Poultry Feed Preparation for Broilers – A Complete Guide
Raising broiler chickens successfully depends a lot on the kind of feed they get. Proper nutrition helps them grow faster, stay healthy, and give better meat quality. Many farmers are now interested in preparing poultry feed at home because it can reduce costs and ensure fresh, high-quality ingredients. In this article, we’ll walk through how to prepare poultry feed for broilers in a simple, practical way.
Why Is Feed Important for Broilers?
Feed plays a central role in the growth and productivity of broiler chickens. Unlike native chickens that grow slowly, broilers are bred for rapid weight gain and meat production within a short time—usually 6 to 8 weeks. To achieve this, their bodies demand a diet that is rich in proteins, energy, vitamins, and minerals. A well-balanced feed ensures that broilers grow quickly, remain healthy, and provide good-quality meat for the market.
Proper nutrition affects every stage of a broiler’s life. During the first three weeks, they need high-protein starter feed to develop strong muscles and immunity. As they grow, the focus shifts to feeds that provide more energy for weight gain while still maintaining enough protein for body building. Without the right balance of nutrients, broilers may suffer from stunted growth, poor feed conversion, weak bones, and higher chances of disease.
Feed also directly impacts profitability for poultry farmers. Quality feed means faster growth, lower mortality, and more uniform broiler sizes, which fetch better prices in the market. On the other hand, poor feed leads to wastage of time and resources, as farmers spend more money on managing health issues while getting lower returns.
In short, feed is not just food for broilers—it is the foundation of their growth, health, and performance. Farmers who pay close attention to feed quality and formulation are more likely to succeed in poultry farming and enjoy better profits.
Broilers are fast-growing chickens, and their bodies need a balanced mix of proteins, energy, vitamins, and minerals. If the feed is not balanced, you may face issues like slow growth, poor meat quality, or even health problems in your flock.
Homemade feed preparation helps farmers:
- Save money compared to buying ready-made feed.
- Control the quality of ingredients.
- Customize the feed depending on the age of the broilers.
Main Ingredients of Broiler Feed
When preparing feed at home, the right balance is important. Here are the common ingredients:
- Maize or Corn – The main source of energy.
- Soybean Meal / Groundnut Cake – Provides protein for growth.
- Fish Meal or Meat Meal – Adds extra protein and essential amino acids.
- Wheat Bran or Rice Bran – Adds fiber and helps digestion.
- Mineral Mixture – Provides calcium, phosphorus, and essential minerals.
- Vegetable Oil or Animal Fat – Adds extra energy for faster growth.
- Salt and Vitamin Premix – Essential for overall health.
Feed Formula for Broilers
Here is a simple example of a balanced feed mix for 100 kg of broiler feed:
- Maize (Corn): 55 kg
- Soybean meal: 25 kg
- Fish meal / Meat meal: 10 kg
- Wheat bran / Rice bran: 7 kg
- Vegetable oil: 1.5 kg
- Mineral mixture: 1 kg
- Salt: 0.5 kg
👉 Mix all these ingredients properly until you get a uniform blend. Make sure no lumps remain.
Feeding Stages for Broilers
Broilers need different feed types at different stages:
- Starter Feed (0–3 weeks): High in protein (about 22–23%) to boost growth.
- Grower Feed (3–5 weeks): Slightly less protein but more energy.
- Finisher Feed (5 weeks to market): Focus on energy for weight gain.
Preparing separate feed for each stage ensures better performance and healthier chickens.
Tips for Better Feed Preparation
- Always use clean and dry ingredients to prevent mold or fungus.
- Store feed in a cool, dry place away from pests.
- Never compromise on vitamins and minerals – they are small in quantity but very important.
- Add fresh greens (like chopped vegetables) occasionally for extra nutrition.
- Provide clean drinking water along with the feed at all times.
Preparing poultry feed for broilers at home is not difficult once you know the right formula. It helps reduce costs, improve chicken growth, and give you more control over your poultry farm. By following the right balance of ingredients, your broilers will grow healthier, faster, and more profitable.
If you’re just starting out, begin with small quantities, and gradually improve your feed mix based on the performance of your flock.