Scientifically Select Feed To Help Chickens Grow Healthily

In modern poultry farming, scientific and reasonable feed selection and feeding methods are key factors to ensure the healthy growth of chickens. High-quality feed can not only improve the immunity of chickens, promote growth and development, but also improve egg production and meat quality. This article will analyze the selection, comparison, function and automated feeding plan of feed to provide practical reference for farmers.

1. Feed selection: nutritional balance is the key

Chicken feed is mainly divided into the following categories, and farmers can choose according to the growth stage and breeding goals of chickens:

① Complete feed

- Contains comprehensive nutrition such as protein, energy, minerals, vitamins, etc., suitable for chickens at different growth stages.

- Suitable for large-scale farms, which can reduce the risk of nutritional imbalance.

② Concentrated feed

- Need to be mixed with energy feed (such as corn and wheat), suitable for farmers with certain feed preparation experience.

- The cost is low, but the ratio must be accurate.

③ Premix

- Contains trace elements, vitamins and amino acids, etc., and needs to be mixed with the main raw materials.

- Suitable for farms that prepare their own feed, with high flexibility.

④ Organic/antibiotic-free feed

- Does not contain antibiotics and chemical additives, suitable for ecological farming or high-end markets.

- The cost is high, but in line with the trend of healthy farming.

2. Comparison and role of different feeds

| Feed type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Applicable stage |

| Complete feed | Comprehensive nutrition, easy to use | High cost | Applicable at all stages |

| Concentrated feed | Low cost, adjustable formula | Need to be matched with energy feed | Growing period, egg-laying period |

| Premix | Strong flexibility, customizable formula | Requires precise ratio | Applicable at all stages |

| Organic feed | Safe and healthy, high market premium | Expensive | High-end farming |

Chickens at different growth stages have different nutritional requirements:

- Chicks (0-6 weeks): Require high protein (18-20%), easily digestible feed to promote bone and muscle development.

- Growing chickens (7-20 weeks): Appropriately reduce protein (14-16%), control energy intake, and prevent overweight.

- Laying hens (after 21 weeks): Need high calcium (3.5-4%) and high protein (16-18%) feed to ensure eggshell quality and egg production rate.

- Broilers: Need high energy and high protein feed to promote rapid weight gain.

3. Advantages of fully automatic feeding trays

Modern farms are increasingly using fully automatic feeding trays, and their advantages include:

- Precision feeding: The feeding amount and time can be set according to the growth stage of the chicken to reduce waste.

- Save manpower: Automatic feeding, reduce labor costs, especially suitable for large-scale breeding.

- Reduce pollution: The closed design can prevent the feed from getting damp or contaminated, and improve feed utilization.

4. Feeding time recommendations:

- Chick stage: small amounts and multiple times, 4-6 times a day, to avoid indigestion.

- Growing period: 3-4 times a day, regular and quantitative, to prevent picky eating.

- Laying period: One main meal in the morning and one in the evening, and a small amount of feed in the afternoon to ensure continuous supply of nutrition.

5. Tips for using the fully automatic feeding tray:

Regular cleaning: Avoid moldy feed residues that affect the health of the chickens.

Adjust the height: As the chickens grow, adjust the height of the feeding tray to facilitate feeding.

Monitor feed intake: Record data through the automation system to detect abnormal conditions in time.

Scientifically selecting feed and using automated feeding technology can not only improve the health of the chickens, but also reduce breeding costs and improve economic benefits. Farmers should choose the right type of feed according to their own conditions, and combine the fully automatic feeding system to achieve efficient management and promote the sustainable development of the poultry farming industry.