Feed Management Best Practices
Optimize your biggest cost
Feed accounts for 65-70% of the total cost of poultry production, making feed management the single most important factor in farm profitability. Understanding feed types, quality, and management practices is crucial.
Starter Feed (Day 1-14): Contains 22-24% crude protein and 3000 kcal/kg metabolizable energy. This high-protein formulation supports rapid early growth and organ development. Feed in crumble form for better consumption. Provide ad libitum feeding — never let feeders run empty during the first two weeks.
Grower Feed (Day 15-28): Contains 20-21% crude protein and 3100 kcal/kg energy. As growth rate stabilizes, slightly lower protein with maintained energy supports efficient muscle development. Transition from crumble to pellet form gradually over 2-3 days to avoid feed rejection.
Finisher Feed (Day 29 to harvest): Contains 18-20% crude protein and 3200 kcal/kg energy. Higher energy promotes fat deposition and final weight gain. Withdraw any medication/antibiotics as per withdrawal period requirements before slaughter.
Feed Storage: Store feed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area off the ground. Use within 30 days of manufacture. Never use moldy feed — aflatoxins are extremely dangerous to poultry and can cause liver damage, immunosuppression, and death. Rotate stock using first-in-first-out (FIFO) method.
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) Targets: Broiler FCR target: Day 7 → 1.0-1.1, Day 14 → 1.2-1.3, Day 21 → 1.4-1.5, Day 28 → 1.55-1.65, Day 35 → 1.65-1.80, Day 42 → 1.80-2.00. A 0.1 improvement in FCR can save ₹3-5 per bird in feed costs alone.