Finisher chicken feed is a vital component to the well being of your poultry. It is designed to provide your chicken with a balanced diet, with a variety of nutrients to promote growth. There are a number of different types of finisher feed to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences.
Contents
DDGS
If you are in the poultry industry, you may have heard of distillers grains distillers grain sorghum (DDGS). This article describes its application as a finisher chicken feed ingredient.
DDGS is a good source of protein, crude fiber and available phosphorus. Several studies have shown that DDGS is a safe and viable alternative to soybean meal. In addition, it has shown to improve the body weight and quality of chicken meat.
Using DDGS as a substitute for soybean meal is a cost effective and innovative approach to improving poultry diets. The benefits of using DDGS include its economical and palatable nature, moderate energy content, and its high availability of available phosphorus.
DDGS can be used in feed mixtures up to 15%. However, nutrient matrix values, handling characteristics, and market prices will play a role in determining the rate of inclusion. A higher rate of DDGS inclusion may have a positive effect on broiler performance and the nutritional value of eggs.
CGM
The use of alternative protein feed ingredients has benefited both the performance and economic efficiency of broiler production. Alternative sources include corn gluten meal (CGM) and dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS). In this study, CGM was incorporated at different levels during pre-starter and finisher phases of broiler chickens to evaluate its effect on growth performance, nutrient utilization, and carcass characteristics.
Increasing levels of inclusion of alternative protein sources showed positive effects on cecal microbial count and body weight gain. However, this study did not reveal differences in serum parameters.
During the starter phase, a commercial basal diet was fed to all chicks. It was 23% crude protein. A trace mineral premix provided copper per kg of diet. Birds fed the diet received 160 mg of vitamin B2 and 12,000 IU of vitamin E.
SFM
Finisher chicken feed is formulated to maximize weight gain, feed utilization and to minimize disease incidence. This is achieved by a combination of high protein, vitamin B complex, calcium and phosphorus content and low antinutritional compounds. In addition, SFM is a cheaper protein source.
Sunflower meal has high dietary protein levels and is an economical by-product from oil processing industry. It is suitable for use in broiler diet formulation. Moreover, sunflower meal contains 38% crude protein. However, its price has increased in the last few years. Hence, a study was conducted to assess the effects of different SFM inclusion rate on broiler performance.
Results showed that higher de-hulled SFM levels had an increase in body weight and FI. Also, birds fed with SFM in the finisher stage had higher FI and FI than those fed with SFM in the pre-finisher phase.
Shell grit
Shell grit is a very important ingredient in the diet of your chickens. It is a dietary supplement that provides a good measure of calcium. The benefits of this mineral include the ability to strengthen egg shells and promote bone growth.
This mineral is actually an essential part of your chicken’s daily diet. Your birds are nibblers, meaning they will only eat a small amount at a time. You may also want to consider pelleting your feed, which will cut down on the energy needed to feed your flock.
Grit is made from oyster and flint shells and can be offered to your chickens in several ways. It can be used as a supplement to your laying feed, or it can be fed on its own.
Methods of feeding
Aside from having good breeding conditions and proper housing, one of the most important factors that affect the quality of your chicken’s performance is the diet they eat. The feed that they consume can be varied in form, texture and nutrient content. It is important to understand the nutritional requirements for different life stages of your birds.
Poultry feeding systems should be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of your flock. They should also be reliable and low-maintenance.
There are two main types of feeding methods: pellets and mash. Pellets are formed by grinding ingredients into a oblong shape. This feed allows chickens to eat more in a short period of time.
Mash, on the other hand, is loose and easily wasted. Generally, it is used for baby chickens. In addition, it has a granola-like texture that encourages a natural pecking instinct in your chickens.
