poultry feeding

Poultry feeding has changed more than the feeding of any other species. The objective of the formulation of poultry feeds is to provide a correct nutrient intake at the least possible cost. A mixture of 4 to 5 different feed stuffs could probably meet all the nutrient requirements of most classes of poultry.

COMPOSITION OF POULTRY FEEDS:
In practice most poultry feeds have a very similar composition. Formulation for commercial poultry diets tend to be low in fibre and are cereal based.

Each ingredient has maximum level of inclusion in the diet.

Types of feed stuffs used in practical feeds

Cereals- includes wheat, maize, barley, rice, jowar.
Cereal byproducts-Rice bran, rice polish, maize gluten meal, maize germ meal, wheatBran.
Protein – soyabean, groundnut meal, sesame meal,
Oils & fats- rapesed oil, tallow, lard, fish meal, meat & bone meal.
Minerals & vitamins- lime stone, dicalcium phosphate salt.

NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS OF BIRDS:
Requirements of nutrients differ depends upon type and age of poultry as well as the purpose for which they are fed.

For eg- feeds for broiler chicken has

Cereals & cereals byproduct often comprise between 50 & 75% .
Proteins concentrates around 16- 18%.
Minerals & vitamins up to 5%.
Animal fats or vegetable oils may also be used as a source of dietary energy up to a maximum inclusion of 6%.

Feeds for laying chicken has,
Cereals & cereals byproduct often comprise between 50 & 65% .
Proteins concentrates around 18-20%.
Minerals & vitamins up to 8%.
Animal fats or vegetable oils may also be used as a source of dietary energy up to a maximum inclusion of 2%.