Feed formulation and preparation

FEED FORMULATION AND PREPARATION
  • Before formulating the ration, remember that no feed ingredient is essential, but all nutrients are essential.
  • The feed formulated must satisfy the recommended nutrient requirements of broilers or layers.
  • The formulated feed must contain all the recommended nutrients at the least possible cost. For this purpose, one should be aware of the following:
    • Type of feed to be formulated
    • The nutrient requirements of the birds at different ages, i.e. the level of different nutrients to be present in that feed
    • Local availability of different feed ingredients and their cost
    • Nutrient composition of the feed ingredients.
  • Based on the cost, quality and local availability, select the ingredients to be mixed in the feed and ensure that their inclusion levels meet the nutrient requirements of broilers or layers.
  • During the formulation of manual feed, it is sufficient to check the critical nutrient levels like protein, energy, lysine and methionine.
  • If these levels are met, good quality mineral and vitamin mixtures will be added at the recommended levels.
  • Invariably, the feed will be a balanced one, meeting all the nutrient requirements.
  • If a computer is used in the feed formulation, the level of all the nutrients can be checked.
  • First, formulate a tentative feed formula, calculate the critical nutrient levels with the help of the data, and compare these values with the recommended levels.
  • If the calculated nutrient levels are on par with the recommended levels, the feed formula can be adopted as such.
  • If the tentative feed formula is not able to meet the recommended critical nutrient levels, make minor alterations in the feed formula to satisfy the nutrient levels.
  • Check the composition again, and alter the formula if necessary until the recommended nutrient levels are met.
  • Next add the feed additives or supplements recommended. The formula is now completed and proceed for mixing the feed.
  • Own feed should be in no way inferior to company feed in quality, but should be cheaper than the company feed by at least 5-10 percent; otherwise there is no benefit in opting for own feed.
  • Even the best feed formulation will not give good results if the feed ingredients are of poor quality.
  • By experience, the farmers will learn to identify the quality of feed ingredients. Based on the formula, calculate the exact quantities of different feed ingredients per batch.
  • First, weigh all the ingredients to be ground, like grains, oil cakes, fish, etc. Grind them together.
  • Later add the weighed quantities of mineral mixture, meat meal, rice polishings, etc., which do not need grinding.
  • Prepare a pre-mix of all the medicines, supplements or additives; mix them with a small quantity of some ground ingredients like rice polish, oil meal or even maize meal, and then add that to the rest of the feed ingredients and mix thoroughly.
  • Avoid dustiness during grinding and mixing to prevent any loss of nutrients.
  • Ensure thorough mixing in a horizontal or vertical mixer. Make the feed mixing and storage hall rat-proof; and locate an elevated position for it.
  • Finish the floor and wall with seepage-proof cement concrete. When not in use, the doors must be kept closed.
Last modified: Sunday, 3 June 2012, 6:45 AM