Approximate daily & weekly feed consumption for 1000 poultry Locals /Feed schedule for poultry

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on estimating daily and weekly feed consumption for 1000 poultry layers. It will walk you through feed formulation for different growth stages of poultry, and how to produce your own feed to cut costs. Understanding these concepts is crucial for poultry farmers looking to enhance growth and production efficiency.

Step 1: Understand Feed Consumption Rates

• Daily Consumption: Determine the daily feed consumption per bird. On average, layers consume approximately 100-120 grams of feed per day.
• Weekly Consumption: Multiply the daily consumption by 7. For example:
  • Daily feed per bird: 100 grams
  • Weekly feed per bird: 100 grams x 7 days = 700 grams
• Total Feed for 1000 Birds: Multiply the weekly feed per bird by the total number of birds:
  • Weekly feed for 1000 birds: 700 grams x 1000 = 700,000 grams or 700 kg.

Step 2: Create a Feed Schedule

• Growth Stages: Develop a feed schedule that corresponds to the different stages of growth:
  • Day 1 to 6 weeks: Start with starter feed rich in protein.
  • 6 weeks to 15 weeks: Transition to grower feed, which is lower in protein but higher in energy.
  • 15 weeks and beyond: Use layer feed for optimal egg production.
• Sample Daily Schedule:
  • Day 1-7: 100 grams of starter feed
  • Week 2-3: 120 grams of starter feed
  • Week 6-15: 150 grams of grower feed
  • Week 15+: 120 grams of layer feed

Step 3: Formulate Your Own Feed

• Ingredients: Basic ingredients for poultry feed include:
  • Maize
  • Soybean meal
  • Fishmeal
  • Minerals and vitamins
• Basic Recipe Example:
  • 60% Maize
  • 30% Soybean meal
  • 5% Fishmeal
  • 5% Mineral and vitamin mix
• Mixing Instructions:
  • Measure each ingredient using a scale for accuracy.
  • Mix thoroughly in a clean container to ensure even distribution of nutrients.

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust Feed

• Regular Checks: Monitor poultry growth and production rates regularly.
• Adjust Feed as Necessary: If birds are not growing as expected, consider increasing the protein content or adjusting the feed ratios.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Overfeeding or Underfeeding: Both can lead to health issues and decreased productivity. Always stick to the feeding guidelines.
• Ignoring Quality Control: Ensure that all feed ingredients are fresh and free from contaminants to prevent disease.

Conclusion

By understanding and implementing these feeding strategies, poultry farmers can effectively manage feed consumption and production costs. Consider formulating your own feed to enhance profitability. Start by monitoring your birds' growth and adjusting the feed schedule as necessary for optimal results.