Poultry Feeding and Nutrition

[Ayodeji Fatokun]

Introduction of a new diet should be done gradually, before using at full length

[Amir Sohel]

To transition a bird to a new diet, introduce the new food gradually alongside the old diet, increasing the proportion of new food over time

[Abdussamad Sani Hamisu]

To smoothly transition poultry feeds, gradually introduce the new feed over a period of days, starting with a small amount and increasing it gradually as the birds adjust. This helps prevent digestive upset and ensures a smooth transition to a new diet. <div>Here’s a step-by-step approach:</div><div>Initial Stage (Days 1-3): Sprinkle about 10% of the new feed on top of 90% of the current feed. This allows the birds to slowly get accustomed to the new taste and texture. </div><div>Intermediate Stage (Days 4-6): Increase the amount of new feed to about 25% while reducing the current feed to 75%. </div><div>Gradual Transition (Days 7-9): Mix the feeds evenly, ensuring a 50/50 ratio of new and old feed. </div><div>Further Increase (Days 10-12): Gradually increase the proportion of new feed to 75%, with the remaining 25% being the old feed. </div><div>Final Days (Days 13-14): Increase the new feed to 90%, leaving only 10% of the old feed. </div><div>Full Transition (Day 15): Switch to 100% of the new feed, allowing the birds to fully adjust to the new diet. </div><div>Additional Tips for a Smooth Transition:</div><div>Monitor Behavior:</div><div>Keep a close eye on the birds’ behavior during the transition, ensuring they continue to eat and behave normally. </div><div>Provide Fresh Water:</div><div>Ensure fresh, clean water is readily available, especially during a feed transition, as it can help stimulate appetite and reduce stress. </div><div>Limit Scratch and Treats:</div><div>During the transition, it’s crucial to limit or eliminate scratch and treats, as they can make the birds less inclined to eat the new feed. </div><div>Consistency is Key:</div><div>Once the transition is complete, maintain a consistent feeding routine to ensure the birds continue to receive the necessary nutrients. </div><div>Consider Feed Form:</div><div>When transitioning from starter to grower feed, providing the new feed in a crumble or mini-pellet form can help prevent reductions in feed intake. </div><div>Investigate if Needed:</div><div>If changes in feeding behavior or flock performance are observed, investigate the feed form and nutrient density. </div>