As a poultry farmer in Kenya, you already know how important feeding your chickens is.
You know they need food and water for their development, but did you know that the type of feed you give them can make or break your profits? Be it raising layers for eggs or broilers for meat, getting to know their nutritional needs will help you maximize the profits.
Here’s how:
What Do Layers Need?
Layers are like the marathon runners of the chicken world.
They need a steady supply of energy and nutrients to keep producing eggs consistently. The most important nutrient for layers is calcium. Why? Because eggshells are made of calcium, and if your hens don’t get enough, they’ll either stop laying eggs or produce eggs with weak shells that break easily.
On top of the calcium, they need a balanced diet that includes protein, vitamins, and minerals. Protein is essential for feather growth and overall health, while vitamins and minerals like phosphorus and vitamin D help with calcium absorption. A good layer feed should have about 16-18% protein content. You’ll also want to provide them with a calcium supplement, like oyster shells, especially as they start laying eggs.
What Do Broilers Need?
Broilers, on the other hand, are like sprinters.
They grow fast, really fast, and their feed needs to support that rapid growth. The primary focus for broilers is high-protein feed to build muscle and gain weight quickly. A good broiler feed should have around 20-24% protein content.
Broilers also need a lot of energy, which comes from carbohydrates and fats in their feed. Unlike layers, they don’t need as much calcium because they’re not producing eggshells. However, they do need a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals to support their overall health and immune system. Since broilers are usually ready for market in about 6-8 weeks, their feed is designed to maximize growth in a short amount of time.
Common Mistakes Kenyan Farmers Make
One of the biggest mistakes Kenyan farmers make is feeding broilers and layers the same type of feed.
This might save you money in the short term, but it will cost you in the long run. When you feed layers feeds meant for broilers, they won’t get enough calcium, meaning there’ll be poor egg production. Broilers fed layer feed won’t grow as quickly, meaning you’ll have to keep them longer before selling, which increases your feed costs.
Another mistake lots of farmers make is not providing enough clean water. Chicken, like any other living thing, need water to digest their feed properly, and dehydration can lead to poor growth in broilers and reduced egg production in layers. Always ensure your birds have access to fresh, clean water.
Tips for Choosing the Right Feed
When selecting feed, always check the label to make sure it’s for either layers or broilers. Look for feeds from reputable brands that provide a balanced mix of nutrients. Also, take into account the age and growth stage of your birds as young chicks have different nutritional needs compared to mature layers or broilers.
It’s also important to store your feed properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and pests. Spoiled feed can make your chickens sick, which is the last thing you want.
Where to get the right feed for your poultry
Now that the importance of choosing the right feed for layers or broilers is clear, finding high-quality feed tailored to their specific nutritional needs becomes crucial.
My Agrovet provides specially formulated poultry feeds designed to meet the unique requirements of both layers and broilers. The layer mash is rich in protein and calcium to support egg production and strong eggshells, while the broiler mash is packed with essential nutrients for rapid growth and efficient meat production.
Explore a range of poultry feeds on their website, where premium products like layer mash and high-energy broiler feeds are available, each formulated to optimize the health and productivity of the birds. Additionally, a variety of poultry equipment, including efficient feeders and drinkers, is offered to ensure proper feeding and hydration. All products are available for delivery, making it easy to stock up on the necessary supplies for a successful farm.
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