How to make pellet feed that ducks like to eat

In modern animal husbandry, the choice of feed directly affects the health and growth rate of animals. For ducks, choosing the right feed can not only enhance their appetite but also promote growth and improve feed conversion rate, thereby bringing higher benefits to farmers. As a professional provider of feed solutions, Kebang is committed to offering you the most suitable pellet feed production solutions for duck growth. In this article, we will delve into how to make pellet feed that ducks like, ensuring the healthy growth of the duck flock and maximizing the benefits of breeding

In modern waterfowl farming, pellet feed has gradually replaced the traditional bulk feeding method and has become an important means to improve production efficiency and breeding benefits. A reasonable formula and scientific pelletizing process can not only make ducks more willing to eat, but also significantly improve the digestibility, reduce feed waste, and ensure the stable growth of the duck flock. This article will systematically introduce why duck pellet feed is needed, the nutritional requirements of ducks at different stages, common formula examples, and how to produce high-quality pellet feed using the Kebang duck feed pellet machine.

Why make duck pellet Feed?

Improve feed utilization rate

Traditional powdered feed has uneven particles and is prone to moisture absorption and caking, which is not conducive to ducks’ feeding and digestion. After extrusion and cooking, the starch in pellet feed is partially gelatinized, which can increase the nutrient absorption rate by 10% to 15%.

Reduce feed waste

Pellet feed has a high density and is resistant to pecking. Unlike bulk feed, it will not be blown away or fall into water, which can reduce waste by about 5% to 8%.

Uniform nutrition and easy to control the daily diet

Each grain of feed contains complete nutrients, which is conducive to precise feeding and is especially suitable for large-scale and standardized farms.

Improve the environment of the duck house

Pellet feed generates less dust, reducing the incidence of respiratory problems and helping to maintain air quality in duck houses.

Enhance commercial value

Foreign trade customers and large-scale farmers prefer pellet feed because it is convenient for packaging, transportation and long-term storage.

Nutritional Requirements of Ducks at Different Stages

The nutritional requirements of ducks change significantly with their growth stages. The following are the commonly adopted reference values in the industry (which can be found in FAO and common waterfowl nutrition textbooks) :

Duckling stage (0-2 weeks)

Crude protein (CP) : 20% – 22%

Metabolic energy (ME) : 11.8-12.3 MJ/kg

Calcium: 0.8%

Total phosphorus: 0.6%

Characteristics: Rapid growth, requires a high-protein and high-energy diet, and the particles should be small with a diameter of 2-3mm.

Middle duck stage (3 to 6 weeks

Crude protein: 17% – 19%

Metabolic energy: 11.5-12 MJ/kg

Calcium: 0.7%

Total phosphorus: 0.55%
Features: Fast weight gain, accelerated bone growth, increased energy demand, particle diameter 3-4mm.

Fattening period (after 7 weeks)

Crude protein: 15% – 16%

Metabolic energy: 12-12.5 MJ/kg

Calcium: 0.6%

Total phosphorus: 0.5%

Characteristics: Mainly aimed at improving meat quality and body weight, with a moderate reduction in protein and a slight increase in energy.

Laying duck Stage (Laying period)

Crude protein: 17% – 18%

Metabolic energy: 11.2-11.8 MJ/kg

Calcium: 3.0% – 3.5%

Total phosphorus: 0.6% – 0.7%

Characteristics: High calcium demand, used to maintain egg production and eggshell quality.

Common Duck Feed Pellet Formula Reference (Adjustable by Stage)

The following formula is a common dietary structure in the industry and can be flexibly adjusted according to the supply of raw materials.

Duckling pellet feed formula (0-2 weeks)

Formula for Chinese duck pellet feed

Formula for fattening duck pellet feed

Pellet feed formula for laying ducks

All formulas can meet the typical nutritional needs at each stage. Feed enterprises can further optimize the ratio of energy to protein based on local raw material costs.

How to use the Kebang Duck Feed pellet Machine to produce high-quality pellet feed

Kebang feed pellet machines are renowned for their high-pressure extrusion, automatic temperature control and high output, and are suitable for the production of feed for poultry, waterfowl and aquatic products. When making pellet feed, the following process can be referred to:

Step 1: Crushing and screening of raw materials

Grind raw materials such as corn, soybean meal and bran to 1-3 mm.

Use a screen to filter out impurities to ensure smooth feeding of the granulator.

Key point: The feed for ducklings needs to be ground more finely to ensure the degree of shaping during pressing.

Step 2: Mix properly and add water to adjust the humidity

Weigh each raw material according to the formula.

Use a mixer to stir for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure uniform nutrition.

Add 1% to 3% water by spraying to make the moisture content of the material reach 15% to 17%.

The appropriate moisture content helps the Kebang pellet machine improve the pressing efficiency and the hardness of the pellets.

Step 3: Granulation is carried out using the Kebang granulator

Start the preheating system of the Kebang pellet machine to make the press rollers and molds reach the appropriate temperature.

Feed the materials evenly to ensure they are fully extruded and formed.

Select different die hole specifications (2-4mm) according to the age of the ducks.

Advantages

The built-in pressure stabilizing system of the equipment can make the particle density uniform.

The mold is wear-resistant and suitable for long-term continuous production.

The starch is gelatinized through steam conditioning to improve the feed conversion rate.

Step 4: Cooling and sieving

The particles need to be cooled immediately for 3 to 5 minutes after being extruded from the discharge port.

Remove the powder and substandard particles to make the finished product more uniform.

Key point: Adequate cooling can prevent the particles from becoming damp again, thereby extending the storage period.

Step 5: Packaging and Storage

Fill with an automatic weighing and packaging machine.

Store in a cool and dry place, with moisture content controlled within 12% to 12.5%.

Five Tips to Make Ducks More fond of pellet Feed

Appropriate addition of oil: It can improve palatability and make the surface of the particles smoother.

The use of natural appetites, such as yeast cultures and fish dissolving powder, can increase feed intake.

Ensure that the hardness of the particles is moderate: too hard will affect pecking, while too soft will cause them to break easily. The general hardness is controlled at 55 to 65 N.

Maintain uniform particle size: The correct selection of the pellet machine mold can reduce the breakage rate.

Conclusion: High-quality pellet feed cannot do without scientific formulas and reliable equipment

To produce pellet feed that ducks love to eat, is nutritionally balanced and easy to digest, it is necessary to follow scientific nutritional standards and complete the pelletizing process in combination with high-performance equipment. The Kebang duck feed pellet machine, with its advantages of stable production capacity, durable molds, and high pellet formation rate, can help foreign trade customers and large-scale breeding farms easily build a standardized feed production system, enhance feed competitiveness, and promote a steady increase in breeding profits.

For more information about the models, output and complete feed line configuration of Kebang pellet machines, please feel free to contact us at any time.