Broiler Feeding Program, Lighting Program and Growth Chart

Broiler Chicken

The broiler feeding process is aimed at making sure that the bird, being raised for meat, attains the desired weight at the time of slaughter. To attain this, the correct feeding schedule must be followed, day by day, week by week.

Failure to do this will lead to an increase in the duration the farmer keeps the broilers, meaning more costs. This could lead to losses because the broiler meat market will not make up for the extra cost the farmer incurred. This is because, in most markets, broilers are sold according to weight and the price set by the market dynamics of demand and supply. In some markets, the prices are usually fixed.

The broiler feeding chart, broiler lighting program, broiler changeover schedule, and broiler growth chart is available for download at the end of this article. For us to understand the broiler feeding schedule, it is important to understand broiler chicken first.

Understanding broilers

Most of the broiler chicks sold in the market are branded variation hybrid chicken. For marketing purposes, most companies will give them different names e.g COBB 500

Kukuchic Broilers

The commercial broiler industry did not exist before the 1930s. Before this, indigenous breeds were kept for meat. They took a long time to gain the desired weight. Researchers set out to breed a bird that would gain weight quickly and had a body frame that would support the meat e.g broad breasts.

After years of work, the Cornish Cross was developed and has become the most common breed used in commercial broiler production. It comes in color white, with the skin colour being yellow. They are calm and friendly, best suited for keeping under confinement. They cannot fly away from predators, or forage for their own food.

The broilers come in both make and female, with the male gaining more weight than the females. A misconception is that broilers are genetically modified organisms(GMO). They are just products of selective breeding between different chicken breeds.

In Kenya, most broiler farmers keep them under confinement, with the target of getting them to the market between 6 to 8 weeks. The earlier they reach the desired weight, the more profitable it will be for the farmer because they will cut costs on the extra feed and other inputs needed to keep them longer. Following a good broiler feeding guide will ensure the birds gain the weight in a good time.

Understanding broiler nutrition needs

Broilers feed consists of higher protein ration, compared to feed for layers. This is to spur them to gain weight quickly.

Let us have a quick look at the nutrition requirements for broilers.

Energy (grains)

Broilers need what is called metabolizable energy, which is the remaining energy after the loss in urine and droppings. Energy is needed to support body processes, movement, respiration, etc. Energy, derived from the grain component in feeds, is responsible for the quality of broiler meat. Too little will lead to low weight gain and too much will lead to the meat that has too much fat.

Crude Protein

Crude protein, from plants and animal products, provide essential amino acids needed for growth and development of tissue.

Fibre

Broilers need fibre in order to be able to digest feed well and generally for the general health of the digestive system.

Calcium

Broilers need calcium for bone development.

Other components of broiler feed include Methionine, Lysine, Sodium, Phosphorus

Broiler Drinking Water

Broiler Feeding Cart

Broiler feeding is done ad libitum, meaning they are fed throughout. This means food has to be availed throughput for the chicks. Light should be provided at night for the broilers to see their food. For you to feed the broilers well, you need to have the broiler feeding program, the broiler lighting program and the broiler growth chart.

Broiler Lighting Program

Broilers will need some time to rest at night for optimal growth rate and their general welfare. At these times, the lights should be switched off. Please see the lighting program below:-

DAY	Hours of Darkness
Day 0-4	3 hours
Day 5	4 hours
Day 6	4 hours
Day 7 to Day 21	6 hours
Day 22 to Day 28	4 hours
Day 29 to Day of Sale	1 hour

Source : Cobb Broiler Manual