Spring ducklings should be supplemented with vitamin A
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Due to improper feeding practices, such as feeding only spring-fed ducklings without sufficient green feed, incorrect processing and storage of feed, and the loss of vitamin A caused by oxidation and rancidity, ducklings under 50 days old are highly susceptible to vitamin A deficiency. Affected ducks show signs of weakness, fatigue, and weight loss. Their feathers become dull and disheveled, and they may have a runny nose with thick mucus. Breathing becomes difficult, and they may lose mobility, showing uncoordinated movements, muscle spasms, and eventually paralysis of the soft palate. The palate turns pale yellow, and their growth is significantly slowed or even halted. In severe cases, the eyes sink in, leading to blindness and, in the worst cases, death.
To prevent this condition, it's essential to provide high-quality compound feeds that meet the nutritional needs of spring ducks. Supplementing their diet with vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, spinach, pumpkins, fresh green feed, and cod liver oil can help. It's also important to handle and store feed properly to prevent oxidation, which can degrade vitamin A levels. For treatment, each affected duck can be given 0.2–0.5 ml of cod liver oil three times daily. Alternatively, 1000–1500 international units of vitamin A can be added per kilogram of feed. For individual ducklings, an intramuscular injection of 0.5 ml of cod liver oil is effective. Adult females should receive 1–1.5 ml of cod liver oil daily for three days, which has shown better recovery results. Ensuring proper nutrition and timely treatment is key to maintaining the health and productivity of the flock.