Producing high-yield poultry feed means achieving more with less, maximising output from the same resources while maintaining consistent quality. This requires careful optimisation at every stage of the production process, from sourcing raw materials to proper mixing, handling, and storage.
According to a 2023 report on the broiler value chain by the department of agriculture, feed accounts for nearly 70% of total poultry production costs in South Africa, making efficient feed management essential for both profitability and long-term sustainability.
Agriculturalist and poultry farmer Kamogelo Thobejane, founder of Kamo’s Farming Enterprise, emphasises that effective feed management is both a science and an art. Through consistent practices, quality control, and close monitoring, farmers can enhance feed efficiency, protect bird health, and maintain steady growth, ultimately improving productivity while keeping input costs under control.
1. Understanding the building blocks of good feed
A balanced poultry feed contains proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, and amino acids, all of which are essential for growth, immunity, and overall productivity. According to Afgri, poultry feed also provides important nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, lysine, and fibre, which support the birds’ health and performance.
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“Protein is particularly important because it supports growth. Without enough protein, birds grow slowly, become weak, and farmers may experience higher mortality rates,” Thobejane explains.
For layers, calcium is key to producing strong eggshells, while deficiencies in essential nutrients can lead to brittle bones, low productivity, and disease vulnerability. Farmers should therefore always choose feed formulations that meet their birds’ nutritional needs.
2. Feeding according to age and purpose
Poultry feed is not one-size-fits-all. Feed formulation depends on both the bird’s type (broiler or layer) and its stage of growth. Thobejane shares the following:
Broilers:
- Day 1–14: Starter feed to support early development
- Day 14–35: Grower feed to sustain rapid growth
- After 35 days: Finisher feed (optional) with lower protein levels to prepare birds for market weight
Layers:
- Day 1–18: Starter feed
- Day 18–20: Grower feed
- After 20 weeks: Layer mash to support egg production
Thobejane notes that some farmers prefer to skip the grower stage and move directly from starter to finisher, depending on their production goals.
“Feed formulation differs depending on the bird’s age and purpose. You can’t feed starter to mature birds or layer mash to broilers – that would affect growth and productivity,” he shares.
3. Choose quality feed
Feed quality directly influences flock performance. Thobejane warns farmers against buying unverified or unbranded feed, especially from informal vendors.
“Always buy from registered, reliable suppliers. Check the packaging for nutritional information and expiry dates. Poor-quality or expired feed can cause mould growth and lead to health problems,” he says.
He advises farmers to inspect feed by smell and texture:
- Good feed should be dry and fine in texture.
- Avoid feed that smells sour or damp, as this indicates spoilage.
- Sticky or mouldy feed can lead to digestive issues and disease outbreaks.
4. Avoid these common feeding mistakes
Many small-scale farmers unintentionally waste feed or compromise bird health through poor management practices. According to Thobejane, these are the most common feeding mistakes to avoid:
Overfeeding and underfeeding
“If birds are overfed, they may grow too fast and die prematurely. Too little feed, on the other hand, slows growth and weakens them.”
Monitoring feed intake and observing bird behaviour are key. Birds that eat too quickly or fight for feed may not be getting enough, while leftover feed in trays indicates oversupply.
Spillage and poor feeder adjustment
Feed waste often occurs when feeders are too low or unstable. “Adjust your feeders as birds grow. Most feeders come with height settings; use them to prevent spillage,” Thobejane says.
According to Afgri, feeder height should be adjusted every two to three days to align with the chickens’ shoulder height, encouraging them to stretch slightly to access the feed. This promotes more efficient feed utilisation and prevents spillage onto the floor.
Changing feed brands too often
Switching between different feed brands disrupts nutrient intake.
“Every brand has its own nutrient formulation. Changing feed suddenly affects growth and may stress your birds. If you must change, do it gradually by mixing the old and new feed for a few days.”
Poor storage
Feed should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from rodents, moisture, and direct sunlight. Wet or contaminated feed quickly loses quality.
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5. Monitor feed consumption and keep records
Maintaining accurate records allows farmers to monitor feed consumption and bird growth. By weighing a sample of birds each week, they can track progress. Broilers should reach approximately two kilograms by six weeks. If birds fall below this benchmark, it may indicate issues with feed quality or overall management practices.
Monitoring helps identify problems early, such as feed inefficiency or disease, and allows timely intervention.
“You need to record how much feed you’re giving, how much the birds are eating, and how they’re growing. Without records, you can’t tell what’s working or what needs improvement.”
6. Manage feed costs
Feed prices are a major challenge for poultry farmers. Thobejane recommends improving efficiency rather than cutting corners:
- Invest in good-quality feeders to minimise waste.
- Avoid feed spoilage through proper storage and moisture control.
- Use feed economically by monitoring consumption patterns.
- Buy in bulk when possible to benefit from supplier discounts.
“Feed is expensive, but if you manage it well, your business remains profitable without compromising the health of your birds.”
7. Pay attention to environmental and behavioural factors
Environmental conditions also affect feed intake. “When it’s cold, birds eat less because they spend energy trying to stay warm. If the poultry house is too cold, they’ll huddle together instead of feeding,” Thobejane notes.
Maintaining proper temperature and ventilation helps birds eat consistently and convert feed into body weight efficiently.
“Poultry farming can be profitable, but only if you pay attention to the small details – feed quality, storage, temperature, and consistency. Those details make all the difference.”
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