Estimation of grain wasted by field-feeding ducks in Saskatchewan

Two experiments were conducted in swathed grain crops to examine the relationships among the amounts of grain eaten and wasted (shattered) by field-feeding ducks and the heaviness of the swath. The ratio of the amount of grain wasted to grain eaten (W:E) was calculated for different levels of grain eaten. In the 1st experiment the W:E of 6-row barley decreased as the amount of barley eaten increased. The highest values of the W:E were observed during initial feedings when the amount of grain eaten was ≤25%. The 2nd experiment, involving both barley and wheat crops and based on very different methods, confirmed the general findings of the 1st. However, values of the W:E at low levels (≤25%) of grain eaten were not as great. Swath heaviness influenced shattering losses such that heavy swaths held more shattered kernels than did light swaths. A W:E of 2:1 likely represents the maximum loss resulting from ducks feeding on swathed grain.