Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
• Oxidation of the feed starts immediately after grinding or cracking and freshness is
optimum for up to 14 days and satisfactory up to 45 days.
• After 45 days feed is generally so stale or oxidized that it will decrease a bird's ap-
petite.
• Airtight containers will extend storage.
Before deciding on a feeding strategy an organic poultry producer should review some general
guidelines.
Table 8
will help plan feed purchases and storage. Amounts of feed are determined
by many factors including, but not limited to, weather, outdoor access, forage quality, stage of
production, bird behavior, feeder space, and whether other supplemental feed is available. Lim-
ited as it is, the information in the table will give the producer an idea of what feed consump-
tion to expect for conventionally raised birds in order to make initial feed orders. Keep in mind
that free-range birds will commonly consume considerably more feed than confined birds due
to exercise, weather, and other factors. The chart is not intended as a guide for performance or
other management practices.
Table 8. Feed Consumption (Pounds/Bird Cumulative Feed Consumed)
Egg
chickens
Age
Meat chickens
Turkeys
Ducks
Geese
0-4 wks.
2.3
1.8
2.1
6.3
6.5
To 8
8.6
4.6
8.8
20.0
22.0
To 12
18.1
8.4
25.0
33.0
35.0
To 16
30.8
12.0
44.0
To 20
44.0
17.6
63.0
To 28
—
—
116.0
Layers 0.2- 0.25 lb./bird/day
Source: Mahmoud El-Begearmi, Amounts to Feed Your Flock, Poultry Facts, Bulletin #2051, University of Maine Cooper-
ative Extension, 2001.
Once it is determined roughly how much feed a bird can be expected to consume, it is im-
portant to develop a feeding method that optimizes both production and health of the bird.
There are three basic methods of offering feed to birds, each having its advantages and disad-
vantages according to the type of bird and the production system being used:
Continuous free-choice feeding
• Allows access to a full ration at all times.
• Allows birds to regulate their own feed intake.
