Feed is the largest cost in poultry production — often 60–70% of total expenses. Understanding feed formulation helps you control quality and cost, whether you mix your own or buy commercial feed.
This guide explains the building blocks of a balanced poultry ration.
The key nutrients
A balanced poultry ration must supply energy, protein (with the right amino acids), vitamins, minerals and water. Energy and protein are the two most important and most costly components.
- Energy: from maize/cereals — fuels growth and activity
- Protein: from soya, sunflower, omena (fish meal) — builds muscle and eggs
- Vitamins & minerals: from a premix — health and bone/shell strength
- Calcium: especially for layers, for strong eggshells
Common Kenyan feed ingredients
Most Kenyan rations are built around maize germ/whole maize as the energy base, with soya bean meal, sunflower cake and omena (fish meal) supplying protein, plus a vitamin-mineral premix and limestone.
Ingredient prices fluctuate, so least-cost formulation — meeting the nutrient targets with the cheapest mix of available ingredients — is how commercial mills stay competitive.
Feed phases
Birds need different formulations as they grow. Broilers use starter, grower and finisher feeds with declining protein. Layers move from chick mash to growers mash to layers mash, the last being high in calcium.
Quality and storage
Poor-quality or mouldy feed destroys performance. Aflatoxin from poorly stored maize is a serious risk in Kenya. Buy from reputable sources, store feed dry and off the ground, and use it within a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make my own poultry feed?
Yes, many farmers mix their own to cut costs, but you must hit the right energy, protein and mineral targets and use a quality premix. Poor home mixes are a common cause of slow growth.
What percentage of poultry costs is feed?
Feed typically accounts for 60–70% of the total cost of poultry production, which is why feed management has the biggest impact on profit.