Why Feed Management Drives Profitability
Feed is by far the largest cost in broiler production, accounting for 60–70% of total expenses. A flock of 20,000 birds consuming approximately 10–11 pounds of feed each over a 48-day grow-out cycle will go through 200,000–220,000 pounds of feed. At $300–$400 per ton, that is $30,000–$44,000 in feed costs per flock per house. A 0.10-point improvement in FCR on that house saves $3,000–$4,400 in feed costs per flock, compounded over multiple flocks per year.
Feed management encompasses choosing the right feeding program, managing feed delivery and inventory, ensuring all birds have equal access to feed, tracking consumption accurately, and evaluating feed efficiency at settlement.
Phase Feeding Programs
Broiler feeding programs are divided into phases that match the bird's changing nutritional requirements. Each phase delivers a different balance of protein, energy, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins.
Pre-Starter (Days 0–7)
Not all programs include a pre-starter, but when used, it provides the highest nutrient density. Pre-starter feed uses highly digestible ingredients — often including plasma protein, fish meal, or processed soybean meal — to give chicks the strongest possible start. Pre-starter is typically fed as a crumble or mini-pellet for easy consumption. Protein content is 22–24% with amino acid levels matched to the chick's requirements during this period of rapid relative growth.
Starter (Days 0 or 7 to 14 or 21)
Starter feed bridges the gap between pre-starter and grower phases. Protein content is typically 21–23%. Starter is fed as crumbles or small pellets. The transition from starter to grower should be gradual — mixing the two feeds over 24–48 hours helps birds adjust and maintains feed intake during the change.
Grower (Days 14–35 or 38)
Grower feed represents the largest volume of feed consumed during the flock. Protein content drops to 19–20% as the bird's protein-to-energy requirement shifts. Amino acid levels are adjusted to support lean muscle growth without excess fat deposition. Grower feed is typically fed as pellets for improved feed intake and reduced waste.
Finisher or Withdrawal (Last 5–7 Days)
Finisher feed has the lowest protein content (17–18%) and the highest energy density. In some programs, withdrawal feed removes all medication to comply with withdrawal periods before processing. This phase is critical for achieving final target weights and ensuring medication residues clear the birds' systems.
Managing Feed Delivery and Inventory
Feed outages of even a few hours cause uneven growth and stress. Growers should track feed deliveries against expected consumption for each house and stage of growth. A 20,000-bird house at week 5 may consume 6,000–8,000 pounds of feed per day. Knowing consumption rates helps schedule deliveries so bins never run empty.
Feed bin monitoring — either through visual checks or automated bin sensors — is essential for preventing outages. Each bin should be checked daily during house walkthroughs. Feed line management includes keeping augers and pans functioning properly, adjusting feeder height as birds grow, and ensuring all birds have adequate feeder space.
Calculating and Improving FCR
FCR is calculated as total feed consumed divided by total weight gain. Accurate calculation requires accurate feed and weight records. Feed consumed is determined by tracking starting inventory plus deliveries minus ending inventory. Weight gain is determined by processing plant weights divided by number of birds sold, adjusted for mortality weights.
Improving FCR requires attention to every aspect of management. Key FCR drivers include feed quality and formulation, house temperature management, air quality (ammonia control), health status and disease prevention, lighting programs, water quality and availability, and stocking density. An FCR improvement of 0.05–0.10 points is achievable for most growers through better attention to one or more of these areas.
Tracking Feed Data Across Flocks
Growers who track feed deliveries, consumption rates, and FCR across flocks can identify trends and anomalies. A gradual increase in feed consumption without corresponding weight gain suggests an environmental or health problem. A sudden drop in feed intake often signals disease onset. Comparing FCR between houses in the same flock reveals house-specific problems that need equipment or ventilation attention. Comparing FCR trends over time shows whether management changes are having the desired effect.