What Is Broiler Feed?

Broiler feed refers to the type of chicken feed that a farmer gives to chickens that are raised for their meat. Broilers are typically crossbreeds of chickens such as the Plymouth Rock and the Cornish, according to the University of Florida. Broiler feed contains additional nutrients, especially protein, so that the birds are ready for market as soon as possible.

  1. Age

    • The best type of broiler feed depends on the age of the chick. According to the University of Florida, the broiler feed for very young chicks, or starter mash, should consist of 23 percent protein, and the finisher feed for chicks that are more than a month old should have 19 percent protein. Broiler chickens are usually ready for market in about two months.

    Mixing Broiler Feed

    • If a farmer does not have any broiler feed, he can mix broiler feed using other types of bird feed. The farmer can mix a lower-protein feed that is meant for chicks that will eventually lay eggs with turkey chick feed, because turkey chick feed may contain as much as 30 percent protein. The exact ratio of the egg layer feed to the turkey chick feed for broiler chicks depends on the specific protein level of each type of feed.

    Ingredients

    • Broiler feed can contain both grain and animal-based components. According to Mississippi State University, soybeans and corn are the best crops for chick feed. The University of California-Davis states that a farmer can also add vegetable oil, margarine or milk to chick feed to produce supplemental feed. The supplemental feed should remain separate from the normal chick feed and the farmer should leave it out for only a short time so it doesn't spoil and produce a health hazard.

    Targeted Growth

    • The farmer can mix broiler feed to encourage the growth of a specific part of the chick. According to Mississippi State University, mixing a blend of broiler feed that makes the chick grow more breast meat is possible, but this blend may be less effective for increasing the total weight of the chick.

    Medication

    • Broiler feed may also contain medication to prevent chicken diseases, such as the intestinal illness coccidosis, which is the main disease that kills chicks, according to the University of Florida. The farmer should not use medicated feed during the chicks' last few feedings so that the medication does not remain in the chicken meat.