Member Lina Paola Pardo Quevedo
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Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) is calculated by dividing the total amount of feed consumed by an animal (or group of animals) by the total weight gain or desired output (like eggs) during that period. For example, if 100 chickens ate 550 kg of feed to gain a total of 200 kg, the FCR is 550 kg (feed) / 200 kg (gain) = 2.75 to 1, meaning 2.75 kg of feed was needed for each 1 kg of weight gain.
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Thanks all..
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Lighting significantly impacts chick growth and development by regulating biological clocks, influencing metabolism, and shaping behavior. Proper light exposure, especially in the first few days, helps chicks adapt to their environment, find food and water, and adapt to the post-hatch world. Light color also matters, with red light supporting early development and blue-green light stimulating foraging. Inconsistent or absent light can lead to poor feed intake, increased agitation, and developmental issues.
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Loose droppings occur during heat stress because animals drink more water but fail to absorb it efficiently due to intestinal damage and impaired water absorption from the gut. The body also prioritizes cooling, redirecting blood flow from the digestive tract and altering blood chemistry through increased panting, which further exacerbates fluid imbalance and results in watery or loose excreta.
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Ostrich farming isn’t more common because of the lack of global infrastructure for processing, the high capital investment required, the difficulty and danger of working with large, aggressive birds, an underdeveloped consumer market for ostrich meat, and challenges with health, welfare, and parasite control in large populations.
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The proper vaccination for chickens depends on your region’s disease risks, flock size, and purpose (backyard vs. commercial), but common vaccines include Marek’s Disease (given at day one), Newcastle Disease, Infectious Bronchitis (IB), and Fowl Pox. A vet or local authority can provide a specific schedule, and vaccinations may be administered by injection, in the water, or as eye drops.
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For feeding chicks in their first week, always offer a high-protein chick starter feed that contains essential vitamins and minerals. Provide a constant supply of feed in shallow trays for the first few days to help them find and eat it easily. Ensure there’s always fresh, warm water available, as dehydration is a significant risk, and monitor frequently for any signs of weakness or illness.
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In poultry, nutrition is the science of supplying essential nutrients—water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals—for growth, maintenance, and production. A balanced diet is a formulation of these nutrients in correct proportions to meet the birds’ specific needs based on their species, age, and purpose (meat or eggs), ensuring optimal health and productivity.
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To care for day-old chicks, keep them warm at 95°F using a heat lamp or plate, provide fresh lukewarm water with electrolytes, and offer a starter chick feed on a flat surface for easy access. Ensure the brooder is draft-free but well-ventilated, use paper towel or pine shaving bedding, and check on the chicks frequently to ensure they are eating and drinking.
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The ideal brooding temperature for newly hatched chicks is 90-95°F (32-35°C) during the first week, which should be gradually reduced by about 5°F (3°C) each week until the chicks can maintain their own body temperature, typically around 6-7 weeks of age, at which point an ambient temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C) is sufficient. Observe the chicks’ behavior, as heat needs vary by breed and environmental factors.
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Mash feed is a ground, powdery mix, while pellets are heated and compressed into firm cylinders. Crumbles are made by crushing whole pellets into smaller, granular pieces. The primary differences lie in their form, texture, waste level, and suitability for different ages, with mash for young/sick birds, crumbles for young birds, and pellets for older birds.
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Why required enzymes in animal feed?
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Phytases, especially 6-Phytase being highly efficient, convert indigestible, organic phosphorus derived from botanic origin phytic acid, in usable and thus easier accessible to the animal’s body. This breakdown of nutrients enhances the availability of nutrients for absorption, resulting in improved FCR.
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Thanks
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Good question
