Poultry Nutrition and Diet Formulation

Study Notes

Poultry nutrition is critical for optimal growth, egg production, feed conversion, and overall health
A balanced diet is essential, including protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals.
Protein needs vary by age and stage of production (broilers need more in the young stages, then less as they mature; layers need it for egg production)
Energy primarily comes from carbohydrates and fats, with levels adjusted for different stages (broilers need higher energy for growth while breeders need lower energy)
Essential vitamins (A, D, E, B vitamins) are needed for growth, immunity and metabolism. Deficiencies cause problems.
Minerals (calcium, phosphorus, sodium) are crucial, especially for eggshell formation (layers) and bone development (all poultry). The calcium-phosphorus ratio is critical to avoid disorders like rickets.

Layer diets focus on calcium for eggshells and protein for egg formation. Typical layer diets have 16-18% protein, 4% calcium and moderate energy.
Broiler diets maximize growth and meat yield, with high protein (20-24%) initially, then shifting to lower protein and higher energy as they mature. Amino acids (methionine and lysine) are carefully balanced.
Breeder diets promote fertility and egg production, avoiding excessive weight gain, with lower energy but higher vitamins and minerals.

Probiotics and prebiotics improve gut health, nutrient absorption and immunity.
Enzymes like phytase improve nutrient digestibility, especially phosphorus.
Acidifiers lower gut pH, suppressing harmful bacteria and enhancing nutrient absorption.
Some countries use non-antibiotic growth promoters (essential oils, plant extracts) to stimulate growth and improve feed efficiency, however, use of antibiotics has regulations.

Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE) measures feed needed to produce a unit of meat or eggs, higher FCE is more cost-effective.
Broilers have high FCE (1.6-1.8 kg feed/kg weight gain) with phase feeding for better efficiency and to minimize waste.
Layers focus on maximizing eggs per unit of feed. Good gut health is key.

Starter phase (broilers) focuses on protein and energy to support growth (layer starts on skeletal development and immune system).
Grower phase (broilers) reduce protein slightly and maintain energy for continued growth (layer develop body reserves).
Finisher phase (broilers) lowers protein and increases energy to promote muscle growth without excess fat (layers focus on protein for egg production and maintaining quality).
Layer phase needs high calcium and protein for continual egg production and quality.

Egg quality relies on sufficient calcium and phosphorus, essential fatty acids and protein. Deficiencies cause poor egg quality, reduced production and higher breakage rates
Meat yield relies on protein, energy and balanced amino acids - optimal nutrition allows for better muscle development and carcass quality.

Rickets (poor bone development) results from calcium/phosphorus/vitamin D deficiencies.
Fatty Liver Syndrome (fat in liver) happens from too much energy in diets.
Ascites (fluid accumulation) results from imbalances in energy and oxygen in rapid growers.

Alternative ingredients like insect meal, algae, and distillers' grains are being used.
Precision feeding uses real-time monitoring to adjust feed composition based on age, weight and environment for improved efficiency and less waste.