Effects of different gradient drinking water on growth performance and breeding economic benefit of Changbai flying commercial meat ducks

Xu Liang; Zhang Fujun

Abstract：The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of different gradient drinking water on the growth performance of commercial meat ducks.In the experiment,3 414 seven-week-old healthy Changbai flying ducks were selected,their daily drinking water was reduced from 6 t of continuous drinking water per day to 3 t of drinking water per day,and the drinking mode was changed from 24 h of continuous drinking water to 3 or 4 times of intermittent drinking water per day,with three replicates and 1 138 ducks per replicate.At the same time,3 359 healthy commercial meat ducks in the same batch were selected as normal drinking water as the control group,with three replicates and 1 120,1 120 and 1119 ducks per replicate.Other operations were the same in each group.The experiment lasted for 20 days.The results showed that different gradient water intake had no significant effect on the weight gain of commercial broads of Changbai flying ducks.The body weight of broads at 10 weeks of age in the experimental group was 3.97 kg and that of broads in the control group was 3.94 kg.The ducks in the experimental group exhibited normal feeding and drinking behavior,without signs of stress,water grabbing,or flock disturbance.The ducks were in good mental condition,showing no signs of dehydration or fatigue.The feed intake of the duck only decreased slightly in the initial stages of water restriction,gradually stabilizing in the later period.The study indicates that when the ratio of feed intake to drinking water is 1∶4,there is a waste of water,and when the ratio is 1∶2,the feed intake of ducks decreased significantly,so the ratio between 1∶2 to 1∶3 is more reasonable.