How to make poultry feed for Broilers.

Making your own poultry feed for broiler chickens involves ensuring that the nutritional needs of the birds are met for optimal growth. Broiler feed is typically divided into different stages: starter, grower, and finisher. Here’s how to make poultry feed for each stage.

Ingredients:
The following ingredients are commonly used in broiler feed:

1. Maize (Corn) – A good source of energy.
2. Soybean meal- A rich source of protein.
3. Fish meal or meat meal – Another source of protein.
4. Wheat bran- Fiber and additional nutrients.
5. Limestone- Calcium source for strong bones.
6. Dicalcium phosphate- For phosphorus and calcium.
7. Salt- Helps in maintaining electrolyte balance.
8. Vitamin and mineral premixes- Ensure adequate vitamins and trace minerals.
9. Coccidiostat or antibiotic (optional)- Helps in disease prevention, especially during the early stages.

Formulation (Example Mixes for Each Stage)

1. Starter Feed (0-4 weeks):

• Maize 50%
• Soybean meal 30%
• Fish meal 10%
• Wheat bran 6%
• Limestone 1%
• Dicalcium phosphate 1.5%
• Vitamin/Mineral premix 0.5%
• Salt 0.5%
• Coccidiostat (optional): 0.5% Protein content for starter feed should be around 20-23%.

1. Grower Feed (5-8 weeks):

• Maize 55%
• Soybean meal 25%
• Fish meal 8%
• Wheat bran 8%
• Limestone 1%
• Dicalcium phosphate 1.5%
• Vitamin/Mineral premix 0.5%
• Salt 0.5% Protein content for grower feed should be 18-20%.

1. Finisher Feed (9+ weeks):

• Maize 60%
• Soybean meal 20%
• Fish meal 5%
• Wheat bran 10%
• Limestone 1%
• Dicalcium phosphate 1.5%
• Vitamin/Mineral premix 0.5%
• Salt 0.5% Protein content for finisher feed should be 16-18%.

Steps:

1. Weigh the Ingredients :Measure out each ingredient according to your feed formulation.
2. Grind the Ingredients: Use a hammer mill to grind the maize and other large ingredients to a fine consistency.
3. Mix the Ingredients: Combine the ground maize, protein meals, bran, and other ingredients in a large container or a feed mixer.
4. Add Premixes: Add the vitamin/mineral premix, salt, and any other additives like antibiotics or coccidiostat.
5. Store the Feed: Store the feed in a cool, dry place to avoid spoilage.

Important Notes:

• Nutrient Balance: The ratio of energy (carbohydrates) to protein is key. Too much energy with little protein may result in excess fat.
• Clean Feed: Make sure all feed ingredients are free from mold, toxins, or pests.
• Access to Water: Always provide broilers with access to clean drinking water, as feed consumption and growth are directly linked to water intake.

You can tweak these formulations based on the availability of ingredients and the specific nutritional needs of your broilers.