Welcome to our blog where we are going to discuss how to feed broilers for fast growth. Broilers are chicken breeds that are reared specifically for meat production. To obtain quality meat, some factors need to be put into consideration like genetics, feed, management and environmental factors. In this article, we will be focusing on how to feed broilers for fast growth.
What are Broilers?
Broilers are chickens that are bred specifically for meat production. A broiler takes about 6-8 weeks to attain market weight due to their genetics which favor fast growth rate and high feed conversion efficiency. They require proper feeding and management practices to achieve optimum growth rate that leads to profitable meat production.
Feeding Broilers for Optimum Growth
To maximize the growth of your broilers, a balanced diet that contains all essential nutrients is needed. Essential nutrients required for growth include protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins. Feed should also be given in the right quantity and quality to avoid issues like underfeeding or overfeeding which can affect the growth rate of the broiler. The following are some feeding requirements for broiler chickens:
1. Protein
Protein is vital for growth in broilers, and it needs to be supplied in adequate amounts. A diet containing 20-23% of protein is recommended for broilers. Sources of protein in broiler feeds include soybean meal, fishmeal, and animal protein meals.
2. Energy
Energy is required for body activities and also for growth in broilers. A diet containing 3000-3200 kcal/kg metabolizable energy is recommended for broilers. Energy sources in broiler feeds include maize, wheat, sorghum, and other cereal grains.
3. Minerals
Minerals are essential for growth in broilers, and they need to be supplied in adequate amounts. The most important minerals required by broilers include calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. Deficiency of these minerals can cause skeletal deformities, poor eggshell quality, and weak immune system. The sources of minerals in broiler feeds include limestone, dicalcium phosphate, salt, and trace mineral premixes.
4. Vitamins
Vitamins are required in minimal quantities for growth and metabolic functions. The most important vitamins required by broilers include Vitamin A, D3, E, B1, B2, B6, and B12. A deficiency in any of these vitamins can lead to poor growth, poor feathering, and poor egg production in broilers. Sources of vitamins in broiler feeds include premixes and yeast.
Feeding Program for Broilers
The feeding program for broilers depends on their age and growth stage. The feeding program for broilers can be split into three stages:
- Starter Feed: This feed is given to broilers from 0-10 days. It contains high proteins and is usually in the form of mash, pellets or crumbles. This feed helps to build muscular and skeletal development in the broilers.
- Grower Feed: This feed is given to broilers from 11-28 days. It contains a balance of proteins and other nutrients required for growth. This feed helps to maintain the broiler's body metabolism as they transition into a higher weight.
- Finisher Feed: This feed is given to broilers from 29-42 days. It contains high-energy ingredients like maize and other cereal grains that help to build up a broiler's fat reserves. This feed increases the weight and yield of the broilers during processing.
Conclusion
Feeding broilers for fast growth requires proper feeding and management practices. The right combination of nutrients supplied in the right quantity is essential for optimal growth rate which leads to a profitable meat production. Proper feeding program should be followed to ensure that broilers receive the right proportion of nutrients they need at each stage of their growth. We hope this article has provided you with some valuable insights on how to feed broilers for fast growth.
