Types of Broiler Feeds

Broilers are chickens kept purposely for meat and are nourished with broiler feeds. Proper nutrition ensures optimum growth of the broilers. In addition, broilers need to be fed in rich protein diets to stimulate growth, since low protein diets leads to poor weight gain, according to the University of Florida. Commercial broilers are ready to be sold between four and 10 weeks depending on the purpose and how fast they gain weight. The suitable type of broiler feed is determined by the age of the chick.

  1. Prestarter Broiler Feed

    • Prestarter broiler feed, also known as booster feed, is given to newly hatched chicks. It's fine in texture, making it easy for the chicks to feed, Nakis Feed states It has a high-protein composition of around 23 percent and high energy levels, to boost the chick's growth during this delicate period. Prestarter broiler feed is also rich in minerals and vitamins. The chicks eat this feed from birth up to 10 days, Faravarsazan Manufacturing advises.

    Broiler Starter

    • Broiler starter is made of small granules, making it easy for the chicks pick and feed faster. Starter feeds are designed to accelerate healthy growth in the chicks as well as provide high immunity against expected stresses of handling, vaccinations, climate variation and diseases, according to the Khare Group. All the required nutrients for a chick at this age are a rationally provided in the starter feed to help achieve fast weight gain. The protein amount in this feed should be 20 percent and it is given from 11 days up to 21 days, Faravarsazan Manufacturing advises.

    Broiler Growers Feed

    • Broiler growers feed is necessary to ensure rapid growth and weight gain in the chicks. This is normally a mixture of proteins and grains with a protein concentration of 19 percent, eFowl.com suggests. The texture of this feed is rough, in crumb form, since the chicks are older and can easily pick it. It helps the chicks to grow healthy and strong, providing high-quality meat. Growers feed is given to chicks from day 22 to day 35 or up to the marketing age, Faravarsazan Manufacturing states.

    Broiler Finisher Feed

    • Broiler finisher is given to chicks after 35 days until the day they will be disposed. The feed is manufactured with high-energy content and proteins of around18 percent, resulting in higher and faster weight gain in chicks. This feed is in pellet form and is also rich in amino acids, Khare Group states.

    Special Broiler Feed

    • This feed is cost-effective and has all the dietary requirements needed for growth of the chicks, according to Khare Group. Special broiler feed ensures high weight gains but with minimum production cost. The feed contains amino acids, vegetable and animal proteins.