Feed is one of the largest operating costs in broiler production. For that reason, feeding management has a major influence on flock growth, feed efficiency, production cost, and profitability.

Good feeding management is not simply about putting feed in feeders every day. Farmers need to consider feed quality, feeding stages, storage, feeder management, wastage, bird access, water availability, and flock performance.

Why Feed Efficiency Matters

Broilers consume a significant quantity of feed during their production cycle. If too much feed is wasted or birds fail to convert feed efficiently into body weight, the cost of producing each marketable bird increases.

Improving feed efficiency can help farmers produce more value from every bag of feed purchased.

Use the Correct Feeding Programme

Broilers have different nutritional requirements as they grow. Feed programmes are therefore commonly divided into stages such as starter, grower, and finisher.

The exact feeding programme should be selected according to the bird strain, target market weight, production system, climate, feed formulation, and advice from qualified poultry professionals.

Starter Feed

Starter feed is used during the early stage of broiler production when chicks are developing rapidly.

Young chicks need easy access to suitable feed because poor early nutrition can affect subsequent growth.

Grower Feed

Grower feed is normally introduced after the starter period. It supports continued growth as birds become larger.

The transition between feed stages should be managed carefully rather than changing feed randomly.

Finisher Feed

Finisher feed is used during the later part of the production cycle. Its purpose is to support birds as they approach their target market size.

Always Provide Clean Water

Feed management and water management are closely connected.

Birds need reliable access to water. If water availability is interrupted, feed consumption and flock performance can be affected.

Inspect drinkers regularly and make sure that birds of different sizes can reach them easily.

Prevent Feed Wastage

Feed that falls onto the litter represents money that has already been spent but is no longer available for efficient consumption.

Common causes of feed wastage include:

  • Feeders filled too high
  • Incorrect feeder height
  • Damaged feeders
  • Rough handling of feed
  • Bird competition
  • Poor feeder positioning
  • Rodent access

Adjust Feeder Height

As birds grow, feeder height should be adjusted appropriately.

Feeders that are too low can encourage birds to scratch and waste feed. Feeders that are too high can make access difficult.

Regularly inspect feeder positioning as part of daily flock management.

Do Not Overfill Feeders

Overfilling feeders can increase spillage and make it easier for birds to scatter feed.

Use a feeding depth appropriate for the feeder system and follow the equipment manufacturer's recommendations.

Store Feed Properly

Feed should be protected from moisture, rodents, insects, and contamination.

A suitable feed store should be:

  • Dry
  • Clean
  • Well protected
  • Free from unnecessary moisture
  • Protected from pests

Feed bags should be handled and stored in a way that reduces contamination and damage.

Use Older Feed First

Where appropriate, use a stock rotation system so that older feed is used before newer feed.

This can reduce unnecessary storage time and help maintain an organised feed inventory.

Keep Feed Storage Records

Farmers should know how much feed is available.

A simple stock calculation is:

Closing Feed Stock = Opening Stock + Feed Purchased − Feed Used

For example, if a farm starts with 5 bags, purchases 10 bags, and uses 8 bags:

5 + 10 − 8 = 7 bags remaining

Monitor Feed Consumption

Feed consumption should be monitored throughout the production cycle.

A sudden change in consumption can be an important management signal.

Possible reasons for reduced consumption include:

  • Water problems
  • Heat stress
  • Poor feed quality
  • Disease
  • Environmental problems
  • Equipment failure

Measure Bird Growth

Feed consumption should be considered alongside body weight.

If birds are consuming large amounts of feed but growth is below expectations, the farmer should investigate the cause rather than simply purchasing more feed.

Understand Feed Conversion

Feed conversion ratio, commonly abbreviated as FCR, compares feed consumed with body-weight gain.

A simplified calculation is:

FCR = Feed Consumed ÷ Body Weight Gain

For example, if a flock consumes 200 kg of feed and gains 100 kg of body weight:

200 ÷ 100 = 2.0

The simplified FCR is 2.0.

Actual commercial calculations can use different definitions and adjustments, so farmers should use a consistent method when comparing batches.

Reduce Competition at Feeders

Birds should have sufficient access to feeding points.

If too few feeders are available, stronger birds may dominate access while smaller birds struggle to consume enough feed.

Check Feed Quality

Inspect feed when it arrives.

Look for unusual moisture, mould, contamination, damaged packaging, or other obvious problems.

If there are concerns about feed quality, contact the supplier or an appropriate poultry professional.

Keep Feeders Clean

Feeders should be maintained in a clean condition. Old feed, litter, and other contaminants should not be allowed to accumulate unnecessarily.

Feed and Temperature

Environmental temperature can influence feed consumption.

During periods of high heat, birds may reduce feed intake. Farmers should therefore pay close attention to ventilation, water availability, stocking density, and other heat-management measures.

Keep a Feeding Record

Bird Age Feed Stage Feed Used Feed Remaining
Day 1–7 Starter Record Record
Day 8–14 Starter Record Record
Day 15–21 Starter/Grower Record Record
Day 22–28 Grower Record Record
Day 29–42 Finisher Record Record

The exact timing should be based on the farm's selected feeding programme.

Common Feeding Mistakes

  1. Allowing feeders to remain empty.
  2. Overfilling feeders.
  3. Ignoring feed wastage.
  4. Storing feed in damp conditions.
  5. Failing to monitor feed stock.
  6. Ignoring water problems.
  7. Using inappropriate feed for the production stage.
  8. Failing to monitor bird growth.

Final Thoughts

Efficient feeding requires daily attention.

Farmers should combine good feed storage, appropriate feeding stages, clean water, correct feeder management, accurate stock records, and regular growth monitoring.

When feed usage is carefully measured, it becomes easier to identify wastage, control production costs, and improve the performance of future broiler batches.