As the feed cost represents an expensive input (~70-80% of broiler production cost), the poultry producer should be aware of the dynamics of the feed in its influence on final product quantity and quality. Formulating feed ideally requires in-depth knowledge of several parameters such as the energy level to be maintained in the diet, balancing the amino acid profile and electrolytes of feed etc., which, otherwise, if not properly monitored, could negatively influence the performance and profitability of the business. Further, in light of environmental challenges and disease outbreaks, it is even more challenging to extract the total genetic capability of the birds.

Nutritionists should look at several critical parameters whilst formulating broiler feed. Important amongst these are:

1. Nutritive value of raw materials
2. Amino acid digestibility
3. Amino acid and calorie ratio
4. Selection of suitable fat source
5. Calcium requirement of birds
6. Electrolyte balancing
7. Immuno-modulation
8. Summer management

Nutritive value of raw materials

Raw materials are purchased based on price, availability and nutritive value. Nutritive value of raw materials varies from time-totime, source-to-source and batchto- batch. It is a very important task to assess the nutritive value each time to ensure that the feed being manufactured is of desired quality. It is essential to have preset quality parameters for each and every raw material, based on which purchase of raw material should be made. Upon purchase of raw material it needs to be analysed for quality parameters after collecting a representative sample. The ideal quality parameters for some key raw materials are as mentioned.

Soya de-oiled cake

• Bulk Density: 570-640 g/1000 cc
• Desired Physical Properties
  • Colour - Light tan to light brown
  • Odour - Fresh, not musty, not sour or burned
  • Texture - Homogeneous, free flowing, no lumps or cakes, without coarse particles or dusty
• Urease activity: 0.05-0.20-pH unit change
• Moisture (max): 12%
• Protein solubility (0.2% KOH): 73-85%
• Protein Dispersibility Index: 15-30%
• Contaminants: Particularly check for urea, non-protein nitrogen and/or ammonia
• Crude Protein (min.): 44.0%
• Fiber (max.): 7.0%
• Ash (max.): 6.0%
• Silica (max.): 1.0%
• ME (kcal/kg): ~ 2,375

Fish / Fish meal

• Moisture (max.): 10.0%
• Sand and silica (max.): 5.0%
• Salt (max.): 3.0%
• Urea: Nil
• Check for Decomposition / Rancidity
• Contamination with leather meal
• Bacterial load
• Crude Protein (varies depending on the variety of the fish)
• Ether extract (varies depending on the variety of the fish)

Maize

• Moisture (max.): 12.0%
• Check for Aflatoxins
• Thiram
• Grain size

Amino acid digestibility

In general, an average of 90% digestibility is considered whilst formulating feeds or feed formulations are based on total amino acids only. Since the raw materials vary in digestibility, it is necessary to consider digestible amino acids whilst formulating the feed to ensure optimum performance. From Table 1, it is clear that formulations based on digestible amino acids will deliver better results as in many cases the actual digestibility is much lower than the assumed level of 90%. Further, feed formulations made by using digestible amino acids will economise feed cost for equal performance.

Amino acid and calorie ratio

Environmental temperature and the energy content of the feed are key determinants for the feed intake of the bird. Other nutrients are normally adjusted based on the feed intake of the bird. There exists a relationship between energy and digestible amino acids, which if

Source: Avitech Health PVT. LTD. - August 2005