Niacin?

[Stacyoung13]

I keep reading in the chicken threads about giving niacin to ducks. What is it and what exactly is it for? I have 2 ducks, white pekin and Black Swedish about 6 months old. I have never given them niacin, am I hurting them by not giving it to them? These are the first ducks I’ve had. They eat the chicken feed, 20% protein, they get veggies, (when they will eat it), mealworms, scratch, and whatever they find in the ground. Thanks for any and all info.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

If they are not developing leg problems they should be fine, most ducks grow up fine without niacin

 

[R2elk]

I keep reading in the chicken threads about giving niacin to ducks. What is it and what exactly is it for? I have 2 ducks, white pekin and Black Swedish about 6 months old. I have never given them niacin, am I hurting them by not giving it to them? These are the first ducks I’ve had. They eat the chicken feed, 20% protein, they get veggies, (when they will eat it), mealworms, scratch, and whatever they find in the ground. Thanks for any and all info.

Niacin is vitamin B3.

This was written about niacin and turkeys but I see no reason that it does not also apply to ducks and geese.

"Niacin

What role does Niacin play in good turkey health?

Niacin is integral in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids.

What are some common signs that niacin is deficient?

Niacin deficiency causes loss of appetite, decreased growth (including reduced feather growth), general weakness and diarrhea. More severe symptoms of deficiency include a severe bowing of the legs, enlargement of the hock joint (perosis) and impaired neural function."

 

[BullChick]

In nature, where ducks are wild and not fed by humans, there are sources of niacin. Our ducks don’t have that.

 

[Stacyoung13]

Be patient with me, I’m still learning. I assume that I can get niacin at the feed store. Is it something I put in food or water? Can I give them human vitamin B3? Or is duck version different? How early should you start a duckling on it? (Thinking of getting another baby). Thanks

 

[007Sean]

Human Vitamin B3 is ok to use. You can put it in their water or feed.
I would check the label on the feed your feeding, see what % of Niacin is already in the feed and go from there...as with anything it's possible to overdose but usually Vitamin B3 if not needed by the body it will be excreted, it would take a heck of a lot of it to overdose.

 

[casportpony]

If you buy a feed formulated for ducklings you usually don't have to add niacin because it has been added to the feed already. Duckling feed should contain no less than 55 ppm niacin, which is 55 mg niacin per 2.2 pounds of feed. On rare occasions, some ducks, like some pekins, might need as much a 70 ppm though.

This link might explain it better that I did.
http://metzerfarms.blogspot.com/2011/03/are-my-ducklings-leg-problems-due-to.html

 

[casportpony]

Mazuri duckling starter has 83 ppm niacin in it. Anyone that feeds this should never have to add niacin.



Purina Flock Raiser has 55 ppm niacin. This will be sufficient for most ducks.

 

[Cayuga momma]

Your ducks can be perfectly happy and healthy without it, but most like to give them niacin from day one until they are grown.
Here is all the info I have:

Sometimes Pekins and larger ducks need more since they are heavier.

Common Niacin supplements
(Not all supplements will have the same as the ones in the pic)
Brewers yeast
2 tblsp = 10mg (50%)

Nutritional yeast
2 tblsp = 56mg (280%)

Vitamin B complex
Niacin
1 ml = 20mg

Liquid vitamin B complex supplement
Niacinamide*
1 ml = 100mg

Depending on how much is in your feed will depend on how much you will need to give everyday.

*"Niacinamide vs Niacin:
Niacinamide (aka nicotinamide or nicotinic acid amide) is derived from niacin. The body has the ability to convert niacin to niacinamide. However, there are some critical differences between these two vitamin B3 components. Niacinamide can also be made by our body from an amino acid known as tryptophan.

Although the two are used interchangeably, they have different properties. Their physical effects on the body also differ, and people who are sensitive to their effects may prefer to use one over the other."

https://martinswellness.com/wellness-connection/niacin-vs-niacinamide.html

"No-flush niacin lives up to the no-flush part of its name because it isn't providing the body with any niacin.

I also recommend staying away from extended-release niacin. Instead of delivering a big bolus of niacin, it generates a lower, steady dose of the medication for hours. Although this eases flushing, it keeps blood levels of niacin high all day. The liver never gets a break from processing niacin, which has led to cases of severe liver damage."

https://www.health.harvard.edu/news...-niacin-as-effective-as-other-kinds-of-niacin


Dumor brand chicken feeds have the minimum requirement of 55mg. Someone else posted that Purina brands do too.
Purina flock raiser does too.

Making sure that your feed bags manufacture date isn't more than 3 months old is also important, since the older the bag the less the vitamins and nutrients will be what they say they are on the bag.

 

[007Sean]

Mazuri duckling starter has gone of niacin in it. Anyone that feeds this should never have to add niacin.

Purina Flock Raiser has 55 ppm niacin. This will be sufficient for most ducks.

Yeah, if I was still raising ducks, Mazuri would be all that I would feed. The only problem is finding it, most feed stores here don't carry it, you have to order it.