Just like humans, birds require different types of feed at different stages of growth. Below are the types of feed given to broilers and layers.
Feed for Broilers
Broiler Starter: This is high in protein and energy and is given from day old until 4-6 weeks old.
Broiler Finisher: This has a lower protein and energy content than starter. It is given from about 4-6 weeks until target weight is attained.
Feed for Laying Birds
Starter: Layers can be given broiler starter in their chick stage. This is given for the first 8 weeks. They can also be given chick mash.
Grower Feed: Given from 8 to 20 weeks or when 5-10% of the birds start laying.
Layers Feed: It is introduced when 5-10% of the birds start laying and it is given until the birds are sold.
Feed for Cockerels
Broiler/Chick Starter: Given for the first 6 weeks.
Low Quality & Cheap Feed: After 6 weeks, the farmer may formulate a cheap and low quality feed from soybean meal, groundnut cake, maize, palm kernel cake, vitamin mineral premix etc. Alternatively, the cockerel can be allowed to free-range and their scavenged feed supplemented with small quantity of high quality feed.