Feeding and nutrition of roasting ducks

Question 1

What breed of duck is in question here

Answer 1

Pekin duck

Question 2

BW at birth

Answer 2

50-55g

Question 3

BW and age of slaughter

Answer 3

6-7 wks

3-3.2kg

Question 4

Ages and different stages

Answer 4

Starter: 0-14 days

Grower: 15-42 days

Finisher: 43-49 days

*growth capacity is lost at 49 days

Question 5

When is the growth capacity lost in roasting ducks

Answer 5

49 days

Question 6

Dietary protein and E density at the different periods of fattening

Answer 6

Compare starter vs grower vs finisher

• ME: 12 vs 12.5 vs 12.9
• CP: 21 vs 18 vs 16

Question 7

Changes of the changes in dietary protein and E density explained

Answer 7

• ME: lower than broilers, genetically they grow as fast as broilers, feed intake related to body size is lareger due to their high maint
• CP: lower than broilers, it is DILUTED in the feed

Question 8

Feed efficiency, who do we compare to?

Answer 8

2.7kg/kg

Poor when compared with broilers

Question 9

Why is their feed efficiiency poor when compared with broilers

Answer 9

• Beak is adapted to water feeding and filtering so is therfore inefficient
• No crop
• High maint

Question 10

Physical forms of the diets

Answer 10

• AD LIB
• Pellets- better for beaks
• Mash- best option BUT microbial degradation

Question 11

Fat inbuilding

Answer 11

Occurs at 4-5 wks and then decr with age

SC

Question 12

Supplements

Answer 12

Ca: derc with age

P: decr with age

Lysine: low due to less protein inbuilding

Question 13

Tap water consumption

Answer 13

3-5L per kg DM

Feed waste through frequent drinking

Question 14

Fattening technology

Answer 14

1. Semi-intensive: traditional and 2 phases
2. Intensive: 1 phase, out of season usually winter

Question 15

Fattening technology: semi-intensive

Answer 15

• 0-18 days: intensive fore-rearing
• 19 days until slaughter: extensive post-rearing- either dry method or on a lake