Feeding Management Broiler
Feeding Management Broiler
Feeding Management Broiler
Feed Formulation
In the previous chapters we have discussed about the feed stuff suitable for poultry,
nutrient requirements of poultry and methods of estimation of nutrient requirements. The second
step of feeding management is how to fulfil these nutrient requirements through the available
feed ingredients and computes the ration of optimum nutrient density so that it can satisfy bird’s
daily nutrient needs.
Feed formulation is a process by which different feed ingredients are combined in a
proportion necessary to provide proper amount of nutrients needed at a particular stage of
production. For feed formulation the knowledge of nutrient composition of feed stuffs is very
essential along with the knowledge of nutrient requirement. The formulated feed should be
palatable and should not cause any serious digestive disturbance or toxic effects to the birds.
There are some factor that should be considered in feed formulation for optimum
efficiency and better output from birds.
Acceptability: The feed formulated should be made of fresh, good quality ingredients.
Digestibility: The nutrients in the feed should be digestible and released into the
gastrointestinal tract to be absorbed by the birds. Feed with high fibre content can not be
utilized efficiently by poultry.
Cost: The requirement of the birds can be met through several combinations of feed
ingredients. However, when the costs of these ingredients are considered, there can only
be least-cost formulation. The least-cost feed should ensure that the requirements of the
birds are met and the desired objectives are achieved.
Avoiding anti-nutritional factors and toxins: The presence of anti-nutritional factors
and mycotoxins in the feed ingredients affects the digestion and utilization of some
nutrients and not only makes them unavailable to the birds but also produces several
conditions and diseases. The inclusion of these feed ingredients should, therefore, be
limited in the formulation.
Other factors: other factors that should be considered are texture, moisture and the
processing of feeds need to be considered.
Step I:
Minor ingredients are fixed at slack space (4.125 kg) may be left to include them later
(Table 1). Trace minerals, vitamins, feed additives can be fixed because the contribution of
major feed ingredients for these nutrients is little. Slack space may be left for addition of salt,
calcium and phosphorus sources, supplemental amino acid to balance the diet.
Ingredients in slack space
Step II:
Vegetable protein sources and energy sources are added to provide the required amount
of protein and energy. Till now 4. 125 kg of ingredients were added. Remaining 95. 875 kg of
ingredients are to be added to get 22.0% protein because slack space will not provide any
protein.
Soybean meal as vegetable protein sources and maize as energy sources are considered. The
required protein level can be calculated by Pearson’s square formula.
Table – Final ration for broiler starter
A
Average growth rate and feed requirements for broiler chicken (2014):
The normal intake of feed: water is 1:2 but this ratio rises to nearly 1:4 or even more when
temperature exceeds 350C. Birds need more water at higher temperatures. It is always
recommended to provide birds with cool water. So, plenty of clean and cool water must be
ensured during the summer months. Lowering the water temperature helps to keep the birds cool.
Ensure that the water is clean and of optimum quality. Waterers must be protected from sunlight
to prevent heating of water. Waterers must be provided in adequate number on deep litter system
along with fresh supply of clean water at regular intervals which may be minimum four times a
day. Cool water must be provided to the newly arrived chicks. This helps to avoid dehydration
and stress. Addition of dextrose and electrolytes may help to maintain the ionic balance of the
body in extreme summer heat. Because the electrolyte balance in birds is altered during heat
stress due to panting. Panting increases carbon dioxide loss in the bird, which reduces the bird’s
ideal water intake. By adding electrolytes to the feed or water, birds increase their water intake,
which aids in keeping a constant body temperature and maintains an effective system of
evaporative cooling. Potassium chloride and ammonium chloride @ 2-3kg/ ton of feed is
beneficial in reducing mortality in birds. These replace electrolytes which can correct the acid
base imbalance during hotter days and encourage consumption of water. Molasses or jaggery
may be added to water in hot days. The concentration of medicines in drinking water should be
reduced in summer months as the water consumption of the birds is very high. There was
beneficial effect to use water having sodium bicarbonate (1000 mg/liter) for boiler rearing during
summer season. It increases water intake and improves survivability and performance of broilers.
The high environmental temperature causes excessive loss of CO2 due to hyper ventilation and
respiratory alkalosis develops. So, concentration of HCO3 in the blood decreased and blood pH
is increased. Thin shelled or shell less egg is the result of this condition. Supplementation with
sodium- bi- carbonate in feed @ 4 kg/ton or in drinking water will be helpful in this condition.