Broiler Feeding and Weight Chart

Broiler feeding charts and weight gain tracking are useful for broiler chicken producers to ensure that birds are gaining weight correctly. If needed, adjustments can be made to the feeding program.

Broilers have immense growth potential, capable of reaching market weight in just 6–7 weeks. However, understanding the nutritional needs of broilers is essential for maximum results.

Importance of Proper Broiler Feeding

Proper feeding of broilers is essential for their growth and overall health. It ensures optimal weight gain, improves feed efficiency, and enhances meat quality. Adequate nutrition helps prevent diseases and supports better production outcomes.

Broiler rations are typically divided into starter, grower, and finisher feeds. The nutrient content of each feed is tailored to the broiler’s requirements at that age.

Starter Feed (0-10 days)

The starter phase is critical for broiler performance. Broiler chicks triple their hatch weight by 7 days old and gain 12 times their initial weight by day 10.

        – High protein diet

        – Frequent small meals

        – Expected weight gain: 150-200g

        – Reference: Cobb-Vantress Broiler Management Guide

     B. Grower phase (11–24 days)

        – Balanced protein-energy ratio

        – Gradual feed density increase

        – Expected weight: 800-1200g

        – Citation: Aviagen Broiler Management Handbook

     C. Finisher phase (25–42 days)

        – Lower protein concentration

        – Maximize weight gain

        – Target market weight: 2.2-2.5 kg

To achieve a weight of 2.5-2.7 kg for your broilers in 42 days, prioritize an effective feeding plan and good management practices.

Broiler Feeding Chart

The amounts listed are starting guidelines, but producers should adjust based on actual consumption, which can vary significantly based on housing temperatures, stocking density, and other factors affecting feed intake.

NOTE: Weighing birds weekly helps evaluate growth responses.

Monitoring Weight Gain with Broiler Weight Chart

The feeding chart outlines recommended feed quantities, while the broiler weight chart monitors actual weight gain in comparison to target goals.

Comparing target weights versus actual weights identifies any performance gaps. Producers can then adjust feed amounts or diet formulations.

Key aspects of a broiler weight chart include

• Age: Record weight at 7-day intervals or more frequently if desired.
• Average Weight: Weigh a sample of birds (ex:100) and calculate the average.
• Target Weight: Weight goal for that age based on breed standards.
• FCR: Feed conversion ratio, amount of feed per kg gained.

Feed conversion ratio (FCR)

• Ideal FCR: 1.6-1.8 kg feed/kg body weight
• Factors affecting FCR:
• Genetics
• Environmental conditions
• Feed quality
• Citation: Poultry Science Research Journal

Age (days)	Average Weight (lb)	Target Weight (lb)	FCR
7	0.5	0.5	1.25
14	1.5	1.75	1.32
21	3.0	3.5	1.48
28	4.5	5.0	1.65
35	5.5	6.0	1.82
42	6.5	7.0	2.01
49	8.0	8.5	2.15

In this example, the FCR and weights in weeks 2 and 3 are below target. The nutritionist would reformulate feed or increase the amounts fed to get performance back on track.

Tracking Performance with Broiler Feeding Chart 

A broiler feeding chart outlines the type and amount of feed needed at each growth stage. Nutritionists create feeding plans based on factors like genetic strain and target market weight.

However, the chart is just a guideline; actual feed intake and growth should be monitored for necessary adjustments.

How many bags of feed for 100 broilers for 6 weeks?

From day one to the end of the sixth week, a broiler chicken would consume about 4.25 kilograms, give or take.

Introducing the impeccable Starter-Grower-Finisher pattern. (An average of 1.25 kg of starter, 1.5 kg of grower and 1.5 kg of finisher to attain market weight).

For the starter-finisher design, it is (An average of 1.75 kg of starter and 2.5 kg of
finisher).

Therefore, to determine the number of bags of feed required for a 100 broiler for 6 weeks, you must multiply 4.25 kg by 100.

4.25 x 100 = 425 kg.

A bag of feed = 25 kg.

425 kg divided by 25 kg (A bag) = 17 bags.

Adjusting the Feeding Program

The feeding chart and weight chart allow you to evaluate growth response and adjust the feeding program as needed. Some reasons for adjustments include:

• Underweight birds: Increase feed amount or diet density
• Overweight birds: Decrease feed amount to avoid excess fat
• Poor uniformity: Separate birds by size and adjust feed amounts
• Low feed intake: Increase palatability or switch feed form
• High mortality: Review nutrition and management practices

Broiler Feeding Program Best practices

In addition to having an effective feeding chart, certain best practices support optimal broiler performance:

1. Clean Water: Always provide clean, fresh water as it is crucial for digestion and overall health.
2. Vitamins and Minerals: Consider adding vitamin and mineral supplements to support growth and immunity.
3. Biosecurity: Maintain strict biosecurity measures to prevent disease, as unhealthy birds will not reach market weight.
4. Monitoring: Regularly check the birds’ weight and adjust feed quantities as necessary.
5. Allow a minimum of 2 inches of feeder space per bird.
6. Keep feeders at bird height and clear of contaminants.
7. Transition diets gradually over 5–7 days.
8. Store feed properly away from heat, light, and moisture.
9. Keep daily records of mortality, culls, and feed usage.

Key Points:

• Starter Feed (Days 1-7): Focus on high protein to support rapid growth and development. Ensure the feed is fresh and free from contaminants.
• Grower Feed (Days 8-21): Transition to grower feed to maintain growth while reducing protein slightly.
• Finisher Feed (Days 36-50): This phase should provide adequate energy and protein to reach the desired market weight.

Conclusion

Raising healthy chickens is all about good food and careful tracking. Think of it like raising a child – you need the right nutrition at the right time to help them grow strong. For chickens, this means:

1. Give them food tailored to their age
2. Watch their weight closely
3. Adjust feeding as they grow
4. Pay attention to their overall health

The goal is simple: healthy chickens that grow quickly and produce good meat. By understanding their nutritional needs and monitoring their progress, farmers can raise chickens more effectively and efficiently.