Diary of a poultry farmer: Queries on feeds, diseases answered

Titus Kamau feeds his chicken in Elburgon. The energy, protein and micro-nutrient requirements for poultry differ by type, and stage of growth. PHOTO | JOHN NJOROGE | NMG

What you need to know:

  • First, you can test the quality of feeds by giving to a few chickens and observing their behaviour (growth rate and egg production, among others).
  • Under intensive systems, turkeys and game birds may be fed similar feeds as chicken although they require higher protein content.
  • In rearing poultry, feeds account for 70 per cent of the total production costs.
  • There’s no single formula (or mash mixture) for all poultry breeds.

I did a four-part series on the science and art of feeding chickens because two topics — feed formulation and disease control — just don’t seem to go away. But then, no sooner had the ink dried out than the questions hit my inbox. This week, I answer all your pertinent questions on the two subjects.

Q: I’m currently preparing my feed mix but I am experiencing challenges accessing quality raw materials. Is lab testing the only way for one to ascertain the quality of feeds and raw materials? How long does it take to get back the results? Do I need to physically deliver the sample to Kalro in Naivasha?

Mukami Rimberia

First, you can test the quality of feeds by giving to a few chickens and observing their behaviour (growth rate and egg production, among others) although it’s difficult to pin point the exact problem this way.

A better option is to send a sample of raw materials or finished mash mixture to a credible lab for a proximate analysis test.

To collect a sample, scoop a kilo of mash mixture or ingredients (raw materials) and put in a manila/paper bag. Don’t use plastic bags.

Apart from the ban on plastic bags, they tend to absorb moisture and this could affect the results. To label the sample, use a code like SO/Jan/7/2018A (Sender’s initials/Month/Date/Year).

I usually add an alphabet suffix at the end to distinguish between the samples. Do not indicate the active ingredient (say, ‘soya meal’ or ‘chick mash’) because it could bias the results. Include your name, telephone and email address. I use Aramex (contact: 0727500348), a courier service company in Nairobi to deliver the sample at Kalro.

They charge Sh300 for a maximum of 5kg parcel. It will be delivered the following morning and you should get the results late afternoon through email. Each sample is charged Sh1,000.

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Q: Although I’m a pig farmer, your articles make my Saturday because I find the insights relevant to any agribusiness venture. Is there any agency, farmers’ lobby groups or legislations to enforce minimum quality standards for animal feeds?

MuksieFarmingInc, Kamulu

I’m not aware of any legislation, agency or lobby groups in Kenya. However, as a good practice, especially in developed countries, feed manufacturers are required by the law to guarantee that their feeds meet the minimum level of proteins and fat and maximum amount of fibre.

Tabulation of feed requirement s for turkeys and guinea fowls. PHOTO | COURTESY

The feeds must also carry this information on the label.

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Q: I’m interested in rearing turkeys as a side hustle. Advise on feeding options.

James Obiero, Mombasa

Under intensive systems, turkeys and game birds may be fed similar feeds as chicken although they require higher protein content.

Please refer to the table on the right for details.

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Q: The cost of chicken feeds is hurting my layers agribusiness.

Samuel Mungai, Gatanga

Besides controlling the feed quality, the other reason for making feeds at home is to save costs. In rearing poultry, feeds account for 70 per cent of the total production costs.

Although making your own feeds saves you between 30 and 50 per cent the cost of commercial rations, it requires technical and practical knowledge to get it right.

I offer hands-on training on making poultry feeds at home. Check schedule in Green Market.

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Q: Share a formula to prepare chick, growers and layers mashes. Two, is there a standard feed formula for all chicken breeds (indigenous, hybrid layers and broilers)?

Fidel Okillah

A comprehensive guide on feed formulae was shared in Seeds of Gold article titled The A-Z of making your own quality chicken feeds at home to cuts costs available online.

Second, as I’d indicated, the energy, protein and micro-nutrient (vitamins and minerals) requirements for poultry differ by type (Kienyeji chickens, exotic layers, broilers, turkeys, guinea fowls and ducks) and stage of growth (chicks, growers and adult).

There’s no single formula (or mash mixture) for all poultry breeds.