Increasing the productivity of laying ducks through optimizing healthy farming techniques based on appropriate feed management

Improving the productivity of laying ducks largely depends on proper feed management, as feed costs account for approximately 60–70% of total production expenses. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a targeted educational program in improving farmers’ knowledge of laying duck feed management in Palembon Village, Bojonegoro Regency, Indonesia. The program was conducted on January 26–27, 2026, involving 40 participants using a one-group pre-test and post-test design without a control group. The evaluation instrument assessed understanding of feed types and formulation, nutritional requirements according to growth phase, feeding frequency, drinking water management, and the utilization of local feed ingredients. The results showed a significant increase in knowledge, with the total score rising from 108 (54%) in the pre-test to 156 (78%) in the post-test, reflecting a 24% improvement. The mean individual score increased from 2.7 to 3.9 on a 0–5 scale. Considering that most participants had a basic educational background and were engaged in small-scale agriculture, the educational intervention proved effective in strengthening practical nutritional literacy tailored to the physiological needs of laying ducks. By enhancing productivity and improving feed efficiency among small-scale farmers, this program directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger, particularly Target 2.3, which aims to increase agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. Strengthening feed management capacity at the village level therefore supports sustainable livestock production and rural economic resilience.