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Broiler rear feeding management
Broiler rearing refers to the phase when chickens are between 5 to 8 weeks old, also known as the finishing period. Accelerating the growth rate during this stage is crucial for significantly boosting the economic returns from broiler production.
To achieve this, it's essential to implement scientific feeding and management practices. First, ensure that feeders are adjusted in a timely manner so all birds have equal access to food, which encourages higher feed intake and faster weight gain. Additionally, proper ventilation, lighting, stocking density, group size, litter maintenance, and waste management must be carefully controlled to support optimal growth conditions.
Another key factor is the timely adjustment of the diet formula. Broilers can be divided into two stages: 0–4 weeks and 5–8 weeks. The latter is the critical fattening period, during which broilers grow rapidly and accumulate fat efficiently. Therefore, the feed formula should be adjusted to meet the specific nutritional needs of this stage, ensuring adequate energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals to promote rapid weight gain.
Providing high-quality feed is also vital. Quality feed should be nutritionally balanced, with an appropriate protein-to-energy ratio to improve feed conversion efficiency. In the later stage, increasing the energy content by adding 3% fat and reducing fiber-rich ingredients like bran can enhance the feed’s energy value. Also, using pelleted feed instead of meal feed helps reduce waste, improves nutrient absorption, and speeds up the fattening process.
Maintaining good health and a comfortable environment is equally important. A clean and well-managed environment reduces disease risks, supports better growth, and keeps the chickens’ appetite strong. Key measures include adjusting stocking density to prevent overcrowding, improving ventilation to maintain air quality, and controlling house temperature to optimize feed intake. High temperatures, especially above 25°C, can significantly reduce feed consumption, so cooling systems or shade should be used to keep the birds comfortable.
Finally, disease prevention plays a critical role in broiler performance. Strict hygiene, regular disinfection, proper vaccination schedules, and responsible use of medications are necessary to minimize illness and ensure healthy, fast-growing birds. By combining these strategies, farmers can maximize the growth potential of their broilers and achieve better profitability.