Poultry farmers often seek cost-effective and efficient ways to feed their broilers while maximizing growth and profitability. One of the most common questions in the industry is whether broiler concentrate can fully replace grower and finisher feed in the feeding regimen.
While broiler concentrate is a nutrient-dense feed supplement designed to be mixed with grains to provide essential nutrients, grower and finisher feeds are balanced formulas designed to meet the nutritional needs of broilers at different growth stages. But is it a good idea to substitute one for the other? Let’s dive deep into the pros, cons, and best feeding practices for broilers.
Understanding Broiler Concentrate
Broiler concentrate is a highly concentrated poultry feed supplement that contains essential nutrients like protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. However, it is not a complete feed and must be mixed with grains like maize, wheat, or sorghum to form a complete diet.
Composition of Broiler Concentrate:
- Crude Protein: 35-45% (high protein content for muscle growth)
- Essential Amino Acids: Lysine, Methionine, etc.
- Minerals & Vitamins: Calcium, Phosphorus, Vitamin A, D, E
- Fats & Energy Sources: Soybean meal, fish meal, or groundnut cake
Farmers typically use broiler concentrate in a 1:2 ratio with grains, meaning one part concentrate mixed with two parts grains to provide a balanced diet.
What Are Grower and Finisher Feeds?
Grower Feed (3 to 5 Weeks)
Grower feed is formulated for broilers in their intermediate growth stage, where they require moderate protein but high energy for muscle development.
- Crude Protein: 18-20%
- Energy Content: Medium to High
- Purpose: Supports skeletal and muscle growth while maintaining a lean body structure
Finisher Feed (5 Weeks to Slaughter Age)
Finisher feed is used in the final stage of broiler production to maximize weight gain and meat quality before processing.
- Crude Protein: 16-18%
- Energy Content: High
- Purpose: Helps in rapid weight gain and muscle filling
Both grower and finisher feeds are designed to provide a balanced diet without the need for extra mixing, unlike broiler concentrate.
Can You Replace Grower & Finisher Feed with Broiler Concentrate?
Many farmers consider replacing traditional feeds with broiler concentrate + grains due to factors like cost savings and flexibility in ingredient choices. However, it has both advantages and disadvantages:
✅ Advantages of Using Broiler Concentrate Instead of Grower & Finisher Feed
- Cost Savings
- Broiler concentrate allows farmers to use locally available grains, reducing overall feed costs.
- It provides flexibility, especially in regions where commercial feeds are expensive.
- Customizable Feed Formulation
- Farmers can adjust feed composition based on the availability of grains and market prices.
- This method is particularly useful for small-scale poultry farmers.
- High-Quality Protein & Essential Nutrients
- Most broiler concentrates contain high protein levels (35-45%), ensuring rapid growth and muscle development.
- Rich in amino acids essential for poultry health.
- More Control Over Feed Quality
- Farmers can ensure the freshness and quality of feed ingredients by mixing their own formulations.
- This prevents feed adulteration, which sometimes occurs with commercial feeds.
❌ Disadvantages & Risks of Using Only Broiler Concentrate
Incorrect Feed Mixing Can Cause Nutrient Deficiencies
- If not mixed in the right proportions, nutrient imbalance can occur, leading to poor growth, weak bones, or low meat yield.
Extra Labor & Knowledge Required
- Unlike ready-made grower and finisher feeds, farmers must carefully calculate and mix broiler concentrate with grains.
- Mistakes in mixing ratios can affect growth rates and feed conversion efficiency.
Potential for Reduced Growth Performance
- If the concentrate is not properly mixed, it may lack essential energy sources, slowing down weight gain.
- Finisher feed is specially designed for final-stage weight gain, which broiler concentrate may not fully replicate.
Feed Consistency Issues
- Different grains may have varying energy levels, affecting overall broiler performance.
- Poorly mixed feed may lead to uneven flock growth rates.
Best Practices for Using Broiler Concentrate Effectively
If you decide to use broiler concentrate instead of grower and finisher feeds, follow these best practices to maximize poultry growth and profitability:
🔹 1. Follow Proper Mixing Ratios
- Broiler Concentrate to Maize/Wheat Ratio: 1:2 or 1:3 (depending on the concentrate brand and protein content)
- Example Mix for 100 kg Feed:
- 30 kg Broiler Concentrate
- 60-70 kg Maize or Wheat
🔹 2. Monitor Growth & Adjust Nutrition Accordingly
- If broilers show slow weight gain, consider adding more energy sources like maize.
- Always check feed conversion ratio (FCR) to ensure optimal growth.
🔹 3. Include Essential Supplements
- Add calcium, phosphorus, and amino acids to prevent bone deformities.
- Use enzymes and probiotics to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
🔹 4. Maintain Proper Feed Storage & Hygiene
- Store broiler concentrate in dry, cool places to prevent mold contamination.
- Rotate feed stocks regularly to maintain freshness.
🔹 5. Observe Feed Intake & Adjust Accordingly
- Broilers should consume feed consistently without excessive wastage.
- Adjust feeding schedules based on age, body weight, and temperature conditions.
Conclusion: Should You Use Broiler Concentrate Instead of Grower & Finisher Feed?
The decision to use broiler concentrate instead of grower and finisher feed depends on several factors:
✅ If you want cost flexibility and control over feed ingredients, broiler concentrate can be a good alternative—as long as you mix it correctly with grains.
❌ However, if you prefer ready-made, nutritionally balanced feeds with less hassle, then sticking with grower and finisher feeds is the safer option.
🔹 Key Takeaway: Broiler concentrate can work if mixed properly with energy-rich grains, but it requires careful formulation and monitoring to ensure optimal broiler growth and profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I mix broiler concentrate with grower feed?
Yes, but it is best to follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid over-supplementation.
Q2: What is the best grain to mix with broiler concentrate?
Maize, wheat, sorghum, or rice bran are commonly used due to their high energy content.
Q3: How do I ensure proper feed conversion ratio (FCR) when using broiler concentrate?
Monitor weight gain, feed intake, and adjust mixing ratios as needed for optimal performance.