Types of Feed for Commercial Broilers

Over the past 50 years, farmers, scientists and breeders have raised broilers to consume large amounts of protein and grow rapidly in a short amount of time. Because of technology and high quality feeds, broilers can reach desired weights between four and eight weeks. Although there are several types of chicken feeds, broilers require a special diet to ensure optimal growing potential.

  1. Starter and Finisher Feeds

    • Broiler chicks have unrestricted access to food and water.

      Starter broiler feeds are designed for broiler chicks between 1 and 21 days of age. Starter feeds generally are medicated to prevent stress related illnesses, are provided in small crumbles and can be composed of up to 20 percent protein. Finisher broiler feeds are formulated for high energy levels and balanced protein levels (about 18 percent). Finisher feeds are pellets or crumbles and are fed once the broiler chick has matured to five or six weeks of age.

    Non-organic and Specialty Feeds

    • Broiler chickens need vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, calcium and Lysine.

      Non-organic feeds are feeds that contain growth hormones and animal proteins. For example, some feeds will include fish meal and pork fat to meet minimum protein requirements. Specialty feeds are those that include added ingredients or different percentages of existing ingredients. Some examples of specialty feeds include non-organic all-vegetable protein performance feeds and antibiotic formulated feeds to prevent disease.

    Organic Feeds

    • Organic farmers have the option to purchase organic commercial broiler feeds.

      Organic broiler feeds are made from organic and natural ingredients. Organic feeds do not contain antibiotics and growth hormones, and some organic feeds are completely free from animal proteins. In place of medicines and chemicals, organic feeds contain such natural ingredients as kelp, limestone and essential oils of oregano to ensure healthy broilers. Other natural ingredients include organic corn, flaxseed and rice.

    Broiler Concentrate

    • Farmers take into consideration the age and development level of the chick when selecting what to feed.

      Broiler concentrate gives the broiler farmer the option of growing the broiler feed mix. Concentrates are commercial seed mixes that have been tested and formulated to guarantee quality. Farmers may grow their own seed mixes for various reasons such as to meet breed requirements, production performance or to compensate for environmental conditions.