Use GAS as Duck Feed
Results of a study conducted by researchers of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit I showed that 100 duck layers could be fed with a mixture of 11.75.kg of crushed GAS mixed thoroughly with 11.75 kg of pellets.
In the absence of pellets, you can use formulated ration consisting of ground corn, rice bran, soybean oil meal, oyster shell powder, meat, bone meal and salt. Although half of the feeds could be substituted with crushed GAS, the birds were found to have better appetite when they were given a mixture of 25 percent crushed golden apple snail and 75 percent formulated ration.
The DA-1 researchers also noted that the birds produced thick-shelled eggs with the addition of crushed golden apple snail in their feeds. They emphasized, however, that good egg production performance depends greatly on proper breed selection, good laying house, care, and feed management of the flock.
To start with, the male ducks must be raised separately from the female ducks for the first six months. They can be put together in the seventh month, and the ratio should be 1 male duck to 10-12 female ducks.
Sufficient space must be provided in the laying house as a duck needs 4 square feet. The researchers recommend that a laying house for 30 ducks should measure 10 feet x 12 feet. The roof should be 9 feet high, while the fence should be one-half meter high.
Collect golden apple snails that would be enough for only two to three days of feeding to really save on commercial feeds. At the same time, avoid placing more than enough feeds in the feeding troughs to avoid spoilage.
