Poultry encyclopedia · NEXTEKCI School · Feed raw materials
Premix: vitamins and trace minerals
A premix is a concentrated blend of vitamins and trace minerals added to the feed in small amounts. Small in volume, it is essential: without it, even a feed rich in maize and soya gives birds that grow badly, have leg problems or lay badly. It is fragile and must be stored with care.
Key facts
- Contains
- Vitamins A, D3, E, K, B group; trace minerals
- Trace minerals
- Iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium
- Amount
- A very small share of the feed, per the manufacturer
- Specific
- One premix per type of bird and per phase
- Enemies
- Heat, humidity, light, time
What it is
A premix is a powder that brings together, on a carrier, the vitamins and trace minerals the bird needs in very small amounts. Depending on the manufacturer, it sometimes also contains synthetic amino acids, enzymes or other additives.
It should not be confused with a "concentrate", which also contains protein and major minerals and is mixed in larger amounts with cereals. Premix and concentrate are not used in the same way: follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Its role in the ration
Vitamins and trace minerals make everything else work: growth, defences against disease, strength of bones and legs, feathering, laying and shell quality. Raw materials provide some, but never enough and never consistently.
Deficiencies show varied signs: weak or twisted legs, curled toes, nervous disorders, poor feathering, falling egg production, birds more susceptible to disease. These signs can have other causes: diagnosis is the vet’s job.
A premix for each bird
Broilers, pullets and layers do not have the same needs: a "layer" premix, for example, is designed for the hen in production, not for a broiler chick. The manufacturer states which bird, which phase and what amount its premix is made for.
Some premixes or concentrates contain an anticoccidial or another additive. Their use and withdrawal periods follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the vet’s advice, especially for layers whose eggs are sold.
Storage and mixing
Vitamins are fragile: heat, humidity, light and time gradually destroy them. Premix is kept in its closed bag, in a cool, dry, shaded place, away from fertilisers and chemicals, and used before its expiry date. A wet or lumpy premix has lost part of its value.
Because it goes in in very small amounts, it must be weighed accurately and spread evenly. It is first mixed with a small amount of feed, then this pre-mix is added to the rest, and everything is mixed long enough. Mixing that is too short gives deficient birds next to birds that get too much.
Common mistakes
Forgetting the premix, or putting in "a bit less to save money": it is the most expensive saving in poultry farming. Putting in double "so they grow better": some trace minerals and vitamins become toxic in excess.
Using a layer premix for broilers, or the reverse; keeping opened bags for months in the sun. Adding vitamins to the water on top of the feed for no reason: any product put in the water is put there on the vet’s prescription.