Phases: why feed changes with age (starter, grower, finisher; pullet, layer)
A three-day-old chick and a five-week-old chicken do not have the same needs, any more than a baby and a teenager. The first builds its organs and bones, it needs a lot of protein; the second fills its muscles and lays down fat, it needs mainly energy. Giving the wrong feed at the wrong age costs twice: too rich, you pay for useless protein; too poor, you lose weight or eggs.
12 min read · 5-question quiz at the end
By Abdul Hussein ChoumanFounder of NEXTEKCI · Agnibilékrou hatchery since 2006Lesson reserved for students following the steps
This lesson is part of Level 7 — Feed and nutrition. It opens to registered students who have passed the level 6 exam. Levels 1 to 5 and the tracks remain readable by everyone.
What you will learn
- ✓Explain why protein needs fall and energy needs rise with age
- ✓Give the phases, ages and protein and energy ranges for the fast-growing broiler, the coloured chicken and the layer
- ✓Manage a feed transition without breaking intake
- ✓Calculate the quantity of each phase to order for a flock