How to Make Chicken Feed Formulation at Home

Chicken Feed Formulation.

How to Make Chicken Feed Formulation at Home

Understanding chicken feed formulation is important for two reasons: first, to ensure that the feed is appropriate for the chicken breed and weight, and second, to ensure that the feed is nutritionally adequate.

There are a number of factors to consider when formulating chicken feed, including the chicken breed, weight, and dietary needs. For example, some chicken breeds are more active than others and require a higher energy level in their feed. Other considerations include the chicken's feed conversion ratio (FCR) - the number of feed calories converted to meat or egg products - and the chicken's age.

When it comes to chicken feed conversion ratios, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The first is that the ratio of feed to weight will vary depending on the type of chicken you have. For example, laying hens need a higher feed to weight ratio than roasters.

The second thing to keep in mind is that the feed conversion ratio is not the only factor that affects how much chickens eat. Chickens also need access to fresh water and a proper amount of exercise.

A large number of poultry farmers are going out of business as a result of rising feed prices. Since the government recently imposed a 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) on all animal feeds, the issue has gotten worse. This has made it extremely challenging for poultry producers to break even since the price of a 70kg bag of poultry feed has increased from an average of Ksh 2,000/= to Ksh 3,400/= (20% increase).

In fact, we've shown that some farmers currently make their own high-quality feeds on the farm and don't rely on the more expensive commercial feeds. Additionally, some feeds are of such poor quality that farmers that use them suffer unduly significant losses. For every 70-kilogram bag of chicken feed that farmers develop and make at home, they save an average of Ksh 840, which is a significant financial benefit for those engaged in commercial production.

We provide farmers with the following Chicken Feed Formulation on what they need to be able to create their own feeds and save production costs:

How to Make Chicken Feed Formulation at Home

Starter Chicken Feed - Chicken Feed Formulation

How to Prepare Layers Chick Mash (1-4 weeks)

Chicks need food that contains between 18 and 20 percent Digestible Crude Protein (DCP), as they are still growing. To provide a complete feed for all animals, amino acids are crucial ingredients in all feeds. Amino acid supplementation is crucial for hybrid chickens to maintain a balanced diet for quick growth. The components needed to manufacture a 70 kg bag of starter chicken feed are as follows:

Table Showing How to Prepare Starter Chicken Feed - Chicken Feed Formulation

Starter Chicken Feed - Layers Chick Mash - Chicken Feed Formulation
PRODUCT	WEIGHT
Whole Maize	31.5kg
Wheat Bran	9.1kg
Wheat Pollard	7.0 kg
Linseed or Sunflower	16.8 kg
Fishmeal	1.5 kg
Lime	1.75 kg
Salt	30g
Premix	20g
Amino Acids
Tryptophan	70g
Lysine	3.0g
Methionine	10g
Threonine	70 g
Enzymes	50g
Coccidiostat	60g
Toxin Binder	50g

It's crucial to keep in mind that pullets or early layers should be fed feed with a protein level of between 16 and 18% to make a 70 kg bag growers feed (1 to 8 weeks). With such food, the pullet grows quickly and gets ready to lay eggs. Chickens younger than 18 weeks old should never be given layer feed since it contains calcium that can harm their internal organs, such as their kidneys (they could develop kidney stones), which would interfere with their ability to lay eggs and limit their lifespan. Growers who do not use free range should be given grit (sand) to help in digestion.

Layers’ Mash - Chicken Feed Formulation

Table Showing How to Prepare a 70 kg bag of layers’ mash (18 weeks and above)

Layers’ Mash - Chicken Feed Formulation
PRODUCT	WEIGHT
Whole Maize	34kg
Soya	12kg
Fishmeal	8kg
Maize Bran, Rice Germ Or Wheat Bran	10kg
Lime	6 kg
Premix	175g
Amino Acids
Lysine	70g
Methionine	35g
Tryonine	70g
Tryptophan	35g
Toxin Binder	50g

Digestible Crude Protein (DCP) level for layer feed should be between 16 and 18%. Calcium must be present in the feed for the development of eggshells (Laying hens that do not get enough calcium will use the calcium stored in their own born tissue to produce eggshells). At 18 weeks, layer feed should be started.

Broiler Feed - Chicken Feed Formulation.

Formulating a 70 kg bag of broiler feed

At various phases of their growth, broilers have variable feed needs in terms of energy, proteins, and minerals. For best output, it is crucial that farmers modify Chicken Feed Formulation to these needs. Young broilers need a lot of protein for the growth of their muscles, feathers, etc. As broilers mature, their need for protein decreases while their need for energy to store fat increases.

As a result, they require starting rations with higher protein contents than grower and finisher rations. Chicken Feed Formulation for broilers should have a DCP content of between 22 and 24 percent. The farmer can prepare the ideal feed at each stage of growth by referring to the following recommendations:

Table Showing How to Prepare Broiler Growers Feed - Chicken Feed Formulation

Broiler Growers Feed - Chicken Feed Formulation
PRODUCT	WEIGHT
Whole Maize	10kg
Maize Germ	16.7kg
Wheat Pollard	13.3kg
Wheat Bran	10 kg
Cotton Seed Cake	6 kg
Sunflower Cake	4.7kg
Soya Meal	3.4kg
Bone Meal	40g
Fishmeal	3kg
Lime	2kg
Grower PMX	10g
Salt	5g
Coccidiostat	5g
Zincbacitrach	5g

Broiler Starter Feed - Chicken Feed Formulation.

Table Showing How to Prepare Broiler Starter Feed - Chicken Feed Formulation.

Broiler Starter Feed (1-4 Weeks) - Chicken Feed Formulation
PRODUCT	WEIGHT
Whole Maize	40kg
Fishmeal (or Omena)	12kg
Soya Bean Meal	14kg
Lime	4kg
Premix	70g
Amino Acids
Lysine	35g
Threonine

Farmers can produce their own poultry feeds at home using the straightforward Chicken Feed Formulation and ratios listed below:

Kienyeji Chick Mash - Chicken Feed Formulation

For the purpose of raising native chicken for the purpose of producing either eggs or meat, kienyeji mash is intended for use. For accelerated growth and development, it includes high-quality protein sources, cereals that are high in energy, and vitamins and minerals.

Table Showing How to Prepare Kienyeji Chick Mash - Chicken Feed Formulation

Kienyeji Chick Mash - Chicken Feed Formulation
Ingredient Type	Weight
Whole maize meal	48kg
Soya	18kg
Fish meal (omena)	13kg
Maize bran	14kg
Lime	6kg
Total

Kienyeji Growers Mash - Chicken Feed Formulation.

Table Showing How to Prepare Kienyeji Growers Mash - Chicken Feed Formulation.

Kienyeji Growers Mash - Chicken Feed Formulation
Ingredient Type	Weight
Whole maize meal	63kg
Soya	11.5kg
Fish meal (omena)	10kg
Maize bran	10kg
Lime	5.5kg

Kienyeji Layers Mash - Chicken Feed Formulation.

Table Showing How to Prepare Kienyeji Layers Mash - Chicken Feed Formulation.

Kienyeji Layers Mash - Chicken Feed Formulation
Ingredient Type	Weight
Whole maize meal	38.5
Soya	17kg
Fish meal (omena)	11.5kg
Maize bran	14kg
Lime	8kg

Important Tips on Chicken Feed Formulation.

It's crucial to conduct experimental trials while creating homemade Chicken Feed Formulation by isolating a number of chickens, feeding them, and monitoring their behavior. The broilers will grow quickly and the layer will produce more eggs if the feed ratios are appropriate (at least 1 egg after every 27 hours).

• Small-scale farmers operating in groups find it simpler to purchase some of the ingredients, such as premixes and amino acids, so they can then divide the finished product according to each person's contribution.

• Farmers need to use extreme caution when selecting raw materials or ingredients for Chicken Feed Formulation. Mycotoxins, which are found in the majority of raw materials, are prevalent in feeds, and chickens are particularly susceptible to them.

• Never prepare chicken feed out of rotted maize (maozo). Purchase fishmeal of high quality from reliable vendors. Farmers who utilize Omena must be certain of its quality because the majority of omena sold in open-air marketplaces may be polluted.

• It is crucial to combine all the micronutrients (amino acids) before combining them with the remaining feed.

• Farmers are encouraged to use a drum mixer for mixing (many jua kali artisans can make one). Never mix feed with a shovel since the ingredients will be spread unevenly. In Kenya, spoiled maize is the primary source of animal feed. Such feed is hazardous since it makes its way into human food, including eggs, meat, and dairy goat and cow milk.

• Farmers who produce their own feeds should always have them analyzed to make sure the Chicken Feed Formulation is properly balanced in order to increase feed quality.

Modern feed testing equipment is available at the KARI Centre in Naivasha, where it is possible to assess the quality of the Chicken Feed Formulation as well as all nutrients. One sample is tested for Ksh1000. Take a 1kg sample of your prepared Chicken Feed Formulation and submit it by courier to KARI in Naivasha at (0726) 264 032 or (0738) 390 715. The center can send you the results in 24 hours if you use email.

FAQs about Chicken Feed Formulation

1. What are the ingredients for feed formulation?

Rice bran (of various sorts), fishmeal, meat bone meal, blood meal, soybean meal, soybean cake, canola meal, cassava, oils, etc. are important feed materials (Table 7). For instance, there are numerous varieties of fishmeal, including both imported fishmeal and local fishmeal with protein levels ranging from 35 to 65 percent.

2. How do you calculate protein in chicken feed?

As an example, if you add 30 kg of wheat, you would multiply by 0.14 and get 4.2. The percentage of protein in that batch of chicken feed can be calculated by adding the resulting percentages for each ingredient.

3. What are the 6 major components of poultry feed?

Chicken Feed Formulation has six major components, which are Water. Carbohydrates. Fats. Proteins. Minerals. And Vitamins.

4. What is used to make chickens grow faster?

While chickens need a substantial amount of carbohydrates for energy and to increase weight, a high protein diet can help your native chickens grow quickly. The best sources of protein for your chickens are typically animal byproducts. Additionally, you could give them some plant-based protein.

5. What is DCP in feed formulation?

Dicalcium phosphate (Dibasic calcium phosphate) is mostly utilized as an addition or supplement in the feed for animals. In some medicinal formulations, especially odor control medicines, it is also employed as a tableting agent.

XAXA-FARMS

How to Make Chicken Feed Formulation at Home | Xaxa Farms

Chicken Feed Formulation.

How to Make Chicken Feed Formulation at Home