How To Optimize Feed Intake in Young Broilers.

How To Optimize Feed Intake in Young Broilers.Getting broiler chicks eating early pays dividends in the long term. Today, feed accounts for up to 70% of total production costs. That's why efficiency of use is one of the most crucial factors as broiler growers look to maintain margins. A slight improvement in performance here can result in an increase to your bottom line. Feed efficiency is generally defined in two ways: feed conversion efficiency (FCE) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The most common method for broilers is FCR, calculated by the amount of feed needed per kilogram of bodyweight gain, and should be as low as possible. Throughout the life of the broiler, the best FCR is seen in the first five to seven days, due to low or almost no heat production in chicks during this period. This results in a lower calorific expense and an overall lower maintenance cost. FCR can be even lower than 1:1 at this point. Another contributing factor to the lower FCR is the fat and protein from the yolk sac. However if early feed consumption is limited, chicks will use the protein from the yolk sac for energy instead of growth.How To Optimize Feed Intake in Young Broilers.