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Captive ducks need calcium
Ducks that are grazing typically do not experience calcium deficiency, as they naturally obtain necessary nutrients from their environment. However, captive laying ducks rely entirely on commercial feeds to meet their nutritional needs. In addition to meeting protein and energy requirements, it's crucial to ensure proper calcium intake in order to maintain a high egg production rate and improve egg quality.
1. **Selecting a High-Quality Calcium Source**
Calcium sources for ducks can include limestone, shells, and bone meal. Limestone and shell powder are commonly used due to their affordability, but the ratio must be carefully balanced. Overuse of limestone may reduce appetite and impair calcium absorption. A recommended mix is 2 parts limestone to 3 parts shell powder, with an additional 1% bone meal to achieve the best eggshell smoothness and strength.
2. **Timing of Calcium Supplementation**
Calcium supplementation should begin at around 15 weeks of age. This is when ducks start developing reproductive systems, and even non-laying females begin storing calcium in their bones in preparation for future egg production. Starting too early or too late may not meet physiological needs effectively. The initial calcium level should be around 2.5%, and it should gradually increase as the ducks mature into the laying phase.
3. **Appropriate Calcium Levels During Egg Production**
A normal duck eggshell contains about 2.92–3.02 grams of calcium, but only 50–70% of this is retained in the body, with a utilization rate of approximately 65%. Therefore, producing one egg requires about 4.8–5.12 grams of calcium. Ensuring adequate calcium in the diet helps reduce egg breakage and improves overall productivity.
If calcium levels are insufficient, soft-shelled or shell-less eggs may appear, and feed consumption may increase, leading to fat accumulation in the liver and muscles, which negatively affects egg production. On the other hand, excessive calcium can reduce appetite and significantly lower egg output.
Practical guidelines suggest:
- When the egg production rate is below 65%, calcium should be around 2.5%.
- For a production rate between 65% and 85%, calcium should be increased to 3%.
- When the rate exceeds 80%, the calcium content should be between 3.21% and 3.5%.
By carefully managing calcium intake, duck farmers can optimize both the health of their birds and the quality of their eggs.