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3 or 4 phase feeding program in broilers
Broiler feeding programs often use 3 or 4 phases, with the 3-phase program typically involving starter, grower, and finisher diets, while the 4-phase program adds a pre-starter phase. Which program is the best choice and why?
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7 Replies
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4 – Phase
feeding. -
The number of feeding phases in broilers is almost always linked to the market age of the birds. All commercial breeding companies have recommendations for nutrient needs and age ranges for each feeding phase. As the number of feeding phases increase so does out ability to better match the nutrient content of the feed with the nutrient needs of birds.
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Four phase feeding of broiler birds is more economical and ecofriendly practice
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The decision on what feeding program to adopt often depends on the availability of resources and objective of the farmer
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The best choice between a 3-phase and 4-phase feeding program depends on your farm’s goals, birds genetics, and cost consideration.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
3-phase program (common and cost effective):
Starter (0 – 10 days): High protein (22–24%) for early growth.
Grower (11 – 25 days): Moderate protein (20–22%) for muscle development.
Finisher (26 – 42 days): Lower protein (18–20%) for final weight gain.
4-phase program (maximum growth and efficiency)
Pre-starter (0 – 5 days): Very high protein (24–26%) with digestible nutrients to boost early development.
Starter (6 – 14 days): High protein (22–24%) for skeletal growth.
Grower (15 – 28 days): Moderate protein (20–22%) for muscle and weight gain.
Finisher (29 – 42 days): Lower protein (18–20%) for final weight gain.
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Some farmers in some regions practices the 3-phase feeding in a different format from this. That is Pre-broiler starter – Broiler starter – Broiler finisher.
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4 Phase
feeding. Different feeds can be successfully fed at different phases of the
lay. As the laying period progresses, some reductions in protein, amino acids
and available phosphorus plus an increased level of calcium can be fed to give
some reduction in feed costs and to assist with egg quality. With the high
production of today’s laying hen, this must be done carefully. The grower feed could be used from 8-18 weeks if difficulty is experienced in
achieving the 18 week target weights. A pre-lay diet may be fed from 16-19 weeks. It is not strictly essential, and is
probably best to use only if the target bodyweights are not being achieved.
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