A farmer in Kenya must consider the broiler feeding program as a fundamental aspect of broiler production. Feeding affects numerous bird characteristics, including growth, health, and productivity. Therefore, it is essential to read and comprehend the broiler chicken feeding guide pdf in order to feed broilers for rapid growth. You can also follow the Kenchic vaccination program for broilers, which will assist you in maintaining the health of your birds.
Broilers are given starter mash for the first 3 weeks before gradually introducing broiler mash. An abrupt change of diet may cause stress to the birds, which will later cause retarded growth in the birds.
Use feeders to prevent wastage of feed. Besides, feeders enable the birds to consume less food more frequently. Also, it is easier to monitor the amount of feed consumed by birds in a day. You can supplement other foods rich in proteins to ensure their growth.
Broiler Chicken Feeding Program in Kenya
A broiler feeding program tells you how much broiler chicken needs to grow faster and healthier. It is important because it helps a farmer to avoid wastage of feeds or overseeing, which saves money. It also helps a farmer calculate the quantity of feed to buy and produce and how much to give chickens.
From day one to day 10, broiler chicks are given a broiler starter. It contains a protein content of 21 to 22 per cent and also contains supplements and essential minerals and vitamins. This feed helps in chick growth and development. During this period of 21 days, each chick will eat 1 kg of broiler starter.
From day 11 to 25, broiler chicken is fed broiler growers with a protein content of 19 to 20 per cent and low fiber content. During this period, each chicken will take 2kg of growers.
From day 26 to day 42, or until slaughter, the broiler is given a broiler finisher containing lower protein and high energy content. Each chicken will consume 1 kg of finisher during this period.
Importance of Giving Water to Broilers
Water plays a vital role in the digestion of food. Therefore, it is essential to provide clean water for the birds.
Regular changing of the water is crucial to avoid gastro infections. Once your birds are affected by this infection, provide neoxyl-vitamins for cleansing effects.
Growth Boosters
Aside from that, you can feed your broilers with growth boosters from a trusted agro vet or a homemade broiler booster. Growth boosters are added to feed or water to rapidly boost the growth of the birds.
With growth boosters, birds reach maturity faster and gain weight randomly. Growth boosters are the best when it comes to rearing broilers.
What Make Broilers to Grow Fast?
Other essential things that make your broilers grow fast include:
1. Proper Housing
The construction of a good house will safeguard your birds against adverse weather conditions. Poor housing may lead to stunted growth of the birds due to stress.
You need to sort broilers with big body sizes from those with small body sizes to prevent those with a big body from bullying smaller ones. By separating them, the smaller ones will be able to eat and drink without being intimidated, thereby increasing feed intake and body growth.
2. Maintaining Hygiene
Hygiene is vital when rearing broilers. Clean the coops regularly to eradicate breeding environments for parasites, since parasites cause infections that may even lead to the death of the birds. Also, provide clean feed and fresh water to avoid contamination.
3. Selection of Best Breeds
Selecting the best breeds with outstanding characteristics will help you raise birds that grow faster and reach maturity within a short time. Some species do not grow faster and thus should be avoided on your farm.
4. Vaccination
Broilers are prone to diseases as they are less resistant to them. Vaccination boosts their immunity, thus enabling them to fight deadly outbreak diseases. Adopt a suitable vaccination schedule as directed by the Ministry of Agriculture or your veterinary.
5. Give Them High Feed With Clean Water
Broilers require nutrition feeds like broiler starters, growers, and finisher diets. Feed and clean water, when given to them, will enhance the growth rate.
For faster growth, you should ensure broiler chickens are not starved. You must ensure to give them food and water as it is required.
6. Ensure Lights Are On And Off
This will ensure feeds consumed by broilers digest well. When the lights are off, make sure the broilers are not fed, so they are resting, therefore digestion occurs. During light hours, they consume a healthy amount of feed. If you use this tactic, there is enough feeding space for the broiler, therefore enhancing growth.
7. Avoid Hot Spots in Feed Silos
During the warm months, mold growth can quickly occur in broiler silos. These hot spots stick inside silos and may produce mycotoxins and consume valuable nutrients in feeds. To avoid this, clean and inspect silos every day. Also place drinkers close to feeders to reduce the chances of feed spoilage and enhance feed efficiency.
Kenchic Vaccination Program for Broilers
Kenchic recommends vaccinating all day-old broiler chicks at the hatchery against Gumboro, Newcastle, and Infectious Bronchitis diseases through spraying.
On day 14, broilers are given a single dose of Newcastle instead of two. This program helps to reduce stress on the broiler and ensure early and improved disease resistance
Cost of Rearing 100 Broilers in Kenya
The cost of rearing 100 broilers in Kenya is approximately Ksh. 140,000.
Below is a breakdown of this cost to avoid miscalculations:
1. Chicks at Ksh. 100 each- Ksh. 10,000.
2. Miscellaneous consists of labor, construction costs, equipment, sawdust, transportation, and heat source at Ksh. 80,000.
3. Feeds-Ksh. 30,000.
4. Vaccination drugs and treatments cost Ksh. 20,000.
In order to make profits with broiler chicken farming in Kenya, it is essential to cut down on costs and maximize output. Ensure you draft a proper budget that will guide you in allocating resources to avoid exaggerating other areas.
Where to Sell Broilers in Kenya
Having a market where you can sell your broilers is key as it determines the number of profits you will earn. Here is a list of the top eight markets where you can sell your broilers:
1. You can broilers in farms such as:
- Suguna Poultry Kenya Limited.
- Lifeken Limited.
- Arom Limited.
- Isinya Feeds Ltd.
- Farhan Farm.
2. Schools and learning institutions.
3. Auction Markets, Events and ceremonies.
4. Supermarkets, wholesale, and retail.
5. Hotels, restaurants and butcheries.
6. Hospitals and nursing homes.
7. Jiji.co.ke
8. Sell locally to consumers near you.
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