Protein requirement for slow growing broilers (OK-Net EcoFeed Practice Abstract)

Summary

Formulating diets with high-quality protein sources with an optimal protein content and amino acid composition to cover the specific requirement for different genotypes, decrease the risk for excessive protein in the diets and excretion of nitrogen to the environment. Using a higher percentage of local grown protein sources increase self-sufficiency and home-mixing and therefore sustainability of the farm.
Practical recommendation
• Use the information on the specific broiler genotype given by the breeding company with regard to the rec-ommendation given on the requirement for protein and amino acids
• Feed must be provide ad libitum to maximize performances. Feed intake is (mean of period) 30 – 35 g/day for starter ; 75 – 85 g/day for growing ; 120g/day for finishing
• Use of local grown/local produced protein sources can be advantageous, since there will be less dependence on imported soybeans. Ton increase nutritional value of local feedstuffs, technology could be applied (de-hulled sunflower or faba beans; protein concentration…)
• Analyse the content of protein for main feedstuffs produce on farm AND by on the market (this value could change lot between the year, variety, sourcing)
• Investing and implementing a feed formulation program (ration planning tool)
• Investing in equipment for home-mixing and dehulling machinery
• Cooperation with an agricultural adviser and/or a local feed mill can be valuable when implementing new feed formulation tools and investing in new technical equipment
• Collaboration with neighboring farmers can be advantageous when it comes to growing different crops