• The breed (e.g., Muscovy duck or Mulards);
• The purpose of raising (for meat, eggs, or breeding);
• Housing conditions (free-range or confined).

The duck’s diet must be balanced in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. The most convenient way to achieve this is by using specially formulated compound feeds and mixtures of grains and protein sources enriched with PMVS, premixes, and other additives.

During the first 10 days of life, ducklings require special attention. At this stage, their immunity, digestive system, and metabolism are forming. Experts recommend including the following in the diet during the first days:

• Boiled egg;
• Low-fat cottage cheese;
• Chopped boiled millet or corn;
• Vitamins in water (A, D, E, B group);
• Boiled carrot in small amounts;
• Access to clean, warm water.

From the 5th day of life, the following components should be introduced:

• Starter compound feed for ducklings;
• PMVS according to age dosage;
• Premixes to stimulate growth and bone formation;

Starter feed for ducklings should have a high protein content (18–22%), as the young birds need building material for rapid growth. After the first 10 days, ducklings transition to more intensive feeding. During this time, their muscles, feathers, and fat tissue develop actively. This period also sees the highest weight gain.

Components of the diet for domestic ducks:

• Growth compound feed (protein 16–18%);
• Grains: wheat, corn, barley;
• Protein mix (oilcake, soybean or sunflower meal);
• PMVS – 5–10% of total feed mass;
• Premix – 0.5–1% to improve nutrient absorption;
• Green mass – up to 30% of the daily diet;
• Water – always fresh, preferably with added vitamins.

Muscovy ducks require a special diet – this meat breed grows more slowly than others but produces high-quality, low-fat meat. It’s important to feed Muscovy ducks with these characteristics in mind.

Diet for Muscovy Ducks:

• Balanced feed mix with 16% protein content;
• Compound feed with high fiber content;
• Addition of PMVS containing lysine, methionine, calcium;
• Mandatory mineral additives and premixes;
• Fat limitation – better to use plant-based proteins;
• Greens and grass – important, especially in summer;
• Acidifiers in water to prevent digestive diseases.

Muscovy ducks should be fed 2–3 times a day with controlled feed intake. In the evening, a more nutritious feed can be given to stimulate growth.

Another duck breed that requires a specific diet is the Mulard – a meat-type hybrid combining the best qualities of the Muscovy and Pekin ducks. They gain weight quickly and produce valuable meat. The main goal of raising them is to obtain a large amount of meat in a short time (up to 8–10 weeks).

Feeding Program for Mulards:

• Starter feed with up to 22% protein for the first 2 weeks;
• From the 3rd week – switch to grower feed (18–20%);
• From the 6th week – fattening mix (15–16% protein, high carbohydrate content);
• PMVS – mandatory at every stage;
• Premix – to improve metabolism and immunity;
• Vitamins – A, D, E, C, B group;
• Access to greens and root vegetables (carrots, beets, pumpkins).

Adult ducks (layers, breeding stock) have slightly different needs. During the laying period, it is important to provide enough calcium, proteins, and fat-soluble vitamins.

• Complete feed with 15–17% protein;
• Grain mix (barley, corn, oats);
• Fish meal or meat and bone meal – source of animal protein;
• Chalk, shells – for calcium;
• Premixes to support egg production;
• PMVS with high phosphorus, vitamin, and trace element content;
• Vitamins A, D3, E, B2, B12;
• Water – fresh, to be changed at least twice a day.

Feeding ducks is a complex process that involves understanding the birds’ needs during different life stages. The use of quality compound feed, balanced mixtures with added PMVS, premixes, and vitamins ensures rapid growth, high productivity, and good health for both ducklings and adult ducks. Special attention should be given to Muscovy ducks and Mulards, as they require specific feeding due to their genetic traits. Only a properly organized feeding program will allow you to achieve maximum benefit from duck farming in any operation.