Broiler Feed: Nutrition, Feed Chart & Formulation Guide
Scientific guide to broiler chicken feeding programs, starter to finisher feed phases, and nutrient requirements.
Scientific Overview
Broiler feed is the single largest cost in commercial meat chicken production, accounting for 65–70% of total production expenses. The broiler feeding program is divided into distinct phases — each formulated to match the bird's changing nutritional requirements as it transitions from rapid skeletal development in the first week to maximum muscle accretion in the finishing phase.
Broiler Feed Phases: Pre-Starter to Finisher
Commercial broiler chicken feed is divided into 3–4 nutritional phases:
| Phase | Days | Crude Protein | AMEn (kcal/kg) | Feed Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Starter | 1–7 | 22–23% | 2,950 | Crumble |
| Starter | 8–14 | 21–22% | 3,000 | Mini-Pellet |
| Grower | 15–28 | 19–20% | 3,100 | Pellet |
| Finisher | 29–slaughter | 17–18% | 3,150–3,200 | Pellet |
Formulate your exact ration for each phase using the Least-Cost Feed Formulation Mixer.
Key Nutrients in Broiler Feed
- Digestible Lysine: The first limiting amino acid for muscle protein synthesis in broilers. Starter requirement: 1.20–1.25% total diet. Finisher: 0.95–1.05%.
- Methionine + Cystine: Critical for feathering and growth. Must be balanced at 74% of the digestible lysine value.
- Calcium (Ca): 0.90–1.00% in starter feed for skeletal development. Lower in finisher to avoid kidney stress.
- Available Phosphorus (avP): 0.45–0.50% in starter. Adding phytase enzyme releases bound phosphorus from grains, reducing DCP inclusion and feed cost.
- Coccidiostats: Anticoccidial drugs (ionophores or chemicals) are added to starter and grower feeds in prophylactic concentrations to prevent Eimeria infections.
Broiler Feed Consumption Chart
Cumulative feed intake targets per bird (Ross 308 mixed-sex, 2021 standards):
| Age (days) | Cumulative Feed (g/bird) | Daily Intake (g/bird) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 176 | 25 |
| 14 | 617 | 63 |
| 21 | 1,386 | 110 |
| 28 | 2,556 | 167 |
| 35 | 3,988 | 205 |
Broiler Feed: Nutrition, Feed Chart & Formulation Guide — Frequently Asked Questions
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