A broiler feeding programme moves birds through starter, optional grower and finisher rations while the farmer measures weight, feed use, mortality and cost. Phase names are common, but the changeover dates and nutrient specifications are not universal.
Starter, grower and finisher
| Phase | Main purpose | Farmer checks |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Early organs, bones, feathers and immune development | Crop fill, seven-day weight, water, crumble quality |
| Grower | Main frame and muscle growth where used | Weekly weight, uniformity, feeder space, litter |
| Finisher | Efficient gain toward the sale target | FCR, feed cost, mortality and market timing |
Some commercial programmes use pre-starter or omit grower. Follow the current guide for the exact strain and feed brand rather than forcing every flock into an eight-week calendar.
Decide when to change feed
Use the feed label, breeder programme, average body weight, flock uniformity and market plan. Age alone is not enough. Avoid prolonged empty feeders. Where the supplier recommends a short transition, follow its instructions and observe intake.
How to know the programme is working
- Birds find feed and water quickly.
- Weekly average weight moves toward the correct strain objective.
- Flock uniformity remains acceptable.
- Feed and water intake change gradually, not suddenly.
- Mortality, wet litter and disease signs remain controlled.
- FCR and cost per kilogram gained stay within the farm’s plan.
Feed quantity planning
Do not use one fixed bag table for every strain, age or market weight. Start with the supplier’s cumulative feed reference, multiply by birds expected to survive, then update the plan from actual feed inventory and weights.
Estimate requirements with the Poultry Feed Calculator. Measure conversion with the FCR Calculator.
Daily feeding management
- Inspect feed and water before the birds’ most active feeding periods.
- Adjust feeder height and avoid overfilling open troughs.
- Record every bag issued to the house.
- Separate consumed feed from feed remaining, wet or wasted.
- Keep litter dry around drinkers.
- Store feed on pallets away from walls and rain.
Water and hot-weather feeding
Water restriction reduces feed intake and growth. Check flow, cleanliness, height and daily use. During hot Nigerian weather, provide cool clean water, improve ventilation and avoid unnecessary handling during peak heat. Do not solve heat-related low intake by adding random supplements to an otherwise uncorrected house.
Weekly weighing routine
- Select birds from different areas.
- Use a tared crate and an accurate scale.
- Weigh on the same day and similar time each week.
- Calculate average weight and note the spread.
- Record feed used, deaths and removals for the same period.
Investigate underweight birds before increasing feed blindly. Feed may be present but inaccessible, wasted, poorly balanced or not consumed because of water, heat or disease.
Calculate FCR and cost per kilogram gained
FCR = feed consumed ÷ adjusted live-weight gain.
Feed cost per kg gained = feed cost ÷ adjusted live-weight gain.
Use feed actually consumed, not purchased. Include starting biomass and record the weight of birds sold, removed or dead when available.
Commercial feed or home-mixed feed?
Commercial feed reduces formulation and mixing risk but still requires performance checks. Home mixing requires ingredient values, accurate scales, a suitable premix, mixing control and nutrition review. Formulas should be recalculated when ingredients change.
Use the Poultry Feed Formulation Guide for the formulation process. Do not treat copied recipes as guaranteed specifications.
Common mistakes
- Changing phases only to reduce bag cost.
- Using layer or grower feed for young broilers.
- Letting feeders or drinkers run empty.
- Assuming feed issued equals feed consumed.
- Ignoring mould, rancidity, fines and ingredient separation.
- Comparing flocks at different ages and weights.
- Using unprescribed antibiotics or growth promoters.
When birds eat but do not grow
Check feed phase and quality, water, brooding history, heat, ventilation, feeder access, coccidiosis, intestinal disease and mortality. Work through the slow-growth diagnostic guide before changing several products at once.
Official performance references
Use the correct current resources for the strain supplied, such as Ross 308 or Cobb. Their performance objectives are references under stated conditions, not universal promises.
Final guidance
A good feeding programme links the ration phase with actual bird performance. Plan feed, keep clean water available, weigh weekly, calculate FCR and cost per kilogram gained, and investigate changes early.
