FEEDING OF BROILER CHICKEN

FEEDING OF BROILER CHICKEN.

Feeding the broiler chickens with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of raising them. In commercial or large scale production, they are generally feed commercially prepared balanced food based on their age and growth stage. The chicks are given starter feed from their day 1 to 4weeks of age. This type of starter feed are very high in protein (around 22-24 percent) to support initial growth.

And when they reach 5 weeks of age, they are generally fed finisher feed. Finisher feed contain around 18-20 percent protein.

Common ingredients used in broiler chicken feed are corn, soybean meal, minerals, vitamins, and sometimes additives. These ingredients help to promote good health and growth. Although, exact formulation of the feed can vary based on specific needs of the birds. Feeding the commercially prepared food is a good option.

Generally, no exact feeding schedule is followed for feeding the broiler chickens. Rather they are typically fed free-choice. That means, they have constant access to feed to ensure they eat as much as they need to grow quickly. And always ensure availability of enough clean and fresh water as per their demand. Avoid providing them contaminated food and polluted water.

LIGHTING FOR BROILER CHICKEN.

Adequate lighting play a very important role in the growth and health of broiler chicken. Provide light continuously in their early stage (first week or so). Doing this is very important to promote feeding and also to help the chicks to adapt to their new environment.

You can reduce lighting period after their initial period and make a combination of light and dark periods. 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness per day will be very good for their good health and growth. You can use fluorescent or LED lights for lighting purpose.