How Much Feed Do Broilers Eat From Day 1 to Slaughter?

Understanding how much feed broilers eat from day 1 to slaughter is essential for efficient poultry production. Feed is the highest cost in broiler farming, often accounting for up to 70% of total production expenses.

A clear broiler feeding plan helps farmers reduce waste, improve growth rates, and achieve better feed conversion ratios (FCR). Whether you are running a small poultry farm or a large commercial operation, knowing the exact feed requirements at each stage is critical.

In this guide, we explain broiler feed consumption per bird, including daily intake, feeding stages, and total feed required from chick to market weight.

🐔 BROILER FEED CONSUMPTION OVERVIEW

Broilers are fast-growing chickens typically raised for 5 to 7 weeks (35–42 days). During this period, feed intake increases rapidly as the birds grow.

On average:

👉 A broiler consumes 3.5 kg to 5 kg of feed from day 1 to slaughter

This depends on:

Feed quality
Breed (Cobb, Ross, etc.)
Farm management
Environmental conditions

Efficient feeding ensures faster growth, better meat yield, and improved profitability.

📊 FEED INTAKE BY GROWTH STAGE

🐥 Starter Phase (Day 1–14)

Feed intake: 0.5 – 0.7 kg per bird
Protein level: 20–23%

The starter phase is critical for early development. During this stage, chicks require high-protein feed to support:

Rapid growth
Organ development
Strong immune system

👉 Proper feeding at this stage directly affects final weight and performance.

🐔 Grower Phase (Day 15–28)

Feed intake: 1.2 – 1.5 kg per bird
Protein level: 18–20%

In this phase, broilers experience rapid muscle development. Feed should be balanced to:

Improve weight gain
Enhance feed efficiency
Support skeletal growth

🐓 Finisher Phase (Day 29–Slaughter)

Feed intake: 1.8 – 2.5 kg per bird
Protein level: 16–18%

The finisher phase focuses on maximizing final body weight and meat quality.

This stage requires:

High-energy feed
Efficient nutrient conversion
Consistent feeding schedule

📈 TOTAL FEED CONSUMPTION PER BROILER

Starter	0.5 – 0.7 kg
Grower	1.2 – 1.5 kg
Finisher	1.8 – 2.5 kg
Total	3.5 – 5 kg

👉 On average, a broiler consumes around 4 kg of feed under good farm conditions.

💰 FEED CONVERSION RATIO (FCR)

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) measures how efficiently broilers convert feed into body weight.

Typical FCR: 1.5 – 1.8

👉 This means:
1.5–1.8 kg of feed = 1 kg of live chicken weight

Lower FCR =
✔ Better efficiency
✔ Lower feed costs
✔ Higher profitability

🧠 FACTORS THAT AFFECT BROILER FEED INTAKE

1. Feed Quality

High-quality feed improves growth and reduces wastage. Poor feed lowers performance.

2. Temperature

Heat stress reduces appetite.

👉 Ideal temperature: 20–25°C

3. Water Availability

Water intake directly affects feed consumption.

👉 Always provide clean, fresh water.

4. Breed Genetics

Commercial broilers (e.g., Cobb and Ross) are optimized for efficient feed conversion.

5. Farm Management

Lighting, hygiene, and stocking density all influence feeding behavior.

🛒 WHERE TO BUY BROILER FEED

If you are planning your poultry production, sourcing quality feed is essential.

👉 We supply broiler feeds for sale in bulk, including:

Starter feed
Grower feed
Finisher feed

✔ Suitable for small and commercial farms
✔ Bulk and wholesale supply available
✔ Reliable delivery and consistent quality

📞 +27 73 638 7398
📧 sales@farmseedsfeeds.com

📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS

Broilers eat 3.5–5 kg of feed from day 1 to slaughter.
Feed is divided into starter, grower, and finisher stages.
Efficient feeding improves FCR and profitability.
Quality feed and good management are essential.

Product: Soybean Meal
Category: Poultry Feed

❓ FAQ

How much feed does a broiler eat per day?

Feed intake increases daily from 10–20g/day to 150–200g/day before slaughter.

How many bags of feed for 100 broilers?

You will need approximately:
👉 400 kg of feed (about 8 bags of 50kg)

What is the best feed for broilers?

A combination of starter, grower, and finisher feeds provides optimal results.