Table of contents

Introduction

Overview of poultry nutrition and feed formulation

Chapter 1: Understanding Poultry Nutrient

Requirements

- Nutrient requirements for different poultry species

(chickens, turkeys, ducks, etc.)

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- Nutrient requirements for different production stages
(starter, grower, layer, etc.)
- Factors affecting nutrient requirements (age, sex,
breed, etc.)

Chapter 2: Common Feed Ingredients for Poultry

- Grains (corn, wheat, etc.)

- Protein sources (soybean meal, fish meal, etc.)
- Supplements (vitamins, minerals, etc.)
- Nutritional values of different feed ingredients

Chapter 3: Simplified Feed Formulation for Poultry

- Introduction to simplified feed formulation methods

- Examples of simplified feed formulation calculations for
poultry
- Using feed calculator app

Chapter 4: Formulating Feeds for Different Poultry

Production Stages

- Starter feeds (0-4 weeks)

- Grower feeds (4-8 weeks)
- Layer feeds (18 weeks and older)
- Finisher feed (broilers 4-12 weeks)
- concentrate feeds

Chapter 5: How to prepare some feed ingredients

before mixing
-soybean

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- bone meal

Chapter 6: How to mix Poultry feed ingredients

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting Common Poultry Feed

Formulation Issues_

- Common mistakes in poultry feed formulation and how

to avoid them
- Troubleshooting feed formulation problems (e.g., poor
growth, etc.)

Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

No doubt, poultry production is capital intensive and

quite expensive. Chicken feed account
for more than 70% of the cost of production, learning
how to make your own feed will greatly
increase your profit margin.
I found out that many people find it difficult to compound
their feed due to inadequate knowledge on how feed is
formulated or due to lack of knowledge on how to make
use of available ingredients. The limitation with having
an already documented formula is,you won't be able to
formulate feed if one or two ingredients isn't available in
your location . The book was written to

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solve some of these problems. You can still formulate
feed in the absence of the documented ingredients in a
given formula.
Sometimes beginners fail in poultry production and sell
their birds at cheaper rate when they
run out of cash, but in this book, you will learn how to
mix their feed and get good results.
Another reason why some farmers fail is that some
resort to mixing feed anyhow and that is
the reason for anyhow result. I hope you will gain value
reading this ebook.

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Chapter 1

Understanding Poultry Nutrient

Requirements

Poultry nutrition plays a crucial role in the health,

growth, and productivity of poultry birds. Different poultry

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species and production stages have unique nutrient
requirements. Here's a breakdown of the nutrient
requirements for various poultry species and production
stages:

Poultry Species:

- Chickens:
- Broilers: require high protein (22-24%) and energy
(3200-3400 kcal/kg) for rapid growth

- Layers: require balanced protein (16-18%) and

energy (2800-3000 kcal/kg) for egg production

- Turkeys:
- Require higher protein (24-26%) and energy
(3400-3600 kcal/kg) than chickens

- Ducks:
- Require higher fat (4-5%) and energy (3600-3800
kcal/kg) than chickens

- Geese:
- Require higher protein (20-22%) and energy
(3200-3400 kcal/kg) than chickens

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Production Stages:

- Starter (0-4 weeks):

- Require high protein (22-24%) and energy
(3200-3400 kcal/kg) for rapid growth and development
- Grower (4-8 weeks):
- Require moderate protein (18-20%) and energy
(3000-3200 kcal/kg) for continued growth
- Layer (18 weeks and older):
- Require balanced protein (16-18%) and energy
(2800-3000 kcal/kg) for egg production
- Breeder:
- Require higher protein (18-20%) and energy
(3000-3200 kcal/kg) for reproductive health

Factors Affecting Nutrient Requirements:

- Age: Nutrient requirements change as birds grow and

develop

- Sex: Males require more protein and energy than

females

- Breed: Different breeds have unique nutrient

requirements

- Climate: Birds in hot and humid climates require more

water and electrolytes

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- Health status: Birds under stress or with health issues
require more nutrients

It's essential to understand these factors and adjust feed

formulation accordingly to ensure optimal poultry health
and productivity.

Chapter 2

Common Feed Ingredients for Poultry

Poultry feed in Nigeria typically consists of a

combination of grains, protein sources, supplements,
and other ingredients. Here are some common feed
ingredients for poultry in Nigeria:

Grains(carbohydrates):

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- Corn (maize)
- Sorghum
- Millet
- Wheat (less common due to high cost)

Protein Sources:

- Soybean meal (imported or locally produced)

- Fish meal (imported or locally produced)
- Meat and Bone Meal (MBM)
- Groundnut cake (locally produced)
- Palm kernel cake (locally produced)

Supplements:

- Vitamins (A, D, E, K, and B-complex)

- Minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium,
and trace minerals like zinc, copper, etc.)
- Amino Acids (lysine, methionine, and other essential
amino acids)
- Enzymes (protease, amylase, etc.)

_Nutritional Values of Different Feed Ingredients:_

- Energy (kcal/kg)
- Protein (%)
- Fat (%)

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- Fiber (%)
- Moisture (%)
- Ash (%)
- Calcium (%)
- Phosphorus (%)

Some examples of nutritional values of common feed

ingredients in Nigeria are:

- Corn: 3500 kcal/kg, 9% protein, 4% fat, 2% fiber, 14%

moisture
- Soybean meal: 4500 kcal/kg, 45% protein, 2% fat, 5%
fiber, 10% moisture
- Fish meal: 5000 kcal/kg, 60% protein, 10% fat, 0%
fiber, 10% moisture

Note: The nutritional values may vary depending on the

specific ingredient and source.

It's important to understand the nutritional values of

different feed ingredients to formulate a balanced diet for
your poultry flock. Additionally, consider the availability
and affordability of these ingredients when formulating
your feed.

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Chapter 3
Simplified Feed Formulation for Poultry

Simplified feed formulation methods are easy-to-use

techniques for formulating poultry feed that meets the
nutritional requirements of birds. These methods are
ideal for small-scale poultry farmers and enthusiasts
who want to produce high-quality feed without extensive
nutritional knowledge.

Examples of Simplified Feed Formulation

Calculations for Poultry

1. Pearson's Square Method: A simple method for

formulating feed using two ingredients.
2. Three-Ingredient Mix Method: A method for
formulating feed using three ingredients and a nutrient
requirement. The Pearson Square Method can also be
applied to this method.
[Link] Feed Formulation Software and Apps

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There are several software programs that animal
nutritionists use to formulate balanced feed for poultry.
One common software is the Trial and Error software,
which can be time-consuming to use, requiring multiple
attempts to arrive at a formula. Recently, new apps have
been developed to make it easier for farmers and feed
millers to create a formula without the stress involved in
using the trial and error method. In this eBook, we will
focus on one such app, the Feed Calculator.

Using feed calculator app

The Feed Calculator app is an Android application that

helps you create recipes for animal feed.

In order to use the app, you first need to download it

from the Google Play Store . Once downloaded, you will
need to create an account with your email address,
password, country, user type (farmer, feed miller,
advisor, other), phone number, and project (e.g., broiler
project) .

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The app allows you to create free recipes, but some
features require credits, which can be purchased in the
app or with a code from a local dealer. There are two
types of free recipes: smallholder broiler feed recipes
(limited to 200 birds) and standard broiler starter and
finisher feeds .

Here’s a walk-through on how to create a standard

broiler starter feed recipe for 1000 chickens:

Select (broiler) from the animal type list.

Choose standard broiler starter feed for the first two
weeks.

Input the number of birds (1000 chickens).

Select all the ingredients that are available in your local
market from the ingredient list. The app will tell you if the
selected ingredients can create a high-quality feed.
Fill in the price per kilogram for each ingredient.

Click on "show feed price" to see the total cost of the

recipe .
Click on "show recipe" to see the recipe details including
the amount of each ingredient needed in kilograms . You
can save this recipe to your phone's gallery.
The app also includes a mixing guide and a table to help
you determine how much feed your birds need per
week.

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Chapter 4
Formulating Feeds for Different Poultry Production
Stages

Poultry birds have different nutritional requirements at

various stages of their growth and production.
Formulating feeds that meet these specific needs is
crucial for optimal growth, health, and productivity.

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Here's a breakdown of the different poultry production
stages and their corresponding feed formulations:

1. Starter Feeds (0-4 weeks)

Here are the definitions:A high-protein and high-energy

feed formulated for young poultry (0-4 weeks) to support
rapid growth and development.

- High-protein (22-24%) and high-energy (3200-3400

kcal/kg) feed to support rapid growth and development
- Balanced amino acid profile to promote muscle growth
and development
- Added vitamins and minerals to support immune
system development and overall health

2. Grower Feeds (4-8 weeks)

A moderate-protein and moderate-energy feed
formulated for poultry (6-17 weeks) especially for layers
to support their continued growth and development.

- Moderate protein (18-20%) and energy (3000-3200

kcal/kg) to support continued growth and development
- Adjusted calcium and phosphorus levels to support
bone growth and development
- Added supplements to support immune system
development and overall health

3. Layer Feeds (18 weeks and older)

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A balanced-protein and balanced-energy feed
formulated for adult poultry (18 weeks and older) to
support egg production and overall health.

- Balanced protein (16-18%) and energy (2800-3000

kcal/kg) to support egg production and overall health
- Adjusted calcium and phosphorus levels to support
eggshell production and bone health
- Added supplements to support reproductive health and
overall well-being

4. Finisher Feeds
A high-energy and moderate-protein feed formulated for
poultry in the last few weeks before market to promote
efficient growth and finishing.

- Formulated to promote efficient growth and finishing in

the last few weeks before market
- High-energy (3200-3400 kcal/kg) and moderate protein
(18-20%) to support rapid growth and finishing
- Adjusted supplements to support immune system
development and overall health.

5. Concentrate feeds:

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A high-protein and high-energy feed supplement that is
mixed with other ingredients to create a complete feed,
typically used to customize feed formulations for specific
poultry production stages or needs.

The exact mixing ratio will depend on the specific

concentrate and the desired feed formulation. A typical
mixing ratio might be:

- 30-40% concentrate
- 60-70% corn

For example, if you are using a 40% concentrate, you

would mix 10 kg of concentrate with 15 kg of corn to
create a 25 kg batch of feed.

The mixing process should be done in a specific order

and with proper equipment to ensure a uniform and

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accurate mix. Additionally, the feed should be stored
properly to maintain its quality and nutritional value.

It's important to note that these are general guidelines

and specific nutritional requirements may vary
depending on factors such as breed, sex, and
production system. Additionally, feed formulations may
need to be adjusted based on individual farm conditions
and bird performance.

Chapter 5

How to prepare some feed ingredients

before mixing

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Soybeans

Raw soybeans contain some toxic substances that can

be harmful to birds. This is why it is important to toast it
properly. Toasting soybeans is a process that involves
heating the soybeans to a high temperature to enhance
their nutritional value and make them more digestible for
birds. Here are some benefits of toasting soybeans:

- Improved protein quality: Toasting soybeans can

improve the protein quality by denaturing anti-nutritional
factors such as trypsin inhibitors.
- Increased energy availability: Toasting soybeans can
increase the energy availability by breaking down some
of the complex carbohydrates.
- Enhanced palatability: Toasted soybeans are more
palatable to poultry, which can lead to increased feed
intake.

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- Reduced anti-nutritional factors: Toasting soybeans
can reduce anti-nutritional factors such as
phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and lectins.

- Clean and dry the soybeans: Remove any debris or

impurities from the soybeans and ensure they are
completely dry.
- Heat the soybeans: Use a roasting pan or a drum
heater to heat the soybeans. If the heating is done
manually, it is important, the person toasting it must
continue to stir the seeds until it's ready for use.
- Toasting time: Toast the soybeans for 15-30 minutes,
stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Cooling: Allow the toasted soybeans to cool completely
before using them in your poultry feed formula.

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Bone meal

Bone meal is a valuable source of calcium, and

phosphorus for poultry. Here's a step-by-step guide on
how to prepare bone meal:

1. Collection of Raw Materials: Collect animal bones

(preferably from poultry or ruminants) and ensure they
are free of contaminants.

2. Crushing: Crush the bones into smaller pieces to

increase their surface area.

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3. Roasting: Roast the crushed bones in a rotary drum
or oven at 200-250°C (392-482°F) for 30 minutes to 1
hour. This step enhances the nutritional value and
makes the bones more brittle.

4. Grinding: Grind the roasted bones into a fine powder

using a hammer mill or grinder.

5. Sifting: Sift the powder to remove any lumps or large

particles, ensuring a uniform texture.

7. Storage: Store the prepared bone meal in a dry, cool

place to maintain its nutritional value.

Chapter 6

Mixing Poultry Feed Ingredients: A

Step-by-Step Guide

Mixing poultry feed ingredients is a crucial step in

ensuring the nutritional requirements of your flock are
met. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to mix poultry
feed ingredients:

1. Weighing: Weigh out each ingredient according to

your formula, using a digital scale or balance.

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2. Grinding: Grind any ingredients that require it, such
as grains or bones, into a uniform particle size.

3. Mixing: Combine the ground ingredients in a large

mixing tank or bin.

4. Adding Supplements: mix micro ingredients first and

other supplements according to your formula and
separate from Macro ingredients.

5. Blending/mixing: Blend the mixture thoroughly to

ensure uniform distribution of all ingredients.

6. Pelleting or Crumbling: Convert the mix into pellets or

crumbles using a pellet mill or crumbler.

7. Quality Control: Check the feed for quality and texture

before offering it to your birds.

8. Store feed in a dry, cool place to maintain nutritional

value.

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Chapter 7

Troubleshooting Common Poultry

Feed Formulation Issues
Poultry feed formulation is a complex process that
requires careful attention to detail to ensure the
nutritional needs of your flock are met. However,
mistakes can occur, leading to suboptimal performance,
poor growth, and even health issues. Here are some
common mistakes in poultry feed formulation and how to
avoid them:

Common Mistakes:
1. Inadequate protein levels
2. Insufficient calcium and phosphorus
3. Inaccurate ingredient weighing
4. Poor mixing and blending
5. Inadequate vitamin and mineral supplementation
6. Failure to account for nutrient variability in ingredients
7. Inadequate moisture control
8. Failure to monitor and adjust formulation based on
flock performance

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Troubleshooting Feed Formulation
Problems:

1. Poor Growth:
- Check protein and energy levels
- Ensure adequate calcium and phosphorus
- Verify accurate ingredient weighing and mixing

2. Poor Feed Intake:

- Check palatability and texture
- Ensure adequate moisture levels
- Verify proper storage and handling

3. Health Issues:
- Check vitamin and mineral levels
- Ensure adequate nutrient levels for specific life
stages
- Verify proper sanitation and hygiene practices

Conclusion
In conclusion, poultry nutrition and feed formulation are
critical aspects of poultry production that require careful
consideration to ensure the health and productivity of
poultry flocks. This overview has covered the essential
topics in poultry nutrition and feed formulation, including
understanding poultry nutrient requirements, common

25
feed ingredients, simplified feed formulation methods,
and formulating feeds for different production stages.
Additionally, we have discussed the importance of
preparing feed ingredients, mixing, and troubleshooting
common feed formulation issues. By understanding
these concepts and applying them in practice, poultry
producers can create well-balanced and nutritious feeds
that promote optimal growth, health, and productivity in
their flocks. Remember, attention to detail and a
commitment to quality are key to successful poultry feed
formulation.

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