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RAISING DUCKS
UNITED STATES FARMERS' PREPARED BY DEPARTMENT OF BULLETIN SCIENCE AND G AGRICULTURE NUMBER 2215 EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION CONTENTS Breeds ______PAOli I ~eat b~8 ______I Egg-producingbreeds ______3 Breeding stock. ______4 Selection of breeders. ______4 Breeder (acilities ______4 EggXli~ucuon------5 HaD g eggs ______5 Incubation ______6 Artificial incuba.tion ______. _. ___ • ______.. __ . __ 6 Natural incubation. ______• ______. ______._ . __ _ 8 Brooding and rearing ______NuUition ______8 10 ~arketing ______II Diseases ______• ______13
lasued Mareh 1966 Slightly revi8ed AllgU/It 1969 W!l!!hington, D,C, Approved for reprinting September 1976
For ~ale by tho SU()(lrintondont of Doeumenlli, U.S, Government Printing Office Wa!hlnlton, O.C.!lru02 Stock No. 001-000-00070-6
11 RAISING DUCKS
By William J. Ash, Department ot Biology, St. T..uwren(!c Uni\'crsity, Canton, N.Y. 13617'
The number of ducks raised an are marketed through supply nually for meat in the United States houses and retail grocery outlets. is in the neighbo~'hood of 10 mil. Farmers who raise lImited numbers lion. Little change in production of ducks usually rely on special re has occurred in the past few tail outlets that sell live or fresh decades. killed ducklings. Approximately 60 percent of the Considerable competition exists ducks are raised on Long Island, in the marketing of ducklings. N.Y. Although climatic condi. Farmers who raise small numbers tions on Long Island are ideal for should try to develop a special mar duck productLOn, there is a possibil ket- a local one if possible. Duck ity that major production could ling is generally regarded as a shift to areas where feed and labor special item to be prepared by the costs are less, and where real estate homemaker for holidays or to be values and property taxation are served in restaurants. Marketing more advantageous to the farmer. pro&,rams should be developed t.o Most meat ducks are marketed as serVIce these outlets. ducklings-ducks 7 to 8 weeks of There is little demand for duck age. Major producing areas usual eggs in the United States. But ly have one or more modern proc small egg-laying flocks could pro essing plants to handle the birds. vide a Side income for farmers who They are generaIIy sold frozen and are able to establish a special retail ready to cook after thawing. Most outlet. BREEDS The choice of breeds depends Moat Breeds upon the market you are supplying. White Pekin, Aylesbury, and Mus Whit. Pekin eovy ducks are excellent meat The commercial duck industry in producers. Rauen, Cayuga, Swed the United States relies solely on Ish, and Call ducks reach weights the White Pekin (fi~. 1). 'White that make them valuable as meat Pekins are ideally sUlted for meat producers, but, poor egg produc production. They produce excel tion, and to some extent colored lent quality meat, and they reach plumage, make them ullsatisfactory marktlt weight (7 pounds) in 8 for mass commercial production. weeks. Khaki Campbells and Indian The breed originated in China Runners are excellent egg-laying and was introduced into the United breeds. Where special duck egg States in the late 1870's. \Vhite markets exist, the choice of eil her Pekins ~re large white-feathered of these breeds would be wise. birds. They have orange-yellow
1 Current edition reviewed by H. Graham Purchase, NPS, Poultry, Livestock and Veterinary Sciences, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center~West, Beltsville, :Md. 20705. 1 produce excellent quality meat, and like 'Vhite Pekins t.hey reach mar ket weight in 8 weeks. Aylesburys have white feathers, white skin, flesh -colored bills, and light-orange legs and foot. Eggs are a tinted white. Adult drakes weigh 9 pounds and adult ducks 8 pounds. Aylesburys are not as nervous as White Pekms but they rank with the latter in their lack of interest. .in sett.ing. Egg production is gen BN- Iun erally below that of 'Vhite Pekins Figur. I.-Whit. , . kln drake. but extraordinary records of 300 eggs per laying year have boon bills, reddish-yellow shanks and attained. feet, and yellow skin. Their f::ggs are a tinted white. Adult drakes Muscovy weigh 9 pounds and adult ducks The Muscovy is unrelated to the (females) 8 pounds. other breeds mentioned in this pub 'Vhite Pekins are fairly good egg lication. The bread originated in producers-average yearly produc South America. Numerous varie tion approximates 160 eggs-but ties of Muscovies existj the white they are not good setters and they variety (fig. 3) is the most desirable seldom bother to raise a brood. for market purposes. Muscovies They are nervous and should be produce meat of excellent quality treated gent,ly to obtain maximum and taste, provided they are mar egg production. keted before 17 weeks of a.ge. But their low egg production makes Ayl.. bury them unsuitable for use on 1arge The Aylesbury (fig. 2) is as pop commercial duck farms. Muscovies ular in England, where the breed have white skin. Adult drakes originated, as the 'White Pekin is in weigh 10 pounds and adult ducks the United States. Aylesburys . 7 pounds. Muscovies make extremely good setters. They will hatch and care for approximately 30 ducklings from the 40 to 45 eggs they produce :annually. Although they are not ideally
4111-(: Figur. 2.-Ayl.sbury dra ke. Figure 3.-Whit. MUlcovy drake. 2 suited to commercial production, (or their meat. Young drakes and Muscovies have excellent, possibili ducks weith 3% to 4 pounds at 2 ties for small ~cl\era l fa rms that months 0 age; adult drakes and have specinl retail outlets. ducks weigh 4"h pounds. In some areus o( the world, hy Another varlet.y, the \Vhite brid "mule ducks" are prvduced by Campbell, has sprung from the mat iug female Muscovies to Mal Khaki but it has not become a popu lard-type drakes. "Mule ducks" lar egg producer. White Camp produce sat isfacLory meat yields but bells have orange bills and legs. they ure sterile. Indian Runner Egg-Producing Breeds The Indian Runner originated in the E ast Indies but its egg-produc. Khaki Campbell in;! capabilities were developed in Amazing egg-production records V\ estern Europe. Although at one hll ve been made by the Khaki t.ime t hey were ('onsidered to be the Campbell (fig. 4). Strains selected best egg-pl'Oducing duck breed, In especiall y for high egg product-iofll dian Runners a. loe now second to the high-producing strains of Khaki Campbcl ls. Three Indian RuI),ner varieties are recognized : 'White (fig. 5), Penciled, and Fawn and 'White. All three varieties have orange to reddish-orange feet and shankf<. Characteristically the Runners stand erect j their carriage is almost perpendicular. Th~y weigh about the sa.me as Khaki Campbells.
"2Z~ . Figure 4.-Khakl Campbell dorake. have averaged close to 365 eggs per duck withm a laying year. The highest producing strains of chick ens ha "e yet to a "erage 300 eggs per laying year. Khaki Cnmpbells originated in England as a cross of Fawn and 'Vhlte Runner, Rouen, and Mallard ducks. Khaki best describes the appearance of Khaki Campbells. Males have brownish-bronze lower backs, tail covert s, heads, and necks; the rest. of their plumage is khaki. They have green bills and dark-orange legs and toes. Females have seal-brown heads and necks : the rest of their plumage is khaki. They have greeni sh-black bills and ' I,rowlI legs and toes. Khaki Carnpbells are not valued Figur. 5.-White Runner drake. 3 BREEDING STOCK
Selection of Breed.rs Commercial growers often run as many as 500 breeders together in Meat-type breeding stock is usu one flock. But smaller fl ocks, 50 to ally selected from market flocks 60 breeders, Illay outlay and ~rodu ce hatched in April and May. The a greater percentage of fertIle eggs potential breeders are selected from I han larger flocks. Lnying house the flocks when the birds are 6 to 7 mortality may also be less in weeks of age. At this time the dis smaller fl ocks. tinctly different voices of males and Provide 5 to 6 square feet of floor· females make it easX to separnte space per bird in the breeder house the birds-females ' honk," males und about 40 square feet per bird in "belch." Care should be taken to Ihe yard. select the proper number of each Breeder houses must be one·story sex---one drake to six ducks is rec because domestic ducks, with the ex· ommended. Select 8. small percent ception of Muscovies, cannot fly. age of extra ducks and drakes to Keep breeder houses clean, dry, and allow for mortality and further well ventilated. Leave windows selection during the conditioning and doors open during the day to period. Drakes should come from allow adequate circulat ion of air. the earlier hatched flocks to insure Good vent ilation is also needed at their readiness for mating by the night to prevent ovel'heating during ~inning of the following year. summer and to reduce condensation Select breeders that are vigorous during the winter. Care should be and have good weight, conforma taken to prevent the entry of rain tion, and feathering. Drakes that and snow through the ventilating ,veigh 5th pounds at. 6 weeks should system. Supplementary heat need weigh 7Y2 pounds by 8 weeks j ducks not be supplied to breeding stock. that weIgh 5th pounds at 6 weeks Straw makes good bedding rna· should weigh 7 pounds by 8 weeks. terial. ·P eat moss, peanut shells, or Selection of prolSeny from ducks wood shavings can also be used. having high fertilIty, hatchability, Litter should be added frequently and egg product.ion can be ac· and it should be kept dry by provid· complished through a program of ing plenty of fresh [l lr. Remove trapnesting and family or progeny damp litter before it st arts to mold. lesting. F ertility, hatchability, and Ducks will make their own nests egg production are as important as in the litter, but simple nest boxes body weight, conformation, and Cll n be provided in long rows alan/! feat.her cover ing to the producer of I he wall. Nests should be 12 inches market ducklings. wide, 18 inches deep, and 12 inches high. Place them at floor level. Breeder Facilities The use of out.side drinking faeili· ties instead of water fountains with· '\fost duck eggs are laid at night. in the building has the major ad· It is common practice to confine vantage of preventing wet pens. breeders to the laying houses on ly Ducks can be left without water nt night. During the day breeders during night confinement provided have aceess to yards and waterways. they have no access to feed. If it is ' Vith this system there is little need necessary to provide watering faei l· for expensive breeder facilities. A ities within the house, place the simple shed or house is all that is water supply above wire flooring- or needed. a screened drain. 4 Yards should slope gently away The flock should be laying 90 per ~ from the breeder. houses to provide cent or more of full production good drainage. Failure to provide within 5 to 6 weeks. Daily egg enough open, weU -drained yard production will remain above 50 space will cause dirty runs and in percent. for about 6 months in meat ~ ('~ase the danger of disease. type bI1leds. High ~ producing egg ~ Although most commercial pro type breeds will have greater ducers provide swimming water for persistency. their oreeding flocks, swimming Producers have varying opinions water is not needed for the produc about. the value of keeping breeding t.ion of fertile e~gs. SWimming stock once the level of egg produc ~ water can be provided in concrete tion sinks below 50 percent. Some troughs. They should be about 3 find it more economical to force ~ feet. wide and 8 to 12 inches deep. molt the birds at this level, then Locate the troughs at the end of the bring them back into production in yard opposite the breeder house. 8 to 10 weeks. Others obtain aU Ducks are nervous and may run possible eggs Wltil production in circles if disturbed in the dark. reaches 30 percent j then they either The larger the flock, the more seri rest the birds for an additional lay ous the problem. All-night lights or sell them for meat. should be used in the house if stam Levels of fertility and hatch ~ peding is n problem. One Hi-watt ability generully I)arallel those for lamp per 200 square feet of floor egg production fig. 6). Hi~hest space IS adequate. values come when egg produchon is high j then it tapers off toward the Egg Producflon ella of thp. p"oduction cycle. Lnck of mating experience is uSlIsl1y re Dueks hatched in April through sponsible for low fertil i. ty early in .July will reach sexual mat.urity at 7 the season. F ertility shol11d in months of age. Those hatched in crease rapidly during the first few September through January will settings of cl!gs. Faillll'e to obtain mature 1 to 2 months sooner because satisfactory levels of fertility and they will be subjected to increasing hatchabi1ity calls for n thorough in day lengths during the rearing spection and evaluation of all phases period. of management. It is not desirahle to bring birds into full production before 7 Handling Eggs months of age, because of the prob Most duck eg~ are laid before 7 lem of srosH eggs and low hateh a.m. It is advlsable to gather them ability. Ducks can be brought into at this time because prompt collec fuB production by giving them 14 tion lessens the problem of soiled hours of light daily. Give females and cracked eggs. Let the breed light 3 weeks hefore the time de ing stock out of the house when you sired for the start of egg produc start making the first collectIOn. tion; give drakes light 4 to lS weeks If some duclCs are laying, let them remain on t he nest and make a sec before the start of egg production so ond collection a couple of hours they will be ready for mating. The later. 15-w8tt lamps used to reduce Clean dry, breeder houses are esL stampeding wiB stimulate egg pro sential for the production of dean duction, but larger lamps (40 to 60 hatching eggs. Good ventilation watts) are best for this purpose. plus the frequent addition of litter Egg production increases rapidly and nesting material should be the once sexual maturity is reached. rule. Wash soiled eggs with great 5 /'I- 11l71 Figure 6.-Typical rate of egg production and fertility and hatchability of the eggs from a comme rcial breeder flock of May-hatched White Pe kin ducks. care immediately after collect ion. Store hatching e ~gs at a tempera Wash the eggs in water warmer ture of 55 ° F and u relative humid than the eggs themselves-llOo to ity of 75 percell!. Eggs do not need 115° F is adequate. Do not use lur nin~ if weekly settings are made. water colder than the eggs because Hatclllllf; eggs ml\y be stored for 2 cold water wi ll cause contraction of weeks W it hOllt marked reduction in the egg contents, and dirt, bncteria, hntcha.bili ty, but. they should be nnd mold spores mny be drawn turned daily a CLt:I' i:lL orage for more through the pores of the shell. than 1 week. Eggs should be Good egg sanitizers cnn be pur stored small end down . chased at most farm supply PrecllutiollS should be taken 10 stores- follow the manufacturer's prevent the flow of ail' from the directions. c ooli n~ unit from pllssing dire<'tiy Cru.cked, misshapen, or abnor over tile egj!S. Excessive e\'up0J'a mally small or large eggs should tion al1d eni:u',l.!Cment of the air ('ell not be saved for incubation. Theil' in the large end of the egg will hatchRbility will be practically ni l. de<'I'ease hatchability. INCUBATION Muscovy eggs require 35 days of Start. the incubator a day or two incubat.ion; all other domestic duck in advance of the first setting. eggs require 28 da.ys of incubation. T his will allow you to bring the machine into correct incubation Artificial Incubation condition before the eggs are set. Remove duck eggs {!'Om I he st or Incubators designed for hatching age area 5 to 6 hours before being duck eggs are available, bill when set. This gi\'es them time to warm only a. few eggs are to be hatched to room tempernture and lessens the the regular chicken-egg machine drop in temperature of the in may be used. For best results, fol cubator when the eggs are set. low the manufacturer's directions. Place the eggs in tfle incubator
6 small end down. In some small R emove infertile eggs and eggs machines, eggs call be incubated containing dead embryos from the level. incubator. Cracked eggs and those Most incuba.tors are equipped with ruptured yolks can also be de with automat.ic turning devices. tected and removed during the Set the de\'ice to turn the eggs m-ery candling operation. 3 hours. If manual turning is Eggs a.r-e frequently candled necessary, it should be done at least again after 25 days of incuih.'1.tion three or foUl' times daily, (il:l days for Muscovy eggs) . At Candle the eggs after 7 to 8 days this time the bills of normally de of incubation. T his cun be done by veloping ducklings can be seen passing each egg O\'er a small hand wit.hill the air cells. Considerable candler or by placing !l.n entire tmy mon~ ment. can also be seen. of eggs above Il bright light. On large commercial farms, duck The living embryo of a fertile lings are frequently taken from the egg will appear as a dark spot in the machines as t.hey hatch. However, large end of the egg near the air great care mus t. be taken to pre\'ent cell. Blood vessels radiating from chilling of newly hatched duck this spot give the appearance of fl lings. It maY 'be wise for small pro spider floating within the ef!p;. .\II;. ducers to keep the machine closed embryo that -has died hpfore can until hatching is completed ( fig. dling will appear as a spot stuck to 7) . the shell membranes. Clearly ra Ducklings that. must be helped diating blood vessels will not be from the shell should not be saved visible and !l dark ring of blood can for breed ing stock. H ereditary often be observed. Infertile eggs factors may be partially responsible will appear clear. for this condition.
FUMIGATION The pas:;age of bacteria throug-h their proper positions and let the the pores of t.he shell into the in fumes dissipate. terior of the ef!g will kill develop no not allow the e::r:..rs to l>ecome ing embryos and ca use rotting and overheated during the fmni,gation formation of gas inside the shell. trpatment. ('al'e shou ld he taken These eggs may f'x plode and spew !lot to E'xpose the I:'::rgs to fumiga con taminated material th roughont (ion uej\\"f'enlhe :!..tt IllUl(1 S-I- th hO ll!" t.he incubator. This problem ('all of il\('uhation. be prevented by fUllIi,gation of l'gp-s " rash the hatcher thoroughly and within 12 hours after set ting them fun I iga tea flf'r (,1I ('h hateh. (~ se the in the incubator . The ma('hine SHIlIP proportions of potassi um per should be running at nOI'llIa I 0lwl'lI 1- llI!lngawlt e and formalin Ilsed to gas ing- tempel'l\ture and hlllnidity. the PfCgs. . To fum igllte 100 cubic feet of in PRECAUTION cubator space, place ..t O g-rams (Il!:~ ounces) of potassium permang-a no not in lIaI e t he i rrit at ing fumes of fOl'maldehyde gas that are liu nate crystals in an earthen or Pyrex prated when the potassi um per dish that is about 4 in('hes high and llI ang-an ate and formalin arf' mIxed 8 inches in diameter. Plaee the dish togeliwl'. Provide plenty of \'en in the incubator and add 8() ec . (2% tilation in tI ll' ilH'tliJalol' room and ounces) of formalin to the ('rystals. do !lot renlO\"e i he I'cusahl{' eon Shut tlw (loors and vents ti,ghtly for tainer f!"Om Ihe ilH" uiJat or ullt il the :W minutes, then open the ,'ents to fll n lE' S ha\'e fully dissi pated.
7 Figure 7.-Tray of eggs about two-thirds hatched. Natural Incubation be provided for setting hens and ducks. Feed and water should be Natural methods of incuba.tion within close proximity because the are frequently used on sma.1I farms. female must obtain her daily re- This is especially true when Mus· quirements within short periods of oovies are raised. These ducks are exeel1ent setters and will incubate time. Delay in finding feed and their eggs without difficulty. water will result in undue chilling Other meat· and egg-type breeds of the eggs. This situation is more do not set regularly. These breeds critical with broody hens because can be naturally hatched under they will have to keep their nests for broody hens if they are available. 1 week longer than if they were Clean, dry nesting facilities must setting on chicken eggs.
BROODING AND REARING
Move ducklings from the hatcher welded wire <%.-inch) about 4 to comfortable brooding quarters as inches above concrete is the most quickly as possible. Prevent chill· satisfactory type of flooring. It ing and do not overcrowd the birds may be used over the entire floor during transi t. Provide feed and space or over only part of the floor. water for ducklings as soon as they 'Wire flooring has the major ad are placed in the brooder. vantages of keeping ducklings away Buildings of practically any type from manul-e and dampness, and It con be used to brood ducklings as can be washed down daily if ade· long as the birds are kept warm, quate floor drains are present. dry, and free of drafts. Ventila Litter flooring may be more prac· tion systems and windows should be tical for most small producers. designed so fresh air can be brought Straw, wood shavings, and peat into the building without chilhng moss make good litter. Make sure the ducklings. litter is free of mold. Moldy litter Floors can be either wire or litter. can cause high mortality in young If the expense can be j uslified, stock.
8 Ducklings grow rapidly. Make Ducklings need clean drinking sure they have adequate ftoorspace. water at all times. It may be sup For 3-week-old ducklings, allow Ih plied in hand-filled water fountains s
Figure e.-Swimming water for ducklings at the low end of the yard.
9 ducklings at 5 weeks of age (fig. F eather pulling beginnin~ lit -! 8). Howe,'er, ducklings can be weeks of age may be a sign of o\'e1' raised without. swimmmg water. crowded conditions in ti le yards and S tagnant pools of water anywhere houses. Sier s should be taken to in the yrrrds are sources of diseaflC stop this "ice as soon us il. Slal'ls. and c,'ery possible meaSUI'C should Give the bird.s additional space. If be tuken 10 pre\'cnt their f OI'mat ion. feather pu \ling cant inues, it may be Accumulations of 1ll111l1ll'C wi ll necessary to debill the birds. this build up in 1':\11.15 a fter it few weeks. can be done by snipping ofT the for The rate wi I depend on the density ward edbre of the upper bill. of the stock- 75 square feet per Night. lights should be used to duckling is idetlJ fOl' large flocks. prevent running nnd to insure that If the ;yards m'e locllted on light birds find their feed and water. saudy soil, it will be relatively easy Use one reflect ed 15- watt lamp per to scrape off t he top su rface. 200 square feet. of fioorspace. Periodic clenning of yards should String some 20- to 25- watt lamps be part of the planned work with reflectors on poles if Ihe birds schedule. are confined to outside yards.
NUTRITION
Maximum effi (,iency COl' g'l'Owth as potential breeders should be fed and ..epl'odu ct iOIl call be obtained by a. breeder-developer diet. This using commercially prepared d iets special diet contains less enel'p:y per which nre sold in pellet form. Pel pound of feed than the starter 01' lets are recommended instead of gl'Ower diet. When fed in ~ mash because they are easier to con slricted amounts, the diet will keep sume, they reduce waste, they do not the bre ecJ.t!r~ Cl'om putting 011 excess blow away, and feed conversion is fat but it wi ll provide the nutrients usually superior. Lack of pelleted needed. For eaeh 100 ul'oodel's feed should not discourage fanners feed 45 pounds of the breeder who wish to produce dUCKlings on a developer diet. drt;ily. F eed half in small scale. Satisfactory results the morning and half in the late lll'e possible with mash. nftel'lloon. Scatter the pell ets over Foul' diets are recommended: l ~ large n rea so all bi rds get a chance Starter, grower, breeder-developer, to obtnin their daily requirements. and breeder. Examples of each are If mash is fed, use n large number presented in table 1. Use pellets lis of feed hoppers. inch in diameter for the starter Increased requirements for re diet j use penets 0/. 6 inch in diameter production make it essellIial to feed for the grower, breeder-developer, breeding stock a breeder diet. and breeder diets. Switch the breeders to the breeder Feed ducklings the starter diet diet abont.1 month prior to the date the first 2 weeks after they hatch. of anticipated el!P: production. To To encourage early consumption, insure good eg~hell quality, give place the feed in baby ~ chick sized t he breeders oystershells. They hoppers Ilnd locat.e them close to the can he fed free choi ce in separate water supply. When ducklings hoppers within the breeder pens. reach 2 weeks of age, switch them .Many types of feeders can be to the grower diet. Feed this diet used for ducks. Ordinary hoppers until tlie ducklings are ready for nsed in commercial t hicken !)roduc market. tioll work well prO\'ided t ley al'e Young drakes nnd ducks selected arml1ltCd at 11001· le\,el. Since dtl('ks 10 grow at. fairly rapid rates and con sume I nr~ quantities of feed in short. penods of time. it is advan tageous to use hoppers that hold large quantities of feed. Small fceders can be used until lhe dud: lings l ~re 2 weeks old. Larger fceaers should be used for older market ducklings and breeding stock (fig. 9). Feed hoppers that are used outdoors should have lids that fit securely. Provide water whenever feed is available. T his is especially im portant when breeders are confined during the night. If hoppers are within the building and water sup plies outdoors, hoppers should be closed overnight to prevent the breeders from choking on dry feed. Figure 9.-.A self-feeder for outdoor Open the hoppers in the morning as use. It holds about 500 pounds soon as the birds have access to of pellets and is id eal for breed water. Breeders will adjust to this ing stock or ducklings over 2 routine and egg product ion will not wee ks of age. be affected.
MARKETING Pekin-type meat ducklings are Clean, uncrowded rearing facilities ready for market between 7 and 8 will help to prevent bruising! cut weeks of age if they lmve been fed ting, and other factors that cause high-energy diets and have under poor market. acceptability. Duck gone some degree of selection for lings can be transported in crates early maturity. Muscovies are not or herded into trailers for delivery rendy for market until 10 to 17 to the slaughterhouse. weeks of age. Ducklings should Construction of elaborate slauj!h ha.ve good finish and be free of pin tering faci lities is justified only for feathers when sent to slau~hte r. large commercial operal ions. If Ca.reful observation of both trllits live markets are not available, small should be made durinlZ" the latter farm flocks can be processed by part of the rearing period. using faci lit ies si milar to those used P ekin-type males and females for small chicken fl ocks. perform differently. Males grow For slaughter! hang ducklings by to heavier weights by 7 to 8 weeks the feet or placc them in special and they convert their feed more slaughtering- fu nncls. Take a long! efficiently than females. These dif thin! sharp kn ife and draw it across ferences become apparent allel' 6 the outside of the throat h i~h lip weeks of age. More econom ical on the ll I.'C k just under t ht' lower feeding costs are possible if females bill. This Wi ll 5e\'C I' Ihe j n~nlal' nre marketed at 7 weeks of It,:re. vein and allow swift, complete Keep feed from the birds 8 to 10 bleeding. hours before slaughter. Provide When bleeding has ceased, birds cool water up to the time of killing-. call 00 seah1 f' d Hlld piekl'd or t lll'Y
11 can be dry picked. Dry picking feathers; grasp the pin feathers be· has the advantage of producing ex· tween the thumb and a dull knife. eeptional1y attractive carcasses, but In large commercial slaughter it is slower and there is greater houses, ducklings are dipped danger of tearing the skin. F or through a molten wax after they scalding, immerse the ducklings (a i' have been picked. 'When the wax 3 minutes in hot water (1400 F ). hardens-by immersion in cold Pick immediately after scalding water- it can be peeled free to re and remove all remaining pin move any feathers that remain.
TABLE l.- Ingredients needed to mi:e 1 ton of feed for complete duck diets
Starter Grower Breeder- Breeder Ingredients I Unit d iet diet d evelop ~ r diet diet
Cornmeal, yellow ______lb. 1,265 1, 443. 2 660 1, 080 Oats or barley, pul- verlzed ______lb. 195 95 Wheat, standard mid------dllngs ______lb. 800 200 Soybean oil meal (44 ------percent p.rotein) ______lb. ------100 Soybean 011 meal (50 ------~rcent protein) ______lb. 540 360 100 A aHa meal (17 per_ ------cent protein) ______lb. 20 20 200 100 Fish meal (60 percent protein) ______lb. 60 60 100 Fish solubles, d ried ------ba.ais ______lb. 10 10 Meat 8crap (SO percent ------protein) ______lb. ------100 Brewer's yeast, dried ____ lb. ------50 Whey, dried producL ___ lb. 20 20 ------50 Gra in dilltiller'8 lIolu------bles, dried ______lb. 20 20 ,------Dicalcium phosphate ____ lb. 2. 28 20 ------Llm ellto n~round ______lb. 20 20 10 60 Salt , lodi ______lb. 6 6 5 5 Manganese lIu lfate, feed grade ______lb. 0.6 0.6 0.5 0. 5 Zinc oxide ______lb. O. 2 0. 2 0. 2 O. 2 OL-mgradeeth ______ionine, l___eed ____ lb. 2 2 ------Stabilized vitamin A ____ I U- 5,000, 000 5,000,000 ------2, 000, 000---- 5, 000, 000 Nltamin 0 ' ______I CU' 1,000, 000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000, 000 Vitamin E acetate ______I U 10,000 10, 000 2,000 20,000 Vitamin K (menadione sodium billulfate) __ ___ g.' 4 4 I I Riboftavin______g. 8 8 2 4 Niacin (50 percent) __ ___ g. 160 160 25 20 VitA.min B ______It mg.' 12 12 2 6 Calcium ~ntothenate --- g. 16 16 5 8 Choline c loride (25 percent) ______g. 2, 400 2, 400 112 ------
I Vitamin premix- the last n ine ingredients named---«)uala approx imately 10 pounds. t International unit. I International chick unit . • Gram. I Milligram.
12 'Vax:: can be reused if it is remelted thoroughly and stuff the giblets into and the feathers are screened out.. the clenn birds. If birds are to be Small quantities of wax can be pur marketed (rozen. package them in chased for use in smaH fann shrinkable plastic bags. If special slaughtering operations. 'Vax is "New York Dressed" markets are highly combustible; care must be available, chill the ducklings Bnd taken to prevent wax from coming sell them uneviscerated. in contact with an open flame. Commercial processors sell the After picking, birds can be evis feathers, feet, heads, and viscera as cerated immediately or they can be byproducts. Small producers gen· stored in slush ice overnight until it erally do not have a large enough is convenient to complete the proc volume to develop a byproduct essing. 'Vash the eviscerated bird market.
DISEASES
Ducks raised in small numbers able. Direct action of the toxills and in relative isolation suffer little will also cause high mortality in from diseases. But where large upland birds. Removal of dead numbers of ducks are concentrated, birds and rotting vegetation, plus diseases may be extremely wide maintenance of clean facilities, will spread. Muscovies appear to be re prevent this diseuse. Fowl cholera.- High mortality sistant to diseases common to Pekin_ in adult and young stock can occur and Runner-type ducks. from this discase. St rict sanitation The list of common diseases pre will help cont rol fowl cholera. sented here is far from complete, Keep yards and houses clean. Do It should not be used as It substitute not allow mudholes and slimy areas for accurate diagnosis by competent to form. Bum 01' bury dead birds. personnel. The organisms of thiS highly in Amyloidosi.s.-This disease is Olle fectious disease live for long periods of the most common in adult stock. of t.ime in tissues of dead birds. Amyloidosis, also called "wooden They can be transmitted to clean li" er disease," can be easily recog Rocks by flies, rodents. and wild nized by the hardness o( the liver. birds. Bacterins and nU'cin('s 11l l\'e Frequently. there is a large accu· been used to control losses from mulation of fluids within the body fo ..... l cholera. cavity. Laying house morta,lity Necrotic enteriti1J.- This disease may reach as high as 10 percent in is very common in breeding stock. some fl ocks. The cause of the Breeder houses and yards must be disease is not known and there is no free of wet litter and mudholes. known cure. Mortality may be sporadic over a Botulism.- This disease occurs long period of time. in young and adult' stock. It is R eproductive dilJorders.- Paral· caused by the bacteria Clostridium ysis of the intromittent organ of botulinum, which grows in decay drakes is commonly observed early ing plant and animal material. in the malinA' season. This renders Ducks feeding on material contain the bird u ~l ess ( 0 1' reproduction. ing the deadly toxins produced by Drakes ha\' ing this condition sholild the bacteria lose control of their be culled from the flock. neck muscles and I hey usually Females are rendered worthless urown if swimming water is twail- by prolapse of the \'Ilg-ina and 13 clonca. Impacted oviducts Rnd egg toms resemble those of chronic res yolk peritonitis are other reproduc pira,tory disease of chickens, The tive disorders in ducks. first signs of the disease a.re sneez K eel diseMe.- This disease occurs ing and loss of balance, .A.fBicted in young ducklings the first few ducklings fall over on their sides days after hatching. Affected and backs. Losses up to 75 percent ducklings appear thin and de have been recorded. Death often is hydrated. due to water starvation, rather than A number of easy steps can be to. the primary infection. Antibi taken to prevent keel disease. otiCS and sulfa drugs have been Fumigation of the hatching eggs used with some success. and a t,horough wa.shing and fumi Ooccidioaia.-Although not as gation of the hatcher between t~oublesome as in chickens, this hatches wi1l reduce the number of disease causes trouble in occnsional bacteria to which young ducklings flocks of ducklings. The organism become exposed.. Reducing stress causing the disease in ducks is dif on the young birds by providing ferent from those causing it in clean, warm brooding facilities, chickens. fresh water! and good feed will also D1Uk vi'l'U8 enteritis (duck help contro the disease. plague) .- This acute fa.tal dlsease V irus hepatitia.- Serious out affects ducks as well as geese, swans, breaks of viru ~ hepatitis can cause and other aquatic bIrds, It is 80- to 90-~rcent mortality in flocks caused by a filterable virus that is or duckhngs. This highly con transmissible by contact and com tagious disease strikes sWlftly with monly occurs where watar i~ a.va.il out warning. It occurs in ducklings able for swimming. The disease from 1 to 5 weeks of age. has affected ducks in commercial A vllccine thnt is ndministered flocks in the Eastern United States. to femnle breeding stock is avail Disease signs of watery diarrhea" able. Antibodies produced by the !lasaI di schar~, and genera.l droop laying ducks are passed through the mess develop 10 3 to 7 days after egg to the young ducklings. This exposure, and last for another 8 or 4 g-tves the ducklings sufficient passive days, frequently ending in death. Immunity to protect them against Post mortem examinations show natuml exposures to the virus dur multiple or generalized hemor ing the first 3 weeks after hatching. rhages in body organs. Duck misers who are troubled witb There is no satisfactory treat losses from virus hepatitis should ment, Strict sanitation, disposal contact, thei r local veterinnrinn for of offal from infected birds, and a supply of the \'accine. rearing ducks in pens with access to Brooder pnellmonit1,- Good lit drinking water only would greatly ter and It dry brooder house will reduce and help control the disease, help prevent brooder pneumonia. Possible exposure of domestic TIllS disease of ducklinlZs is caused ducks to duck yirus enteritis from b:v n fungus frequently present in migratory waterfo,wl can be 1?re litter. Th£'re is no treatment for "ented by keepmg susceptIble tht> diSE:'nse. ducks in houses or within wired X el(' duck di8cCUle (In{,ectiOWl e.nclosures. serolJififf).- Thi!'; is one of (.le most Efforts are continuing to develop serious disen>le,::; affecting ducklings. a \'RCCi~l e that, will protect wa,ter It is :\ bftrt£'rinl diSE'ASe caused by fowl ,,,,thont. sprendmg duck nrns .Vomx ella nnatipestifer. Symp- enterit.is.
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