KELAS TERNAK

Nutrient Requirements of Ducks Ducks can be grown successfully in either of two environments—an open rearing system, in which the growing house opens to an exercise yard with water for wading or swimming, or a confinement growing system, in which ducks are raised in environmentally controlled houses with litter or combination litter and wire floors. Pelleted diets are utilized more efficiently by ducks than are diets in mash form primarily because of reduced wastage and ease of consumption (Wilson, 1973; Dean, 1986). Starter diets (0 to 2 weeks) usually are fed as pellets of 3.18 mm (1/8 inch) diameter, and grower diets (after 2 weeks) are given in 4.76-mm (3/16 inch) form (Elkin, 1987). Ducks typically are given 2 or 3 feeds during the growing period. Information presented in Table 5-1 is on the basis of a two-feed program; a diet containing 22 percent protein for the period of 0 to 2 weeks and a 16 percent protein diet for the period from 2 to 7 weeks (Dean, 1972a, 1986...