by Given Hamanungu, Tiger Animal Feeds

Duck farming is generally not considered a mainstream farming business in Zambia, but it offers ample opportunities for a decent stream of income. Duck meat is a sought-after product fetching higher prices than chicken.

As with any farming enterprise, potential duck farmers need to do their research to answer the five basic business questions of what, why, when, where, and how, to formulate a clear business goal.

Duck farming, like raising chickens for meat, is a full-time specialised business requiring efficiency. Duck meat generally commands a good price, well above the prices received for chicken. The meat is marketed as fresh, frozen, and chilled products, either whole or in parts.

There are problems associated with keeping ducks for egg production on a large scale because of low egg numbers, high feed consumption and the need to house ducks in small numbers. The main egg-laying duck breeds can lay more and larger eggs than hens, but ducks eat about 75% more feed.

For these reasons, most farmers concentrate on meat production.

Managing ducks

Ducks can be raised under a wide variety of conditions, ranging from a backyard coop for a few ducks to housing for large flocks on a commercial duck farm.

Regardless of the category of duck keeping, certain basic requirements must be met if ducks are to remain productive.

Ducks adapt well to a wide range of systems of management, provided they receive essential basic brooding conditions. Temperature is one of the key management factors during the brooding period, with ducklings requiring higher temperatures and special attention.

Ducks are generally rustic and strong animals that have a lower incidence of disease than other domestic birds. They can easily adapt to simple, low-investment facilities, and can show satisfactory performance under these conditions. However, the farmer still needs to practice proper professional management.

The brooding of these birds is a critical point in the production cycle. Comfortable conditions must be ensured so that ducklings can start eating and drinking as soon as possible. This will ensure rapid growth and reduce mortalities.

Proper cleaning of the drinking systems, feeders and flooring is essential in this species since a poor state of the facilities can offer the ideal conditions for the growth of pathogens.

The length of the cycle for commercial duck production depends on the breed, market, final product required, and production system used.  

Receiving and managing ducklings

Environmental conditions must be followed strictly since ducklings cannot regulate their body temperature initially. The room temperature should be around 28°C at the moment of the reception to avoid prostration and starvation problems of ducklings. Heat lamps are used for this purpose. Space in the room should be limited to a circle around the lamps.

At brooding, the goal is to get the duck chicks to start drinking and eating as soon as possible, at least within 36 hours of hatching. This objective is essential to achieve the correct development of the digestive system and an adequate weight in the first week of life, which will be reflected in the slaughter weight and mortality of the ducks.

Tiger Animal Feeds feeding programme:

Duck Starter

Format: Crumble  

Objective: Duck Starter is specifically designed to satisfy the nutrient requirements of ducklings from day old to 4 weeks. It has the highest level of protein that the bird receives during its lifetime.  

Feeding recommendations: Feed ducklings from day old to 4 weeks of age. Feed and water should be given freely.

The beaks of ducks are adapted to feeding underwater. This method of feeding produces higher feed waste than other species, especially in young ducks. By nature, ducks do not tolerate finely milled feed because it adheres to the beak when mixed with saliva. Therefore, feed is usually provided as pellets or crumbs to avoid the impact on feed intake and to reduce feed wastage.

Duck Grower

Format: Pellet

Objective: Duck Grower has been specially designed for meat birds.

Feeding recommendations: The Grower ration should be fed to ducks from 5 weeks of age to slaughter. Feed and water should be given freely.

Duck Breeder

Format: Mash  

Objective: Duck Breeder has been specially designed for breeding or egg production.  

Feeding recommendations: Feed to ducks from the onset of egg production. Feed and water should be given freely.

For more information contact Given Hamanungu, Technical Advisor, Tiger Animal Feeds at +260-975-403-834, 260-967-933-658, or givenhams@gmail.com.