Muscovy ducks are known for their resilience to harsh feeding conditions, rapid growth, ease of fattening, and large body size. They have a low abdominal fat percentage, well-developed chest and leg muscles, high myoglobin content, and offer delicious red meat with an efficient feed conversion rate. These characteristics make them a popular choice among consumers, especially in the development of diverse duck meat products. Native to the hot regions of Central and South America, Muscovy ducks perform well even in summer heat, making them ideal for warm climate areas.
Their physiological traits include: 1) a preference for group living, which makes them suitable for large-scale farming; 2) a natural inclination to swim and play, but they require dry nesting areas; 3) fast growth and strong metabolism, leading to higher oxygen demands than other birds; and 4) having only embryonic kidneys at birth, which means their urinary system develops over time, resulting in weaker water absorption and a higher risk of dehydration. Therefore, during brooding, it's crucial to ensure constant access to clean drinking water.
Before introducing ducklings, several preparations must be made. First, select a site that is away from villages, factories, and other farms, with good traffic access, a southern exposure, and elevated, dry terrain. The facility should be well-ventilated and insulated, as poor construction can hinder temperature control during colder months. Three common raising methods include deep litter, ground free-range, and slatted floor systems. For deep litter, materials like sawdust, shavings, and husks are commonly used, often in combination for optimal moisture management. A 5–8 cm layer should be spread evenly, avoiding any foreign objects that could harm the ducklings.
Essential tools such as drinkers, feeders, heating devices, and lighting must be prepared. Brooding houses and equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected using agents like potassium permanganate and formaldehyde. Ready-to-use feeds, medications, and vaccines should also be on hand. Before bringing in ducklings, preheat the environment to ensure a stable temperature, allowing the young ducks to acclimate gradually.
During the first four weeks, temperature control is critical. Ducklings have limited thermoregulation abilities, so maintaining a consistent and appropriate temperature is essential. The temperature should start at 34–35°C for the first three days, decreasing by about 2–3°C each week until reaching around 18°C. Humidity should be carefully managed—65–70% in the first week, then gradually reduced. Proper ventilation is necessary due to the high metabolic rate and sensitivity to ammonia and carbon monoxide. Overcrowding should be avoided, with recommended densities ranging from 40–50 per square meter for the first week down to 6–10 for older ducks.
Lighting plays a role in stimulating feed intake and survival. Strong light is used initially, followed by dimmer lighting to allow visibility for feeding and drinking. Feeding should begin with water supplementation, including minerals and vitamins, and gradually transition to solid feed.
From the fifth week onward, Muscovy ducks enter the breeding phase, which is crucial for egg production and fertility. Feather pecking can occur due to overcrowding or poor nutrition, and timely intervention through proper grouping and dietary adjustments is important. Breeding pairs should be kept in pens with solid barriers, and males and females should be balanced. Limited feeding helps control weight and improve laying performance.
Egg quality depends on good feed and hygiene. Transitioning to laying feed around the 25th week, providing free-choice feeding, and setting up nests with dry bedding are key steps. Eggs should be collected regularly. Forced moulting may be necessary when egg production drops below 50%. Feed formulations should be tailored to different growth stages to maximize efficiency.
Disinfection, isolation, and disease prevention are vital. Regular disinfection, separate housing for different age groups, and strict biosecurity measures help prevent disease outbreaks. Vaccination schedules should be followed based on regional needs to maintain flock health.
Squid Rings Raw,Frozen squid rings,This year's Squid Rings
ZHOUSHAN JING YUAN FOOD CO.,LTD , https://www.genho-food.com