Poultry Feeding-how to get good poulty farming

Feeding poultry is a crucial aspect of farming, directly impacting the health, growth, and productivity of the birds. A well-balanced diet is essential for optimizing performance and ensuring the well-being of the flock. Here are some key points about poultry feeding, including the products commonly used and the role of biological products.

How to Feed Poultry

1. Understanding Nutritional Requirements

• Energy: Carbohydrates and fats provide energy. Grains like corn, wheat, and barley are common energy sources.
• Proteins: Essential for growth and egg production. Sources include soybean meal, fish meal, and meat by-products.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Necessary for metabolic functions and bone health. These are often provided through premixed supplements.
• Water: Fresh, clean water should always be available as it is crucial for digestion and overall health.

2. Types of Poultry Feed

• Starter Feed: High in protein, given to chicks from birth to six weeks.
• Grower Feed: Lower in protein than starter feed, given from six to 20 weeks.
• Layer Feed: Contains additional calcium for eggshell production, given to hens from 20 weeks onwards.
• Broiler Feed: Formulated for rapid growth, given to meat-producing birds.

3. Feeding Methods

• Mash: Ground feed, easy for all age groups to consume.
• Pellets: Compressed feed, reduces waste and ensures uniform consumption.
• Crumbles: Broken pellets, easier to eat than whole pellets.
• Scratch Grains: Mixture of whole grains, given as a treat and to encourage natural scratching behavior.

4. Feeding Schedule

• Ad Libitum Feeding: Feed is always available, reducing stress and encouraging natural growth rates.
• Restricted Feeding: Controlled amounts are given to prevent obesity and manage growth rates, especially in breeders.

Products Normally Used in Poultry Field

1. Grains and Cereals

• Corn, wheat, barley, and sorghum are primary energy sources.
• High-energy content supports rapid growth and egg production.

2. Protein Supplements

• Soybean meal, fish meal, and meat by-products.
• Essential for muscle development and overall growth.

3. Vitamins and Mineral Premixes

• Provide essential micronutrients not available in sufficient quantities in natural feed ingredients.
• Include calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, D, E, and B-complex vitamins.

4. Additives

• Probiotics: Enhance gut health and nutrient absorption.
• Antioxidants: Prevent feed spoilage and improve bird health.
• Coccidiostats: Prevent coccidiosis, a common parasitic disease.

Biological Products Used in Poultry Feeding

1. Probiotics

• Lactobacillusand Bifidobacterium
• Improve gut flora balance, enhance digestion, and boost immune response.

2. Prebiotics

• Non-digestible food ingredients like fructo-oligosaccharides.
• Stimulate growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

3. Enzymes

• Phytase, protease, and amylase.
• Improve feed digestibility by breaking down anti-nutritional factors.

4. Organic Acids

• Acetic, citric, and formic acids.
• Lower gut pH, inhibit pathogenic bacteria, and improve nutrient absorption.