UNIT I: FEED INGREDIENTS AND TYPES

Poultry nutrition plays a crucial role in the health, growth, and productivity of birds, and it
starts with the proper selection and composition of feed ingredients. Choosing feed
ingredients requires careful attention to the nutritional needs of the bird, the quality and
safety of the ingredient, and its availability and cost. Feed should supply the necessary
energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients required for the bird’s growth,
maintenance, and egg or meat production. Energy sources in poultry feed often include cereal
grains like maize (corn), wheat, barley, and broken rice, which provide carbohydrates that are
essential for daily functioning and growth. Fats and oils are also used in small quantities to
enhance energy density, improve feed texture, and increase palatability. Protein sources are
equally important, as proteins support muscle development, feather growth, and egg
production. These can come from plant-based ingredients like soybean meal, groundnut cake,
or sunflower seed meal, as well as animal-based sources such as fish meal, meat and bone
meal, and blood meal. Animal proteins are rich in essential amino acids, but they are often
costlier and must be handled hygienically.

In addition to energy and protein, poultry requires a variety of minerals like calcium,
phosphorus, sodium, and trace elements such as zinc, copper, and selenium. These minerals
support bone development, eggshell formation, and various metabolic functions. Calcium is
commonly provided through limestone or shell grit, and phosphorus is often added in the
form of dicalcium phosphate. Vitamins are vital for proper metabolism, immunity, and
reproduction. Since vitamins can degrade during storage, they are usually added as
commercial premixes to ensure consistent intake. Additives such as enzymes, antioxidants,
probiotics, and mycotoxin binders are also included in modern poultry diets to improve
digestion, nutrient absorption, and to reduce the harmful effects of toxins or pathogens
present in feed ingredients.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in non-conventional feed resources (NCFR),
which are alternative ingredients not commonly used in standard poultry diets. These include
agricultural by-products like cassava peels, banana leaves, brewery waste, azolla, and even
treated poultry litter. These materials are often low-cost and locally available, and when
processed properly, they can help reduce feed expenses and dependence on conventional
ingredients. However, their nutritional value must be evaluated, and potential anti-nutritional
factors or toxins must be minimized through appropriate treatment and processing.

Proper storage of feed is essential to preserve its nutritional quality and prevent spoilage.
Feed should be kept in cool, dry, and well-ventilated storage spaces, away from direct
sunlight, moisture, pests, and rodents. Storing bags on wooden pallets rather than directly on
the floor helps reduce the risk of moisture absorption and fungal growth. The quality of feed
should be regularly monitored through physical inspection (looking for signs like clumping,
discoloration, foul odor, or the presence of mold) as well as laboratory testing for nutrient
content. Sensory evaluation, including checking the color, smell, and texture of feed
ingredients, can help detect spoilage or contamination. Any off-smell, insect infestation, or
unusual texture may indicate that the feed is unfit for consumption.

Poultry feed can be presented in different physical forms such as mash, crumbles, or pellets.
Mash is finely ground feed suitable for chicks and layers, while crumbles are broken pellets
ideal for growing birds, and pellets are compacted feed particles used for broilers due to their
ease of consumption and reduced feed wastage. The type of feed used can influence feed
intake and digestion. There are also different systems of feeding in poultry such as ad libitum
(free access to feed all day) and restricted feeding (providing feed at specific times). Broilers
are usually fed ad libitum to promote faster growth, while restricted feeding may be used in
layers to control body weight and improve egg production.
Another important concept in poultry feeding is the feed conversion ratio (FCR), which refers
to the amount of feed required to produce a certain amount of body weight gain. A lower
FCR means the bird is efficiently converting feed into body mass, which is desirable for
commercial production. For example, an FCR of 1.8 means that 1.8 kg of feed is required to
gain 1 kg of body weight. Efficient feeding practices, high-quality ingredients, and good
management help improve the FCR, making poultry farming more profitable.
UNIT II: NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF BROILERS
Broilers, which are chickens raised specifically for meat production, have very specific and
high nutritional requirements due to their fast growth rate. Providing them with a balanced
and complete diet is essential from the first day of life to ensure optimal body development,
immune function, and feed efficiency. Broiler feed is usually divided into three phases:
starter (0-14 days), grower (15-28 days), and finisher (29 days to market weight). Each stage
requires different nutrient levels. In the starter phase, the diet should be rich in protein
(around 22–24%) to support muscle and organ development. As the birds grow, the protein
requirement slightly decreases, but energy needs increase. During the finisher phase, the
focus shifts to energy-dense feed to increase body weight quickly before marketing.

Formulating broiler feed involves combining various ingredients in a specific ratio to meet
the bird’s nutritional requirements at each stage. This is done based on nutrient requirement
guidelines provided by poultry research organizations. The feed must contain an appropriate
balance of crude protein, metabolizable energy, essential amino acids (like lysine and
methionine), minerals, and vitamins. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are
crucial for muscle development and immune function. If any essential amino acid is deficient,
it can limit growth, even if other nutrients are in excess.

In addition to the basic nutrients, modern broiler diets include several feed additives to
promote better health, digestion, and growth. Phytogenics are natural plant-based products
such as herbs and spices (like turmeric, garlic, and oregano) that can stimulate appetite and
improve gut health. Enzymes are added to break down complex feed materials and improve
nutrient absorption. For example, enzymes like xylanase and phytase help digest fiber and
release phosphorus from plant ingredients, making the feed more efficient. Probiotics are live
beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in the gut, while prebiotics are food
substances that support the growth of these good bacteria. Symbiotics are a combination of
both probiotics and prebiotics. These additives not only improve digestion but also strengthen
immunity and reduce the need for antibiotics.

Organic acids such as citric acid and lactic acid are also used in poultry feed to lower the pH
in the gut, which helps control harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. These acids act
as natural preservatives and improve the shelf life of the feed. Proper mineral nutrition is
equally important in broilers. Minerals like calcium and phosphorus support bone formation,
while trace minerals like zinc, manganese, and selenium are required in small amounts but
have a big impact on the bird’s growth, feathering, and immune system. Vitamins are
essential for many body functions, such as reproduction, blood clotting, and maintaining
healthy skin and vision. A deficiency in any vitamin can lead to health problems like poor
growth, weak bones, and poor feather condition.

In conclusion, the nutrition of broilers must be carefully managed through every stage of their
life. The success of broiler farming largely depends on providing the right feed at the right
time, using quality ingredients, and supplementing the diet with the necessary additives,
minerals, and vitamins. A scientifically balanced diet not only ensures the health and
productivity of the birds but also enhances feed efficiency and profitability for the farmer.