How to Make Poultry Feed for Broiler

Raising broiler chickens is not only a fun hobby but also a profitable business. However, to ensure that your broilers grow healthy and reach their full potential, you need to provide them with a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Commercial poultry feed is readily available, but making your own poultry feed can save you money and give you more control over the quality of the feed.

In this article, i will tell you how to make poultry feed for broilers, including the nutritional requirements, ingredients, formulation, and steps to make the feed.(Read More: Poultry Feed Making Machine Price)

Nutritional Requirements for Broiler Feed

Broilers have different nutritional requirements depending on their age and growth stage. For example, broiler starter feed should have a higher protein content than broiler finisher feed. Here are some general nutritional requirements for broilers:

• Proteins: 18-22% for starter feed, 16-18% for grower feed, and 14-16% for finisher feed.
• Carbohydrates: 40-60% for all types of feed.
• Fats: 3-5% for starter feed, 4-6% for grower feed, and 6-8% for finisher feed.
• Vitamins and minerals: a complete and balanced mix of essential vitamins and minerals.

What is the poultry feed formulation for broiler?

The below table lists the ingredients and their respective weights for formulating broiler starter, grower, and finisher feeds. The feed formulations are based on the typical nutritional requirements of broilers at different growth stages. Note that the ingredient ratios may vary depending on the specific nutritional needs of your broilers and the availability and cost of the ingredients in your area.

Assuming that the total weight of the feed mixture is 772 kg, 933 kg, and 985 kg for broiler starter, grower, and finisher feeds, respectively, you can use this information to determine the amount of feed you can produce based on your production goals and flock size. For example, if you have a flock of 500 broilers and want to feed them broiler starter feed for two weeks, you would need approximately 154 kg (500 x 0.308 kg/bird) of broiler starter feed. Using the above formulation, you can calculate the required amount of each ingredient and mix them accordingly to produce the desired amount of feed.

Steps to Make Poultry Feed for Broilers

Ingredient Selection:

The first step in making poultry feed for broilers is to select high-quality ingredients that meet the nutritional requirements of broilers. This involves considering factors such as availability, cost, and seasonal variation. It is also important to inspect ingredients for quality and cleanliness before use.

Material Grinding:

The next step is to grind the raw materials to a consistent particle size to improve digestibility and nutrient absorption. A hammer mill or roller mill can be used to achieve the desired particle size. It is important to avoid over-grinding, which can reduce nutrient availability and increase dust production.

Material Mixing:

After grinding the raw materials, they need to be mixed in the correct proportions to ensure that the final feed meets the nutritional requirements of broilers. A horizontal or vertical mixer can be used to achieve a uniform distribution of ingredients. It is important to mix the ingredients for at least 5-10 minutes to ensure proper blending.

Pelletizing:

The mixed feed is then pelletized using a pellet mill to improve feed quality and handling. The appropriate die size should be chosen to achieve the desired pellet size. Temperature and moisture content must be controlled during pelletization to ensure optimal pellet quality.

Feed Storage:

The finished feed should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to prevent spoilage. Appropriate containers should be used to prevent contamination and maintain feed quality. Feed bags should be labeled with important information, such as the date of production, ingredient list, and nutritional content.

Feed Testing and Quality Control:

It is important to regularly test the feed for nutrient content and quality. Feed intake and broiler performance should be monitored to ensure that the feed meets the nutritional requirements of broilers. The feed formulation should be adjusted as necessary based on testing results and performance feedback.

Factors to Consider When Making Poultry Feed

Nutritional Requirements: The nutritional requirements of broilers should be the primary consideration when formulating and making poultry feed. Broilers require specific amounts of protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support optimal growth and development. It is important to ensure that the feed formulation meets these nutritional requirements.

Ingredient Quality: The quality of the ingredients used in poultry feed can have a significant impact on broiler health and performance. It is essential to use high-quality ingredients that are free from contaminants and are nutritionally balanced.

Ingredient Availability and Cost: The availability and cost of ingredients can also influence the feed formulation. Ingredients that are readily available and affordable should be prioritized to help reduce feed costs.

Processing Equipment: The equipment used for processing poultry feed should be carefully selected to ensure that it can effectively grind, mix, and pelletize the feed. Proper equipment maintenance and calibration are also critical to ensuring consistent feed quality.

Feed Storage: Proper feed storage is essential to maintain feed quality and prevent spoilage. Feed should be stored in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area to prevent mold growth and preserve nutritional content.

Feed Management: Feed management practices, such as feed delivery and feeding frequency, can impact broiler performance. It is important to establish a consistent feeding schedule and monitor feed intake to ensure that broilers are receiving the appropriate amount of feed.

In conclusion, when making poultry feed for broilers, it is important to consider factors such as nutritional requirements, ingredient quality, ingredient availability and cost, processing equipment, feed storage, and feed management. By carefully considering these factors, you can produce high-quality feed that supports optimal broiler growth and development.