Why does a duck need apples?
A properly formulated diet is the key to successful duck rearing. A balanced diet not only accelerates weight gain in young ducks but also positively impacts egg production. Apples are one of the few fruits approved for feeding to ducks. They contain a large amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all beneficial for poultry.
Benefits of apples for ducks
Apples added to a duck's diet have a positive effect on the bird's body:
- stimulate digestive processes;
- gently remove toxins and other harmful substances, including heavy metals;
- contribute to strengthening bones and the formation of a hard shell;
- saturate tissue cells with oxygen.
The fiber contained in apples normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and accelerates the digestion of animal proteins.
Preparing fruits before feeding
All apple varieties, regardless of skin color, are suitable for ducks. However, only ripe, fresh fruit should be fed to ducks. It's important to remember that unripe, rotten, or frozen apples will cause serious harm to the bird's digestive system. Before feeding, apples should be washed, dried, and chopped using a grater, knife, or food processor. Next, add the small pieces of fruit to the feed mixture (wet or semi-dry).
Apples should be chopped immediately before preparing the mash, as chopped apples lose their nutritional value within 3-4 hours. Fruits grown on your own plot and not exposed to pesticides should not be peeled due to their rich skin, which contains many beneficial substances, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Since heat treatment destroys most of the ascorbic acid, it is recommended to add fresh apples to the feed. Cooked apples, on the other hand, are beneficial for individuals with digestive problems.
Recommended dosage
Each duck's daily diet should not exceed 70 g of apples. The ideal solution would be to combine these fruits with vegetables, such as carrots.
Apples are a healthy fruit with a unique chemical composition. Regularly including them in a duck's diet will ensure healthy plumage, activity, and vitality.
