Regardless of whether feed is purchased or mixed on the farm, it must be stored away from rodents and insects in a clean, dry place to prevent contamination and mold growth. A pair of rats can eat or contaminate over 100 lbs of feed in a year. Use the feed within 3 weeks of the manufacture data and sooner during hot, humid weather to prevent loss of vitamins and mold formation. Stale or bad-smelling feed is evidence of spoilage and possible mold contamination. Never feed moldy fed because some molds produce toxins which could cause serious health problems or poor growth.
Ducks are extremely sensitive to mold toxins.
For example, ducks are sensitive to as little as 30 of ppb aflatoxin. The quality of feed ingredients is also very important. Do not use grains that are contaminated with molds, weed seeds, or dirt. Feed Form High quality pelleted feed is important to maximize the growth rate and feed efficiency of ducks. Performance will decrease as the amount of fines in a pelleted feed increases.