Poultry Care and Feed

© CARGILL, INCORPORATED 2009

Poultry Care and Feed

© 2008 Cargill, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.

Cargill Animal Nutrition – Nourishing Animals; Enriching Lives

Different Breeds – Different PurposesLaying Breeds- Known for egg-laying capacity- Common: White Leghorn, Red Sex Link and Black Sex Link- will lay for several years- start laying 16-20 weeks of age- molt at about 14 months of age, do not lay during molt



Different Breeds – Different PurposesMeat Breeds- Efficient at converting feed to meat- Approx. 1 pound of bodyweight for every 2

pounds of feed they eat- Popular breed: cornish game hen- grow and feather rapidly- Broilers and fryers are butchered at 3 ½ - 5 lbs.- roaster is butchered at 6-8 lbs.



Different Breeds – Different PurposesDual-Purpose Breeds- Classic backyard chicken- Hardy, self-reliant, large bodied- Common breeds: Rhode Island Red, New Hampshire breeds



Different Breeds – Different PurposesTurkeys, Game Birds, Ducks, other- Produce eggs- raised for meat



Feed The Right RationTo know which ration is best for your flock, you need to know the answers to these questions:

1. What age birds are you feeding?2. What kind of birds are you feeding?3. Are the birds being raised for meat or toproduce eggs?



Feed The Right RationDo not give young birds a layer ration. The calcium level is excessively high for young birds.

Do not mix scratch grain with a complete commercial ration.

By mixing cracked corn with a complete commercial grower ration, you dilute (reduce) the protein level as well as the vitamin and mineral content of the diet. The birds will not grow as well or lay many eggs and will also be less resistant to disease. Nutrient deficiencies may lead to feather picking, lameness, sores or even death.



Feed The Right RationThe second most common mistake is not feedingenough of the appropriate type feed. Feed them free choice.



Chicken Digestive TractMouth

Esophagus (gullet) – transports food from mouth to stomach



Chicken Digestive TractCrop – temporarily stores food

Stomach – food broken into smaller units- gizzard uses grit to grind grains and fiber into smaller particles



Chicken Digestive TractSmall intestine – nutrient absorption

Liver – aids in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein

Ceca – helps break down undigested food



Chicken Digestive TractLarge intestine – absorbs water, dry out indigestible foods

Cloaca – where digestive, urinary and reproductive tracts meet



Chicken Digestive TractUrinary system – 2 kidneys and 2 ureters - kidneys are located in pelvic bones - filter waste and pass through ureter to outside

Vent – external opening of cloaca that passes waste to outside



Feed ConsiderationsSeventy percent of the cost of raising chickens goes for feed. This is an investment rather than an expense because the better the birds are fed, the more productive they will be.



Feed ConsiderationsThe importance of giving plenty of cool, cleanwater cannot be over-emphasized.

Water is a major part of both eggs and meat.

Provide your flock with fresh water and a complete balanced ration, and they will reward you and your family with fresh eggs or meat.



Feed ConsiderationChickens- Supplement laying hens with oyster shell for

calcium – hardness of egg shells- grit to help digest food- Occasional treat of scratch grain will satisfy

pecking instinct and keep them busy



Avg. Feed Needed Per Bird



Care Tips for Healthy ChickensCoop should have:- minimum of 4 sq. ft. of space per hen- - one perch- one next box for every 4-5 hens- 6 inch layer of shavings or sawdust to absorb

droppings- be free of cold winter drafts- have good ventilation- Require a good, sturdy fence around outside

runs to protect from predators- close door each evening after your flock

roosts



Daily Management Checklist- Feed available at all times- Clean, fresh water available at all times- Proper temperature and ventilation- Brooder and coop conditions- Litter conditions- Flock appearance and health- Eggs gathered- Records updated



Nutrena NaturalWiseNatural poultry feed



Nutrena Country FeedsNutrena Poultry Feed

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Poultry Care and Feed