Blagovarian ducks are considered one of the most productive breeds. They are characterized by excellent dietary meat and excellent egg production parameters. Another advantage of the breed is the high survival rate of young animals. In order for birds to develop normally and not get sick, they need to be provided with complete and high-quality care. A balanced diet is also important.
Origin of the bird
This breed was bred in Bashkortostan. It owes its name to the place of its creation - the Blagovarsky State Poultry Farm.This is a popular breed that is widespread throughout the world.
This cross is characterized by high productivity parameters. Birds of this breed were bred back in 1998. Since that time, breeders have managed to significantly improve birds. Today, the falcon produces tasty meat and has excellent egg production parameters.
Description and characteristics of the Blagovarian breed
Many people confuse this breed with the Bavarian. However, these are completely different species of birds. Representatives of the Blagovarian breed belong to the meat category. Males are large in size. They are characterized by a wide, almost horizontal, elongated body and a developed chest. The top of the body is covered with white feathers. At the same time, the paws and beak have an orange tint.
Unlike ducks, drakes have a beard. In this case, on the neck there is a crest consisting of long feathers. The tip of the tail has a rounded shape. In addition, males weigh more than females. Ducks have feathers that are less brightly colored than males. In this case, the gap from the beak to the forehead is trapezoidal in shape.
In males, under the cloaca there is a fold approximately 4 millimeters in size. Moreover, females have only a flat, spherical growth in this zone. At 7 weeks, the weight of ducks is about 3.4 kilograms, and drakes - 3.7. At 2 months the weight of the male reaches 5 kilograms. At this time they are sent to slaughter. A characteristic feature of birds of this breed is considered to be high productivity.Egg fertilization rates are 97%, hatchability reaches 84%, and egg production is at the level of 250 eggs per year.
If we consider behavioral characteristics, birds are distinguished by a balanced and calm character, which helps them get along well in large groups.
Main pros and cons
Blagovarian ducks are considered popular.
Subtleties of maintenance and care
First of all, birds need a poultry house. In order for them to develop normally and not get sick, it is recommended to provide adequate ventilation and heating in the room. This will help protect the birds from winter frosts.
It is strictly forbidden to expose birds to drafts. Otherwise, there is a high risk of weakening the immune system. This significantly increases the risk of developing diseases. To ensure the flow of daylight into the room, it is required to provide windows. Nests should be placed in dark corners. Their size should be approximately 50 centimeters. One nest can be used by up to 5 females. Moreover, their total number depends on the size of the flock.
It is important to provide birds with full access to drinkers and feeders. They should be placed in a well-lit place. It is recommended to make bowls with sides. This will help prevent food from being thrown around and contaminating the house. If birds are kept on floors, it is worth making bedding. It may consist of sawdust, straw or shavings. This layer helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the house dry.
In order for birds to develop normally, they need a place to roam. There must be at least 1 square meter of area per 1 duck. You should definitely place drinking bowls with clean water on the walking area. It is important to create canopies to provide shelter from the sun or rain. It is advisable to provide a pond on the territory. This helps save on feed.
What to feed?
Root vegetables, vegetables, and herbs should be included in the daily diet of birds. At the same time, it is not necessary to reduce the volume of special feed, since this will negatively affect the parameters of egg production and deteriorate the quality of meat. In the poultry house it is worth placing a container filled with shells or gravel. Birds also need salt and bone meal.
When feeding adult ducks, you should focus on the following principles:
- It is recommended to include roughage as the basis of the diet. The menu should include grains - wheat, barley, oats or corn. It is also recommended to give ducks cake and bran.
- From 1 month it is worth using wet fagots. It is recommended to cook them in broths. Violation of this rule provokes digestive problems and increases the risk of developing intestinal obstruction.
- Include in the diet a complete food that contains many vitamins and microelements.These substances are required to prevent vitamin deficiency, strengthen bones, and improve immunity.
- Include fresh herbs, juicy root vegetables, fruits and vegetables in the menu. As an alternative to mixed feed, it is permissible to use a composition based on cereals and herbs.
Subtleties of breeding
For breeding, it is recommended to choose the right laying hen. It is important that the female is highly active. In addition, she should not be overweight. Another important feature is the light beak. The quality of eggs is affected by the age of the female. The best eggs are produced by a one-year-old duck. Fertilization parameters are affected by the ratio of females to males. In this case, the development period is 28 days. It is recommended to place the eggs in an incubator.
Diseases and treatment
Ducklings are more susceptible to pathologies than adult ducks. Diseases can be infectious or non-infectious. The first category is considered more dangerous because it greatly reduces the population. The most common diseases include:
- Coccidiosis - spread through food or rodents. For prevention, it is worth giving ducks “Coccidin” or potassium permanganate.
- Aspergillosis is of fungal origin. Nystatin should be used for treatment.
The Blagovarskaya breed of ducks is highly productive, which is why many farmers choose it. To raise birds productively, they require high-quality care.
