What you'll learn:
- why poultry production ?
- poultry farm business plan
- poultry feeding and nutrions in feed
- poultry digestive system
- Ration formulation methods
- Broiler feeding and nutrition
- layer feeding and nutrition
- Broiler breeder feeding and nutrition
- Broiler breeder feeding and nutrition
covers the essential principles of feeding and nutrition management for poultry. It includes topics such as the digestive physiology of birds, nutrient requirements (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals), feed formulation, and the impact of nutrition on poultry growth, egg production, and overall health. The course may also explore feeding practices, nutritional disorders, and advancements in feed technology to enhance efficiency and productivity in poultry farming. Practical applications of nutrition strategies and current trends in poultry feed will also be discussed.
Formulating a least-cost poultry ration involves creating a balanced diet that meets the nutritional requirements of the birds at the lowest possible cost, using available feed ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide to formulate a least-cost ration:
Step 1: Identify Nutritional Requirements
Determine the specific nutritional needs of the birds based on their age, species, and production stage (broilers, layers, breeders). Key nutrients to consider include:
Energy (kcal): from grains like corn or wheat
Protein: from sources like soybean meal or fish meal
Amino Acids: like lysine and methionine
Vitamins and Minerals: calcium, phosphorus, etc.
Step 2: Select Available Feed Ingredients
List the available feed ingredients that can provide the necessary nutrients. Common ingredients for poultry rations include:
Energy Sources: Corn, wheat, barley, sorghum
Protein Sources: Soybean meal, fish meal, sunflower meal
Fats: Vegetable oils, animal fats
Minerals & Vitamins: Limestone, dicalcium phosphate, vitamin premixes
Step 3: Analyze the Nutrient Composition of Each Ingredient
Know the nutritional value of each ingredient, such as energy content (ME), crude protein, and amino acid levels. This information is typically available from feed analysis tables or lab testing.
Step 4: Set Up Linear Programming or Manual Formulation
For least-cost formulation, linear programming (software-based) is commonly used to balance costs and nutrition. Software like FeedForm, WinFeed, or Brill Formulation can help automate this process by calculating the optimal mix of ingredients based on their nutrient content and cost.
For manual formulation, use the Pearson Square method:
Select Two Ingredients: One with a higher nutrient level (e.g., protein) and one with a lower level.
Calculate Ratios: Use the square to balance the proportions of the two ingredients to achieve the target nutrient requirement.
Example for 20% protein goal:
Ingredient 1: Corn (8% protein)
Ingredient 2: Soybean meal (44% protein)
Draw the square and subtract diagonally:
Top-left: 44 (Soybean)
Bottom-left: 8 (Corn)
Target (center): 20
Soybean MealCorn44 - 20 = 2412
This means 24 parts of corn and 12 parts of soybean meal for a mix that provides 20% protein.
Step 5: Consider Cost and Constraints
Adjust the formulation to minimize cost by including cheaper ingredients without compromising the nutritional balance. Constraints may include maximum limits on certain ingredients to avoid toxicity or palatability issues.
Step 6: Test and Adjust
After formulating, it’s crucial to test the ration in practice to see if it meets performance expectations (growth, egg production, etc.) and adjust as necessary
