How much protein do ducks need? Ducks require around 1,300 calories each day, where protein should be 16% to 18% to fulfill their need. But the requirements definitely vary based on their size and age. When Mallard, Pekin, and Cayuga ducks need 14-16%, egg producer ducks like khaki campbell and runner ducks demand 18%. And baby ducks who need the most, around 22%!
Further discussion will provide how protein benefits the ducks and how much is ideal for them from childhood to adulthood. You’ll have it with other details. So, go a little further!
Table of Contents
Nutritional Need For Ducks: How Much Protein Do Ducks Need?
As I said, ducks generally need crude protein (Amino acid), about 16% to 18%, along with nutrients like:
- Niacin
- Vitamin
- Calcium
- Mineral.
Basically, they need protein with amino acids that fulfill their need. These amino acids are the building blocks that keep the ducks healthy. They significantly require 22 types of amino acids at least.
According to the College of Veterinary Medicine, proteins break down during ducks’ digestion into amino acids to meet their needs. However, the amount of protein must be considered.
In the case of laying duck nutritional requirements, a minimum of 15 to 16% crude protein is a must. But avoid offering marine products like walty seafood for such egg-laying poultries!
According to expert poultry owners, right after 3 weeks, offer 15 to 17% protein to your ducks to avoid leg deformities, angel wing, kidney, or liver damage problems in backyard friends. In that case, they suggest including oats to lower protein. It’s about 75% feed and 25% oats.
However, I’ll bring more details later. From now on, let’s see what essentials play a vital role related to protein in a duck’s diet.
Essentials In Protein For Ducks And Ducklings: A Complete Chart
Amino acids are something ducks actually need to fulfill their demands to have a healthy life.
| Essentials Of Protein (Crystalline Amino Acids) | Percentage |
| Lysine | 1% (Ducklings) and 0.7 to .95% (Matured ducks) |
| Methionine | 0.70% (Ducklings) and .65% (Adult ducks) |
| Arginine | 0.94 (Ducklings) and 0.50 (Adult Ducks) |
| Threonine | 0.84 (Ducklings) and 0.45 (Adult Ducks) |
Protein Requirements Chart According To Ducks’ Age
Now, you may ask what is the ideal amount of protein for my ducks. That’s why I’ve made a table with a quick overview of protein requirements for ducks.
| Ducks Age, Condition, And Type | Protein Percentage |
| 0-2 Weeks (Starter or ducklings) | 20 to 22% |
| 3 Weeks-First Egg (Growing) | 17 to 19% |
| Layer | 17.5 to 18% |
| Between Laying Seasons | 14 to 16% |
| Heritage Breed | 18 to 20% |
| Non-laying | 14 to 15% |
| Angel Wing | 14 to 15% |
Protein For Baby Ducks: How Much Protein Do Ducklings Need?
During the initial stage, riboflavin, niacin, and protein must be in the diet of ducklings. Protein, as I mentioned, 20 to 22% is crucial, at least for the first 36 hours of age. And you have to maintain it for 2 weeks.
Baby ducks need starter crumbles or feed (Unmedicated chick feed) for the ideal growth, including feather development and overall health. More specifically, 3.18 mm diameter (1/8 inch) pellets or crumbles are ideal for baby ducks. But be sure to feed 4.76 mm (3/16 inch) after two weeks.
But later on, you can gradually change the protein amount from their everyday diet. However, what to offer to fulfill their need?
- Protein (Amino Acid)
- Grains
- Greens
- Calcium
- Vitamins
- Water
- Insoluble Grits.
How Much Protein Is Required For A 2 KG Duck?
Usually, ducks’ protein requirements depend on their breed, age, and purpose of egg and meat production. However, I am making an estimated table of protein needs based on 2 kg ducks.
In general, they require at least 14 to 16% of protein each day. Generally, a duck needs 4 to 6 ounces of food daily. So, the protein amount is around 25 to 28 grams. Add commercial duck feed, insects, supplemental pellets, etc., as a protein source.
Offer a total of 120 to 170 grams of food each day. But if it’s egg-laying breeding or meat production ducks, increase the protein amount a little.
How Protein Benefits The Ducks Health? 6 Notable Advantages!
For physiological function and overall growth, protein is a rich nutrient for ducks. Let’s have some discussion about the benefits ducks generally have when ingesting protein intake.
1. Proper Growth:
Any sort of organ formation, muscle, and feather growth is ensured when ducks or ducklings have the right amount of protein.
2. Egg Production:
Your purpose can be to have meat and egg production. Here, protein plays a vital role in having the best quality eggshell and egg white that we call albumen. And, of course, egg production becomes much more satisfying when they consume adequate protein.
3. Meat Production:
According to an article by Researchgate, they’ve focused on female mule ducks and determined their protein needs for meat production and growth. For each period, 5 dietary protein levels were examined.
They found the same ME content or 12.12 MJ of ME/kg of feed. Also, the ratios between amino acids, lysine, and lysine-to-protein levels were identical. So, it is said that protein is a must-have nutrient to ensure proper meat production.
4. Feather Quality:
Ducks should have good-conditioned feathers required for waterproofing and insulation. Protein keeps the body temperature in control, and feathers remain good.
Recommended article: Why Do Ducks Lose Feathers
5. Metabolism Process:
To regulate the body function and energy level in ducks, protein ensures breakdown and nutrient utilization. Protein basically burns calories and fasts the metabolism.
When ducks, geese, chicken, turkey, or even other poultries get some protein, they become high-protein diets for humans. That’s another fact! In a nutshell, when you feed a protein-rich diet to your ducks, their metabolism process becomes enriched.
6. Better Immunity:
According to NCBI, protein-boosting heterologous immunization techniques can be applied to make vaccines against duck infection. Protein produces enzymes and antibodies that enhance ducks’ immunity.
7 High Protein Sources For Ducks
Vet specialists suggest feeding the starter feed at the beginning. But what other foods to feed later on? And what is optimal with protein for ducks?
I’ll give you a list of foods based on their age. Hope you won’t have to delay picking the right diet with rich protein for the backyard companion.
1. Commercial duck feed
It’s a rich diet for ducks and ducklings formulated with mixed grains, plant-based items, and soybean meals. From early stage to egg-laying time, commercial duck feed is perfect with rich protein.
2. Aquatic plants
A free protein source for the waterfowl from wastewater! Ducks love to consume aquatic plants as follows.
- Duckweed
- Sago Pondweed
- Wild Celery
- Watermeal
- Wild Rice
- Water Spinach.
All of them are protein supplements, especially duckweed, which is amazing for breeding ducks. Even for the poultry ducks, fresh duckweed can be given 3 times each day from morning to afternoon and evening.
Related Reading: Aquatic Plants for Ducks
3. Insects
As you know, ducks are natural foragers who love to have some food from the wild. Insects are something with high protein, or you can say a free meal for them. Mostly, they take protein from the following insects.
- Earthworms
- Mealworms
- Grubs
- Beetles
- Flies or other small insects near the wetland.
Related Reading: Insects For Ducks Diet
4. Rich Protein Seeds
If you have backyard or poultry ducks, some seeds are quite healthy with protein. Although we consider seeds as unhealthy as they contain toxic elements. However, safe protein-rich seeds are –
- Pumpkin seeds or Pepitas
- Sunflower seeds
- Safflower seeds
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds.
All of them contain protein, and adequate nutrients to fulfill ducks’ protein needs each day.
Related Reading: Different Seeds For Ducks Diet
5. Grains For Protein
Not high in protein, but can contribute to ducks’ health! You can feed the following.
- Corn
- Oats
- Barley
- Wheat.
All of them will not only offer protein but also give carbs, fibers, and other nutrients necessary for waterfowl. Remember, whole grains are much better than white grains. So, you can also offer:
- Cooked whole wheat
- Vegetable pasta
- Brown rice
- Millet
- Quinoa
- Sugar-free cereals.
According to ScienceDirect, the liquor distiller’s grains with solubles (LDGS) are rich in crude fiber and protein. So, feeding grains as supplementary treats can be a good option.
Recommended Readings:
6. Green Vegetables And Fruits
Ducks love to have some green vegetables and fruits as a healthy treat. So, why not offer some to them to fulfill their protein needs? Bring some veggies or fruits to nourish their overall health. But what to offer?
Vegetables:
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Peas
- Bell Peppers.
Fruits:
- Berries
- Apples (Seedless)
- Papaya
- Grapes
- Bananas.
Related Readings:
7. Other Protein Sources
Except for all the foods I included, Brazil nuts, fish, eggs, shellfish, crustaceans, meat, and even snails have calcium and proteins. When in nature, wild ducks look for protein from invertebrates as well.
It’s especially in the case of dabbling or diving ducks. They take such creatures from water to have protein during demanding periods like molting or egg-laying time.
Read Protein-Rich Diet Articles:
FAQs
Further questions are included based on the frequently asked questions many duck owners ask. I hope it’ll help you with more knowledge about ducks’ protein requirements.
Q. Is 20% protein too much for ducks?
20% protein is more than enough for ducks. However, in the case of ducklings, they actually require 20% protein just after hatching for 36 hours.
Q. How can I calculate the protein requirement for ducks at home?
First, understand protein intake in any specific food. Then, search for your duck’s daily protein needs. Any vet or poultry nutritionist can help you to meet the duck’s protein needs.
Wrapping Up
So, it’s 16% to 18% for the adult ducks just after two weeks, and for the ducklings, keep the protein amount high, around 20 to 22%. But it doesn’t mean they need protein only. Rather, ensure they’re having niacin, vitamins, calcium, and minerals as well.
Also, special consideration must be acceptable when it comes to baby ducks and their growth. As I said, more protein for them. In general, feed them rich protein diets such as commercial duck feed, plants, insects, seeds, grains, veggies, or fruits. They won’t mind having some protein while foraging.
Sources And References:
- https://eorganic.org/node/7894
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270080620_Protein_requirements_for_growth_feed_efficiency_and_meat_production_in_growing_mule_ducks
- https://www.animbiosci.org/upload/pdf/15_135.pdf
- https://nexusacademicpublishers.com/uploads/files/AAVS_8_6_661-667.pdf
