Types of Feed for Broiler Chicks Rearing healthy and growing fast broiler chicks begins with one single element, appropriate nutrition. Broiler chick growth, immunity, and overall performance depend highly on feed. Since the birds are raised for meat production only, their dietary requirements are different and undergo drastic changes during various phases of growth.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the types of feed for broiler chicks, the nutritional content to look for, and why each stage matters in their development.
Vaccination Schedule for Broiler Chicks
Pre-Starter Feed (0 to 7 Days)
Purpose: To jump-start the growth and immunity of day-old chicks.
Broiler chicks are fragile and need easily digestible, high-energy feed during their first week. Pre-starter feed is formulated to facilitate the growth of the digestive system and enhance early growth.
Key Features:
- High protein level (22–24%)
- Easily digestible nutrients
- Crumbly texture for easy intake
- Supplemented with vitamins and probiotics
Why It Matters: Nutrition during the early stages lays the foundation for subsequent growth. A quality pre-starter feed minimizes mortality and enhances weight gain from day one.
Starter Feed (8 to 21 Days)
Purpose: To facilitate fast growth and skeletal development.
Chicks require more nutrients after the first week to sustain their rapidly growing bodies. Starter feed gives balanced energy, protein, and nutrients to ensure a healthy growth curve.
Key Features:
- Protein content: 20–22%
- Balanced calcium and phosphorus for bone strength
- Crumbles or small pellets
- Contains amino acids such as lysine and methionine
Why It Matters: The starter stage is important for bone and muscle growth. A good starter feed avoids leg diseases and facilitates even growth.
Grower Feed (22 to 35 Days)
Purpose: To facilitate ongoing muscle growth and efficiency of feed conversion.
During this phase, broilers go through a period of intense body weight gain. Grower feed contains less protein than starter feed but more energy to support growth.
Key Features:
- Protein content: 18–20%
- Higher energy content
- Pelleted form for improved feed intake
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
Why It Matters: Grower feed ensures broilers gain weight efficiently without putting too much stress on their organs and joints.
Finisher Feed (36 Days to Market Weight)
Purpose: To maximize final weight and meat quality before processing.
Finisher feed assists broilers in achieving their market weight with maximum feed conversion and minimal fat accumulation. It’s formulated for inducing lean muscle while ensuring general well-being.
Key Features:
- Protein level: 16–18%
- Reduced fiber for easier digestibility
- Increased energy for weight gain
- Cost-effective formulation
Why It Matters: The last few days leading up to market are all about economics—achieving the greatest weight gain for the lowest expense. Finisher feed is formulated with this equilibrium in mind.
Medicated vs. Non-Medicated Feed
For every stage, you can use medicated or non-medicated feed.
- Medicated feed generally includes coccidiostats to avoid coccidiosis, a widespread intestinal illness among chicks.
- Non-medicated feed does not include antibiotics and is favored by organic or drug-free poultry farms.
Tip: Always use withdrawal times for medicated feed if you’re going to process or sell the birds.
Types of Feed for Broiler Chicks
Supplements and Additives
Apart from regular feed, supplements are also used by most poultry farmers to improve chick performance:
- Vitamins and minerals: Particularly during stress or vaccination
- Probiotics and enzymes: Enhance gut health and digestion
- Electrolytes: Beneficial in warm weather or during transport
These must be applied strategically to prevent over-supplementation.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the various broiler chick feeds—and the appropriate time for each—is central to successful poultry farming. A particular feed accommodates a unique phase in the life of a chick to promote maximum development, health, and profitability.
By introducing the proper feed at the appropriate time, you’re putting your broilers on the path toward a healthy and productive life—and your farm toward increased success.
Got questions or care to share some broiler feeding tips? Add a comment below!
