45-days-broiler-manual

OFFICEOFTHEEXECUTIVEDIRECTOR

To Our Valued Reader:
This fourth edition, The Philippines Recommends for Broiler

Production, provides farmers, extension workers, instructors,
researchers, and students the latest information on the various aspects
of broiler production. It also tackles the problems and constraints as well
as the prospects and opportunities of the broiler industry.

We hope you will find this volume a useful reference material.

Very truly yours,

PATRICIO S. FAYLON
Executive Director

The Philippines
Recommends for
Broiler Production

PCARRD Philippines Recommends Series No. 10-C
Revised

PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURE,
FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES RESEARCH

AND DEVELOPMENT
Department of Science and Technology
BUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Department of Agriculture
Los Baños, Laguna
2006

First Edition 1976, reprinted 1982
Second Edition 1988, reprinted 1991
Third Edition 1997
Fourth Edition 2006

This publication may not be reprinted or
reproduced in part or whole without written
permission from the publisher.

Published with funding support from the
Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research

ISSN 0115-7833
ISBN 971-20-0531-3

Bibliographic Citation:
The Broiler Production Committee 2004. The Philippines

Recommends for broiler production. Los Baños, Laguna:
DOST-PCARRD and DA-BAR, 2006. 74p. – (Philippines
Recommends Series No. 10-C).

Foreword

Poultry is one of the world’s major and fastest growing sources of
meat. It contributed about 38% of the country’s total meat supply.

The Philippine livestock and poultry industries contributed about
one-third of the gross value added (GVA) in agriculture. From 2002
to 2004, the local poultry industry posted an average annual growth rate
of 14.27%. The GVA of the poultry sector has increased from
P89 billion (B) in 2002 to P116 B in 2004.

The Philippine poultry industry continues to have problems that have
kept it from fully developing. The year 2003 was a roller coaster ride
for the poultry industry when it started off with a shortage of supply and
high prices. However, by end of the first quarter, inventory had built up
due to avian flu hitting most of Asian countries.

In spite of the avian flu scare in early 2004, which decreased the
consumption and production, the broiler industry has still created an
export opportunity in Japan. The broiler industry was able to export
some 1.5 million kg of chicken meat.

This volume is the third revision of the Philippines Recommends for
Broiler Production that was first printed in 1976 and last revised in 1997.
It is hoped that broiler growers, extension workers, instructors,
researchers, and students would find this volume a useful reference
material.

PATRICIO S. FAYLON
Executive Director
PCARRD

iii

Acknowledgment

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural
Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) acknowledges the
cooperation and assistance extended by the following persons, institutions,
and agencies for the fourth edition of the Philippines Recommends for
Broiler Production:

z The technical committee members for drafting this revised edition;
z The committee members of the Philippines Recommends for

Broiler Production, 1976 (first edition), 1988 (second edition), and
1997 (third edition);
z The Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural Research
(DA-BAR), through the leadership of Mr. Nicomedes Eleazar, for
supporting the printing of this edition;
z Mrs. Belen Chavez of Sustamina Feeds for allowing the use of the
photos taken from their contract farms for this publication;
z Drs. Arnold Anorico and Donnan Canoy of Sustamina Feeds for the
assistance provided during the taking of pictures at the farms of
some of their contract growers;
z Marciana Farms of Victoria, Tarlac for allowing us to take pictures
of their broiler farm for use in this publication;
z The staff of the Livestock Research Division (LRD), particularly
Mr. Eric E. Perez and Mr. Ricardo A. Mulimbayan, for their
assistance in taking some photographs and for typing and preparing
the layout of this publication;
z The Publication Program staff of the Applied Communication
Division (ACD) under the leadership of Mr. Cesar Frias;
z To all those who in one way or another helped in the preparation of
this volume. Without them, the publication of this fourth edition
would not have been possible.

iv

Contents

Foreword iii
Acknowledgment iv
The Broiler Production Committee 2004 ix
Glossary of Terms x

The Broiler Industry 1
The Broiler Breeding Operation 5
The Supply Chain Structure 5

Starting a Broiler Project 8
Selection of Stocks 10
Housing and Facilities 12

Basic Design 12
Materials and Structure 12
Brooding 15
Elements of Succesful Brooding 15

Good Quality Chicks 15
Proper Temperature 16
Adequate Space Allowances 17
Proper Ventilation 17
Adequate Lighting Facilities 18
Proper Sanitation 18
Protection from Predators 19
Sources of Heat for Brooding 19
Electricity 19
Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) 19
Brooding Management 19
Preparation of the Brooder House 19
Handling of Broiler Chicks 20
Other Management Practices 22
Prevention and Control of Cannibalism 22
Prevention of Cannibalism 22
Control of Cannibalism 22
Proper Catching and Hauling of Broilers 23
Management during Stress 23
Housing 23

v

Water 23
Feed Management and Nutrition during Warm Weather 23
Other Causes of Stress 24
Feeding Broilers 25
Feed Types and Forms 25
Advantages of Pelleting 32
Disadvantages of Pelleting 32
Nutritional Deficiency 33
Feeding Systems 33
Management Practices to Avoid Feed Losses in Feeders 36
Feed Additives 37
Disease Prevention and Control 38
Vaccination 38
Vaccination Failure 40
Vaccination Tips 40
Medication 41
Sanitation 42
Cleaning and Disinfection 42
Disinfectants for Poultry Farms 43
Health Management Tips 44
Common Diseases of Broiler Chickens 45
NCD (Avian Pest) 45
IBD (Gumboro Disease) 47
Fowl Fox 48
Infectious Bronchitis 48
Infectious Coryza (IC) or Roup/Cold 49
Colibacillosis (E. coli) 50
Mycoplasma Gallisepticum (MG) Infection or

Chronic Respiratory Disease 51
Mycotoxicosis 52
Coccidiosis 54
Exudative Diathesis/Encephalomalacia (Crazy Chick

Disease)/Muscular Dystrophy 55
Malabsorption Syndrome 56
SDS (Sudden Death Syndrome) or Flip-Over Disease 58
Farm Records 59
Importance 59
Broiler Record 59

vi

Measuring Income from Broiler Enterprise 60
Efficiency Indicators 60

Feed Conversion 60
Feed Cost/Kilogram of Broiler Produced 61
Production Efficiency Factor (PEF) 61
Broiler Marketing 62
Quality 62
Timing 62
Market Outlets 62
Price Fluctuations 63
Broiler Inventory Holding 63
Cost-and-Return Analysis 64
Costs 64
Investment Costs 64
Operating and Maintenance Costs 64
The 10,000-Chicken Module 65
Returns 65
References 68
Appendix
1 Other diseases of broiler 69
2 Broiler Record 73
3 Sample form for computing income 74

List of Figures
1 Per capita consumption of broiler dressed meat, 1999-2003 2
2 Yearly broiler production from 2002 to 2004 2
3 Broiler supply chain structure 6
4 Locally dressed chickens sold in wet markets 7
5 Good quality day-old broiler chicks produced by a reliable
supplier 11
6 A slatted-floor monitor type of housing for better ventilation and
waste handling 14
7 An example of good quality chicks 15
8 Evenly distributed chicks inside the brooder 16
9 Burlapcurtainusedonthewallsofbrooderhousetokeepthechicks
from draft 18
10 Brooderhousewithburlapcurtainusedas"falseceiling"tocontrol
temperature 20

vii

11 Pelleting machine 28
12 Two-week old broiler chicks raised in slatted-floor housing with

tube feeders placed alternately with automatic waterers 36
13 Proventiculus of broiler chicken with hemorrhagic lesions 46
14 Broiler's abdomen with cloudy airsacs 49
15 Watery feces stained with blood 54
16 The duodenum part of the broiler's intestines that is infected

with Eimeria acervulina 55
17 Softening of the brain due to degenerative changes in nervous

tissue 56
18 Breast muscle with whitish-gray area 57

List of Tables
1 Chicken inventory by type, 1995-2005 4
2 Nutrient recommendations for broiler-type chicken 26
3 Recommended vitamin and mineral supplementation
for broilers 27
4 The estimated feed consumption and average daily weight
gain of broilers from day-old up to market age 28
5 Sample formulation of chick booster mash 29
6 Sample formulation of broiler starter diets 30
7 Sample formulation of broiler finisher mash 31
8 Nutritional deficiency for broilers 34
9 Vaccination schedule for broiler chicks 39
10 Cost and return for 10,000-chicken capacity broiler farm 66

viii

The Broiler Production Committee 2004

Chairman

Dr. Cecilio R. Arboleda
Professor Emeritus

Animal and Dairy Sciences Cluster
UPLB, College, Laguna

Members

Dr. Javier P. Mateo Dr. Edwin C. Villar
Technical Director Director
Agri-Specialist, Inc.
Livestock Research Division
MMLDC Bldg., Celery Rd., PCARRD, Los Baños, Laguna
FTI Complex, Taguig, Metro Manila

Mr. Gregorio A. San Diego, Jr. Dr. Synan S. Baguio
President Senior Science Research Specialist

United Broiler Raisers Association Livestock Research Division
(UBRA) and Philippine Egg Board PCARRD, Los Baños, Laguna
101 Col. S. Cruz St., San Rafael,

Montalban, Rizal

Dr. Edwin S. Luis Ms. Marites M. Ramil
Professor Science Research Specialist
Livestock Research Division
Animal and Dairy Sciences Cluster PCARRD, Los Baños, Laguna
UPLB, College, Laguna

Dr. Francis Andrew Eugene M. Bernardo
Assistant Professor

College of Veterinary Medicine
UPLB, College, Laguna

Mr. Ruel S. Pagcaliwagan
Science Research Specialist
AppliedCommunicationDivision
PCARRD, Los Baños, Laguna

ix

Glossary of Terms

Antibiotic - a dilute substance produced by microorganisms that have
the power to kill other organisms.

Antibody - a substance formed in the body as a result of infection or
administration of suitable antigens.

Attenuated - a disease organism that has been weakened to reduce
its virulence.

Bacteria - microscopic organisms that are composed of a single cell.
Broiler - a type of chicken raised for meat.
Brooding - the process of providing supplemental heat to broiler chicks

from hatching up to the time they have grown sufficient feathers to
control their own body temperature.
Cannibalism - a nasty behavior manifested by pecking on others' toes,
tails, and feathers.
Carrier - a chicken that shows no evidence of a disease, yet harbors
the organism, and is capable of transmitting the disease to others.
Contract growing - a scheme whereby a grower enters into a contract
with an integrator to grow broilers up to a marketable age of about
36–42 days.
Disease - an impairment of the normal function of any body organ or
part of the bird.
Disinfectant - a substance that kills pathogenic organisms but not
necessarily spores and is usually applied to inanimate objects.
Immune - when a bird has some degree of resistance to a particular
disease.
Infection - the invasion of a pathogen into susceptible tissue resulting
in disease.
Infectious disease - a disease produced by the invasion of living
microscopic organisms.
Isolation - keeping poultry in areas separate from other poultry.
Metabolizable energy - the energy of the food eaten less the energy
of the excrement derived from it, both fecal and urinary.
Morbidity - a sickness in a bird or flock caused by the disease.
Mortality - death of birds in the flock.

x

Parasite - an organism that lives in or on another organism, from which
it derives its nourishment.

Pathogen - an organism capable of causing disease.
Serotype - a particular strain of a microorganism.
Stress - anything which affects the bird’s well-being and lowers its

resistance to disease.
Titer - a value placed on the potency of a biological agent, when applied

to the agglutination test, it is the weakest dilution at which clumping
of the antigen occurs.
Vaccine - a preparation of microorganism (killed, living attenuated, or
living totally virulent) which when placed in the body of the bird
produces or increases immunity to a certain disease.
Vector - an animal which carries and transmits parasites to poultry,
such as earthworm, which carries the chicken tapeworm eggs.
Virus - an organism, ultramicroscopic in size that multiplies only in
living cells. Some viruses are capable of causing disease.

xi

The Broiler Industry

Characterized by widely diverse production and marketing systems,
the Philippine broiler industry consists of a few but very large integrated
livestock enterprises on one end, and a very large number of smallhold
farmers keeping few head of poultry on the other end. In the middle are
the medium-scale producers who depend largely on the integrated
livestock enterprises for supply of breeding stocks and feedstuffs
(NAST, 2005).

Both the large commercial and small- and medium-scale operators
depend largely on imported stocks, feedstuffs, and other inputs. Recently,
however, a significant volume of the feed ingredients (particularly corn)
used by the industry is being sourced locally.

The implementation of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
(GATT-WTO) in 1994 opened the country for the entry of cheaper
imported chicken products (i.e., leg quarters). Since then, the volume
of chicken meat importation has increased consistently. Although the
cost of freight, insurance, and tariffs imposed on the imports are high, the
landed costs of the imports are still considerably lower than the farmgate
price of local produce. This current trade scenario prompted many
independent commercial broiler farmers to stop operations. The entry
of cheaper chicken meat into the country also obliged large integrated
commercial broiler producers to scale down their volume of production.
Some commercial broiler integrators have engaged in the importation of
frozen broiler meat for distribution in local markets, in addition to their
locally produced chicken meat.

Despite the level of sophistication it has achieved, the local broiler
industry is still faced with problems that deter its further development.
Among the more recent problems encountered by the broiler industry
are unstable supply of broiler meat that leads to unpredictable prices of
the commodity, and the apparent reduction in chicken meat consumption
that is brought about by avian flu virus infection of chickens in some
Asian countries. These events caused the exceedingly high prices of
broiler meat and a build up in inventory starting the end of the first quarter
of 2004 (LDC, 2004).

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 1

Despite the avian flu scare in early 2004 that brought down chicken
consumption (Fig. 1) and accordingly reduced production and prices, the
local broiler industry has successfully exported 1.5 million (M) kg of
broiler meat to Japan. Towards the end of 2004, the local broiler industry
has recovered sufficiently to post a positive growth in output of about 4%
more than 2003 production. Local broiler production increased from
452, 000.84 t in 2002 to 493, 000.72 t in 2004 (Fig. 2) with an annual
growth rate of 4.42%.

Fig. 1. Per capita consumption of broiler meat, 1999–
2003.

Fig. 2. Yearly broiler production from 2002 to 2004.

2 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

Although some broiler integrators are exporting increasing volumes
of broiler meat, a significant quantity of cut-up broiler meat is also being
imported into the country. The continuing importation of leg quarters at
dumped prices poses a major problem to local broiler production. The
unreasonably low-priced imported leg quarters are causing significant
price distortion of broiler meat in the country that is seriously hurting
local producers. In addition, the wide disparity between farmgate and
retail prices of broiler also causes problems, particularly to local
individual broiler producers.

In general, the poultry population of the Philippines consists primarily
of chickens and a significantly smaller population of other poultry
species. The chicken inventory, which is presented by type (Table 1),
shows that broiler population increased from about 28 M in 1995 to about
40 M in 2005 at an average annual growth rate of 3.63%. The broiler
population is distributed throughout the country; however, highest
concentration (31%) is observed in the Central Luzon region where
most commercial broiler farms are also located. High broiler concentration
is also found in Southern Tagalog, and in the Southern and Northern
Mindanao regions.

The country’s broiler population is kept in farms that are classified
either by size or by type of operation. Broiler farm classification
according to size, is as follows:

z Large commercial farms - farms that produce 100,000 or more
broilers per harvest.

z Medium commercial farms - farms that produce 21,000–99,000
broilers per harvest.

z Small commercial farms - farms that produce 1,000–20,000
broilers per harvest.

z Smallhold/backyard farms - farms that produce not more than
1,000 broilers per harvest.

In terms of type of operation, broiler farms are classified as follows:

Integrated grower farms - farms that breed, hatch, grow, and
market their own products at their own expense.

Contract grower farms - farms that grow chickens for the
integrator. Contract growing is a scheme whereby a grower enters into
a contract with an integrator to grow broilers up to a marketable age of

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 3

Table 1. Chicken inventory by type, 1995-2005 (‘000).

Year Broiler Layer Native/ Total
Improved

1995 27,885 9,364 58,966 96,215
1996 39,312 10,796 65,675 115,783
1997 46,558 11,466 76,939 134,963
1998 46,365 13,170 78,965 138,500
1999 32,720 13,366 67,703 113,789
2000 29,024 14,913 71,250 115,187
2001 28,959 14,866 71,782 115,607
2002 33,150 16,775 75,805 125,730
2003 38,148 17,706 72,340 128,194
2004 38,373 19,551 72,688 130,612
2005* 40,380 21,677 73,943 136,000

* Preliminary estimates
Source: Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, 2005.

about 36–42 days. The grower is assured of at least 5 batches (crops)
a year. In this case, the integrator provides the grower a minimum of
10,000 meat-type chicks, about 35,000 kg feeds, vaccines, diagnostic
laboratory services, and farm planning, particularly to a new applicant
at no cost. The grower in turn, provides housing, labor, land, feeding and
watering equipment, brooders, water, fuel, lighting, and litter materials
for the chickens up to harvestable age under the supervision of the
integrator’s extension service personnel. However, terms and conditions
stipulated in the contract may vary among broiler companies or integrators.

Contract-to-buy grower farms - farms that have tie-ups with
integrators or cooperatives, whereby the latter sell to growers a
minimum of 10,000 broiler-type chicks and/or feeds at an agreed price.
At harvest, the farm sells the broilers produced to integrators and/or
cooperative at a previously agreed price.

Independent commercial grower farms - farms that buy broiler
chicks at current market prices and mix their own feeds. They raise and
market their own birds by themselves.

Contract breeding farms - farms that produce hatching eggs for
companies that supply the Parent Stocks (PS) and feed and buy back the
hatching eggs at pre-arranged price.

4 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

Independent or Commercial breeder farms - farms that buy PS
and sell hatching eggs and/or day-old chicks to commercial growers.

The Broiler Breeding Operation

A breeder farm operation is a vital component of the local broiler
industry. The success of a broiler breeding operation is dependent on
the quality of genetic materials used and the flock’s production
performance. One important objective that a broiler breeder farm must
achieve and maintain is uniformity of the birds it produces in terms of
physical characteristics (e.g., plumage color, body conformation, and
relative proportions of body parts) and production performance (body
weights, growth rates, and feed conversion efficiency).

Flock uniformity may be achieved by grading the sizes of birds that
will be entered into the breeding flock. Size of females is best graded
at ages 23–28 days old, while sizes of males are best graded after 35
days of age.

The Supply Chain Structure

The supply chain of the Philippine broiler industry (Fig. 3) is largely
characterized by an integrated operation of companies that dominate the
output and has significant control of the local industry. These companies,
which are members of the Philippine Association of Broiler Integrators
(PABI), are composed of San Miguel Foods, Inc., Swift Foods, Inc.,
Universal Robina Corp., Vitarich Corporation, and Tyson Agro-Ventures,
Corp. These integrators grow day-old chicks (DOCs) in contract
grower farms to avoid labor and capital issues. They provide production
inputs such as feeds, vaccines, laboratory services, farm planning, and
technical services, in addition to DOCs.

Smaller and non-integrated companies focus on providing contract
services for breeding, hatchery, growing, and dressing. On the other
hand, some firms grow chickens independently by securing critical
inputs like DOCs and feeds from big corporations.

The viajeros, who are the traders in the supply chain, buy live broiler
chickens from integrators and independent commercial growers. The
viajeros then sell the live birds to dressing plant operators or have the
birds dressed in toll dressing plants before these are sold to wet markets.
Dressed chickens are sold primarily in wet markets (Fig. 4). Roughly
65–70% of locally produced dressed chickens are sold in wet markets.

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 5

The rest of the supply is sold to institutional buyers (e.g., restaurants and
fast food chain outlets, supermarkets, and other retail outlets).

IMPORT FEEDMILL z Corn
z Rice bran
z Feedwheat z Coco oil
z Soya/Soya z Coprameal

Meal
z Fish Meal
z Others

(bone meal,
vitamin

GP

Logistics BREEDER Doc INDEPENDENT PURCHASED
COMMERCIAL

CONTRACT INTEGRATOR Logistics

Logistics CONTRACT VIAJERO
CONTRACT
DOC Logistics Logistics Logistics
CONTRACT Logistics VIAJERO
MARKET LIVE

Logistics Logistics
CONTRACT LIVE

Logistics
MARKET

Fig. 3. Broiler supply chain structure.

6 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

Fig. 4. Locally dressed chickens sold in wet
markets.

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 7

Starting a Broiler Project

Before engaging in a broiler production enterprise, it is worthwhile
to consider the following issues:

1. Personal qualifications and capabilities - A prospective grower
should have keen interest and sufficient technical know-how on
broiler production. As broiler farming is a highly competitive
business, a prospective grower should establish the farm in a
zoning–approved area. He should also have the financial support
to start an economic-sized operation. It is suggested that a beginner
start with a few thousand broiler chicks to get the feel of the
operation and gradually expand the volume until an economic-sized
operation is achieved. However, entrepreneurs with sufficient
capital may directly engage into large-scale broiler production with
the help of qualified poultry consultants.

2. A regular supply of quality broiler chicks from reliable DOC
suppliers - This is necessary to plan the schedules of loading,
rearing, and marketing of broilers.

3. Sustained supply of feeds and other farm inputs - The availability
of quality feeds, feed supplements, medicaments, vaccines, water,
electricity, and other farm inputs is an important factor to consider
before putting up a broiler project. The prospective grower should
be prepared to invest on improved facilities and equipment to ensure
high production efficiency.

4. Market assurance - Broilers should be marketed as soon as they
reach the marketable age (36–42 days old) and weight (1.6–2.0 kg
liveweight). Delayed marketing will reduce the profit or even result
to losses. As broilers become older, they consume more feed per
unit weight gain and have a lower market value than those marketed
on time. Furthermore, delay in marketing will disrupt the farm
production schedule.

8 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

5. Proximity to market and source of raw materials - Broiler
farms should be accessible for easy delivery of raw materials to the
farm and broilers for slaughter to the market.

6. Community environmental policies and regulations - The
farm should be located in a designated livestock production zone
and/or at a reasonable distance from other farms and from human
settlement area.

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 9

Selection of Stocks

Different broiler genetic stocks respond according to different
environments. Therefore, selection of stock needs careful consideration.

Currently, numerous commercial broiler strains are available in the
local market. In general, however, not one of these strains can be best
under Philippine conditions because performance record varies under
different sets of conditions. Some farmers frequently change the strains
of broiler they raise, in an attempt to find the particular strain that will
perform better in their particular condition.

The following are some parameters used in selecting a strain of
broiler to be raised:

1. Performance - The performance of broilers is determined by their
genetic make-up as well as the environmental conditions provided
to them. The primary consideration in the broiler business is the
consistent production of more meat at the least cost possible given
the available inputs.

2. Adaptability and availability of stocks – A broiler strain that is
adapted to local conditions performs efficiently. For beginners,
choose the strain that is popularly raised in the community as it more
or less indicates that the strain is satisfactorily performing under
existing farm conditions. The choice for better strains can be fine-
tuned as one gains experience.

3. Reliability of suppliers - Purchase day-old broiler chicks from a
reputable and dependable supplier or chick dealer. An example of
good quality day-old broiler chicks from a reliable supplier is
presented in Fig. 5.

The delivery of quality chicks during the cooler part of the day (e.g.,
early morning or evening) is crucial to achieving success in broiler
production.

10 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

Fig. 5. Good quality day-old broiler chicks produced by a reliable
supplier.

The following is a list of major sources of commercial broiler
day-old-chicks as of August 2005:

Strain Suppliers

1. Ross San Miguel Foods, Inc.
2. Cobb Tyson Agro-Ventures Inc.

3. Hybro Cobb Vantress Phils.
4. Avian Phil-Malay
5. Hubbard
6. Starbro San Miguel Foods, Inc.
Swift Foods, Inc.

Tyson Agro-Ventures Corp.
Swift Foods, Inc.

Universal Robina Corp.
Mat Agro

Universal Robina Corp.

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 11

Housing and Facilities

Basic Design

There is no single best design that can be prescribed for broiler
housing because of the innumerable variations in local climatic conditions,
topography, costs, and availability of building materials and other factors
that are likely to influence the microclimatic conditions inside a poultry
house. However, the following basic requirements could serve as guide
in building a broiler house:

1. Provide the essential requirements for comfort, biosecurity, and
protection of the chickens against the elements of nature.

2. Provide convenience and ease of work for the caretakers.
3. Provide strength and durability to allow maximization of investments.
4. Use locally available and cheap construction materials without

sacrificing durability and comfort.

Materials and Structure

Local broiler raisers still use the conventional type of housing, which
is made of durable but relatively cheap materials. Coconut lumber is the
most commonly used material for the main frame, but good lumber,
when available and affordable, is ideal. Galvanized iron (GI) sheets,
asbestos, and aluminum are used as roofing materials. Among the
roofing materials mentioned, GI sheets are the most popular. This is
especially true in Luzon where the need for a heavy-duty material is vital
due to the possibility of the area being hit by a few strong typhoons within
a year. In the Visayas and Mindanao areas, where occurrences of
typhoons is less frequent, lighter roofing materials (e.g., nipa and cogon)
are commonly used because these materials are relatively cheaper and
provide cooler in-house environment for the birds.

Generally, housing for broiler chickens are classified into two types.
These are the slatted-floor type and the litter-floor type of housing.
Local broiler raisers commonly use slatted floor-type of housing because
of the better ventilation and the more convenient waste handling it offers

12 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

(Fig. 6). Bamboo, wood, or rattan slats are the most common flooring
materials used in local broiler houses. The space in between slats should
be 2.5–3.8 cm (1–1.5 in). It is important to have slats with at least 2.5
cm width. Previously, welded wire was commonly laid on top of the
bamboo or wood slats, however, because of its downgrading effect on
the carcass of broilers, its use has been reduced considerably. Today,
most broiler raisers use plastic nets or fishnets with 2.5 cm holes as over-
lays to slatted floors. The use of nets has reduced the incidence of
lameness and breast blisters on broilers. In slatted houses, the floor is
elevated to provide ample ventilation that reduces incidence of coccidiosis
and ammonia-induced respiratory diseases. The posts should be made
of concrete with at least 20.3 cm (8 in) diameter. For walls and dividers,
plastic net, fishnet, or bamboo is recommended.

In litter-floor type of housing, locally available litter materials such
as rice hull and rice straw are commonly used. This type of housing is
a good option if provided with tunnel ventilation, which is thought to
minimize the risk of coccidiosis. Tunnel ventilation allows a certain
degree of control of the in-house environment, thus, limiting stress
factors that would predispose the birds to disease.

Houses for broiler chickens are generally long but narrow in width
and constructed in east-west orientation to minimize exposure to direct
sunlight. Under Philippine conditions, the recommended width of broiler
chicken houses is between 7.3–9.0 m (24–30 ft). The space in between
houses should be at least 13.7 m (45 ft). Floor height in slatted-floor type
of housing should be at least 1.8 m (5.9 ft) to minimize ammonia build up.
Height from the floor to ceiling should be at least 2.4 m (8 ft) to allow
optimum ventilation. Concrete posts with a diameter of not less than
20.3 cm is commonly used in local slatted-floor type broiler houses.

The primary concern for broiler housing design in the Philippines is
to provide optimum ventilation and the lowest in-house temperature
possible. In addition to elevated flooring, cooling devices such as
sprinklers, foggers, and ventilating fans are commonly installed in
strategic areas inside broiler houses. Moreover, reflector paints are also
used to deflect heat from the roof.

Like in any other tropical country, summer heat in the Philippines,
which lasts for 4–6 months each year (usually June to September), is
accompanied by very high relative humidity. This climatic condition has
been observed to cause significant reduction in the survival rate and
overall growth performance of broiler chickens. To protect the birds
from the ill effects of high environmental temperature and humidity,

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 13

some commercial broiler farms, particularly the large ones, install cool
cell or tunnel ventilation to effectively control the temperature in broiler
houses. Although the effectiveness of tunnel ventilation in creating
comfortable microclimatic condition for birds in local farms still needs
further investigation, many farms have indicated reduction in stress-
related problems and general improvement in broiler production
performance. However, with the rising fuel oil and power costs, the
economic feasibility of using tunnel ventilation will surely be an important
issue to resolve.

Local broiler raisers commonly brood and grow broiler chickens in
the same house. This practice eliminates possible stress associated with
the transfer of chicks during the growing period. However, a recent
study shows that stress brought about by transferring chicks can be
effectively managed to avoid adverse effects on growth performance.
Keeping the birds in the same house from brooding to finish limits the
utilization of the housing facility. When brooding and growing of broiler
chicks is done in separate housing facilities, production can be increased
from 5 batches to 8 batches per year.

Fig. 6. Aslatted-floormonitor typeofhousingforbetterventilation
and waste handling.

14 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

Brooding

Brooding is the process of providing supplemental heat to keep the
brooder temperature at 31.1–33.3oC for 24 hours from hatching up to the
time that the chicks have grown sufficient feathers to control their own
body temperature. During the brooding period, optimum heat should be
provided to the chicks to prevent them from chilling, which may
predispose them to disease and eventually, death. In the Philippines, this
period takes about 2–3 weeks, depending on the season.

The first 24 hours of the chick’s life is the most important. Hence,
optimum brooder temperature together with a warm, dry, clean space,
and plenty of clean, fresh water must be provided to the chicks upon
delivery to the farm.

Elements of Successful Brooding
Good Quality Chicks

Quality chicks look active and have dry and fluffy feathers, bright
eyes, and well-healed navels (Fig. 7). The size of DOCs, as long as they

Fig. 7. An example of good quality chicks.
PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 15

come from the same flock, has no bearing on their subsequent
performance. However, chicks of similar sizes are always preferred.

Proper Temperature

Maintain proper temperature inside the brooding house to make
chicks feel comfortable. The range of temperatures ideal at various
ages of broiler chicks is as follows:

Age of Chicks Temperature
(days) (oC)
1–7
8–14 32.2–35.0
14–21 29.4–32.2
26.7–29.4
Beyond 21 days Provide heat only when necessary

A thermometer could be used to measure actual temperature inside
the brooder compartment. However, the behavior of the broiler chicks
in the brooder can be used as a practical guide in determining adequate
brooder temperature.

When chicks are uniformly distributed (Fig. 8) inside the brooder
and doing varied activities such as feeding, drinking, sleeping, and
playing, then brooding temperature could be presumed adequate.

Fig. 8. Evenly distributed chicks inside the brooder .
16 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

If the temperature inside the brooder is lower than what is required
by the chicks, they huddle to each other or stay together near the source of
heat and produce an unusual chirping sound. If the brooder temperature is
critically low, chicks tend to huddle and pile on top of one another causing
high incidence of mortality due to suffocation.

If the temperature, on the other hand, is higher than what the chicks
need, they tend to move away from the source of heat. Chicks spread
their wings, pant, and drink a lot of water. Extremely high temperature
inside the brooder may cause death to the chicks due to heat stroke.

The presence of draft inside the brooder is evident if the chicks form
a wedge-like pattern.

Adequate Space Allowances

Adequate floor, feeding, and drinking space allowances should be
provided to the broilers during the brooding period. Broilers should be
provided with wider floor space allocation by widening the area enclosed
by the brooder guard. Sheets of old, but clean newspapers or similar
materials may be used as floor matting during the first few days to serve
as temporary feeders and help conserve the heat inside the brooder
compartment. More units of regular feeder and drinker should be
provided, as the broiler chicks grow bigger.

During the brooding stage, the recommended floor space allowance
is 1 m2 (10.8 ft2) per 75–150 chicks under the heat source and at least
1 m2 per 25–50 chicks within the chick guard. For the feeding space,
each chick should be given 5–8 cm (2–3.1 in) linear space.

Depending on the weather, growing broiler chickens should be
provided with 0.07–0.11 m2 (0.8–1.2 ft2) of floor space per bird. Linear
space allowances for feeders and waterers should be 10.16 cm (4 in)
and 2.03 cm (0.8 in) per bird, respectively.

In large flocks, automatic watering system is usually installed. In a
float-controlled drinking trough, 2 cm (0.8 in) linear space per bird is
considered sufficient. One hanging fountain would be enough for 80–
100 birds, while a smaller cup can accommodate 50 birds, and one nipple
would be adequate for 10–12 birds.

Proper Ventilation

A good air movement without draft is necessary inside the brooder
house. The chicks need a fresh supply of oxygen, while carbon dioxide,

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 17

ammonia, and excess moisture that have accumulated inside the brooder
compartment have to be removed. The effect of draft can be avoided
by providing burlap curtains along the walls of the brooder house
(Fig. 9). The curtain can be made of empty feedbags, jute cloth, or
similar materials.

Fig. 9. Burlapcurtainusedonthewallsofbrooderhousetokeepthe
chicks from draft.

Adequate Lighting Facilities
Adequate lighting facilities have to be provided within the brooder

compartment. Proper lighting in brooder pens encourages the chicks to
keep close to the sources of heat and help them locate the feed and
water. If the source of heat is an incandescent bulb, then lighting of the
brooder pen is accomplished at the same time. However, if other
sources of heat are used, light from a 5- to 10-watt bulb would be needed
to enable the broiler chicks to locate the feed and water. If natural light
is sufficient during daytime, artificial light may only be provided at night.
Proper Sanitation

Hygiene and sanitation is one of the critical factors that determine
successful brooding of broiler chicks. Brooding pens need to be kept
clean and dry at all times to minimize if not prevent contamination and
growth of parasites and other disease-causing organisms.

18 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

Protection from Predators

The brooder must be constructed to provide sufficient protection
from rats, dogs, cats, snakes, and other animals that could unduly disturb
or kill young chicks. Enclose the brooder house with materials that are
sturdy enough to prevent the entry of these predators.

Sources of Heat for Brooding

Any cheap source of heat that could adequately provide the required
brooding temperature may be used. While the mother hen’s body
provides the best brooding temperature, this is not practical for commercial
broiler production. Electricity, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or fuels
such as charcoal and rice hulls maybe used depending on their costs,
availability, and convenience.

Electricity

Electricity is a popular source of heat, particularly for backyard
operations. Incandescent bulb, infrared lamp, and hover-type heaters
with resistant coils are examples of electric heat sources. In some
cases, thermostats are provided to automatically regulate the temperature
inside the brooder compartment.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

LPG-fueled heaters are popularly used in large-scale poultry farms.
These are found to effectively and efficiently provide heat for larger
number of chicks at a relatively lower cost. This type of heat source is
commonly used in areas where electricity is either not available or
expensive. A 50-kg LPG cylinder is adequate to provide sufficient heat
for 1,000 broiler chicks for 18 days.

Brooding Management

Preparation of the Brooder House

The brooding house must be ready and properly cleaned, repaired,
and disinfected prior to the arrival of broiler chicks. The heater should
be turned on 4 hours before the arrival of the chicks. Heating units with

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 19

hover must be adjusted such that the edge of the hover is 15 cm above
the back of newly arrived chicks. As the broiler chicks grow bigger, the
height of the heater must be adjusted. For chicks older than 4 days, the
hover may be set at 15–30 cm above the back of the broilers provided
optimum brooding temperature is maintained.

Brooder guards are used to confine the broiler chicks near the
source of heat. These should be circular to eliminate corners that can
possibly trap the chicks and make them liable to trampling, particularly
when they are agitated or scared of predators or other unusual figures
in the brooding area. Aluminum sheets, lawanits, plywoods, hard
cardboards, or similar materials could be used as brooder guards. The
area enclosed by the brooder guard can be expanded as deemed
necessary until it is removed at the end of the brooding period.

Some poultry farms, particularly the smaller ones, use cages with
incandescent bulb as source of heat in brooding broiler chicks. Some
farms install ‘false ceiling’ (Fig. 10), which is made of burlap curtain to
better control the temperature inside the brooder house.

Fig. 10. Brooder house with burlap curtain used as “false ceiling”
tocontroltemperature.

Handling of Broiler Chicks

Handling of newly arrived broiler chicks is one of the critical
factors that influence survival rate and growth performance during the
brooding period. The following are some suggested steps in handling
broiler chicks.

20 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

1. Place the boxes containing the broiler chicks on the floor of the
brooder. Spread out the boxes to allow adequate air supply and keep
the chicks from suffocation.

2. Open the chick boxes and separate the weak chicks from the active
ones. Remove and properly dispose dead chicks found in the boxes.
Immediately release the chicks into the brooder compartment.
Dispose empty boxes properly.

3. Check the condition of the newly arrived chicks more frequently
during the first 48 hours.

4. Provide the broiler chicks with 5% sugar solution for drinking within
3 hours of arrival. Thereafter, give them fresh feeds and water.
Vitamin-mineral supplements with antibiotics may be added to the
drinking water during the first 3–5 days to enhance the chicks’ vigor.

5. Regulate the brooder temperature, as the broiler chicks grow
bigger. Brooder temperature can be reduced by 3oC/week until the
chicks are 3 weeks old. During warm months, the brooder heater
may be provided intermittently during daytime, but it should be
provided continuously at night.

6. Provide additional units of larger feeders and waterers as the
broilers grow. Waterers should be set about 1 m away from the
nearest feeder. Choose proper feeder design and follow proper
feeding management to minimize feed wastage.

7. Vaccinate the broilers against common poultry diseases (e.g., New
Castle Disease [NCD], Infectious Bronchitis [IB], Infectious Bursal
Disease [IBD]).

8. Cull and properly dispose all weak, deformed, and sickly chicks.
Immediately burn or bury dead birds.

9. Consult a veterinarian if mortality and morbidity of the flock goes
higher than the acceptable level.

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 21

Other Management Practices

Prevention and Control of Cannibalism

Cannibalism is a nasty behavior that may develop in a flock. It is
manifested by pecking on others’ toes, tails, and feathers. In broilers, the
outbreak of cannibalism could result in stress that could affect their
production efficiency and downgrading of their carcass when dressed.
Under extreme conditions, cannibalism could result in higher mortality
and morbidity.

The possible causes of the outbreak of cannibalism in broiler
chickens are:

a. Overcrowding
b. Poor ventilation
c. Inadequate feeders and drinkers
d. Imbalance or poor diet

Prevention of Cannibalism

The following are commonly recommended practices to prevent
cannibalism:

a. Provide adequate floor space.
b. Provide proper ventilation.
c. Provide sufficient feeding and drinking spaces.
d. Give good quality feeds and balanced diet.

Control of Cannibalism

a. Isolate immediately injured broilers.
b. Treat wounds of injured broilers with pine tar or anti-peck

solution as soon as possible.
c. If cannibalism persists, beak trimming is recommended.

22 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

Proper Catching and Hauling of Broilers

As soon as the broiler chickens have achieved the desired age and
weight, they should be marketed. The following are some useful tips in
catching and hauling of broilers.

1. Catch the broilers at night. Broilers are less active during the night.
2. Remove feeders and waterers from the pens before catching the

birds.
3. Divide the broiler flock into small groups by using portable panels or

frames.
4. Hold the broilers on the body or on both legs. Place them inside the

crate with care. Avoid rough handling of broilers. The skin of
broilers, particularly on the breast portion, is easily bruised.
5. Do not overcrowd broilers inside the crate.
6. Handle filled crates with care.

Management During Stress

Stress is a state whereby the normal physiological condition of an
organism is adversely affected. Stress comes in many forms and affects
the performance of broilers. Sudden change in weather, fear due to the
presence of predators, frequent change in diet, frequent handling,
vaccination and so on, can create conditions of stress. However,
through proper housing and management stress can be minimized.

Housing. A long and narrow house will allow better ventilation than
a square house; a width of 10–12 m should be considered maximum. It
is important that broiler houses should be maintained in good condition.

Water. If nipple drinkers are used, adjust the pressure regulators to
supply optimum volume of water to the birds. Hot drinking water causes
adverse effects on broiler performance. To prevent heating of the
drinking water, tanks should be insulated and/or located in the shade.
Also, water pipes and waterers should be kept away from direct
sunlight. Broilers perform better if provided with cold drinking water.

Feed Management and Nutrition during Warm Weather.
During warm weather condition, pellets and crumbles are recommended
to improve feed consumption and minimize dusts. If sudden high

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 23

temperatures are anticipated, feed may be restricted. Fats as energy
source are also useful because it produces lower metabolic heat than
carbohydrates. Full-fat soya is an excellent ingredient as it contains 18%
high-quality fat. A good quality and digestible phosphate source is also
important during hot weather.

Mold inhibitors and antioxidants based on ethoxyquin should be
added in fat sources, high fat ingredients, and vitamin premixes to
prevent growth of mycotoxin-producing organisms and oxidation of fats.

Stabilized forms of vitamin C have been found useful under certain
situations. At 200–600 mg/kg, growth can be improved, as well as feed
efficiency and livability, particularly of heat-stressed birds. Vitamin E
at levels higher than 80 ppm has also been observed to be beneficial,
particularly during stressful conditions.

During summer months, extra calcium at a rate of 1 g/bird should be
provided in the form of oyster shell grit or limestone. Supplementing the
diet with 0.5% sodium bicarbonate or 0.3–1% ammonium chloride or
sodium zeolite minimizes alkalosis related to heat stress.

Other Causes of Stress. Some of the most often ignored causes
of stress in broiler chickens include slamming of doors, honking of horns,
and children or dogs running around. These forms of unnecessary stress
must be avoided. Other causes of stress include the presence of
parasites like coccidia, worms, lice, and mites. A regular program to
eliminate these pests is therefore necessary.

24 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

Feeding Broilers

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in broiler performance. The
genetic potential of broiler chickens can be expressed only if proper
nutrition and management are provided to them.

Feed Types and Forms

As practiced, broilers are fed ad libitum from start to market. They
should be encouraged to eat as much as possible. Recent observations
indicate that high feed consumption in broiler chickens is positively
correlated with growth rate and feed conversion efficiency.

The three types of feeds commonly offered to broiler chickens are
the following:

a. Prestarter or chick booster - given to chicks from day-
old to 2 weeks.

b. Broiler starter - given to chicks from 2 weeks old to 4
weeks old.

c. Broiler finisher - given to chicks from 4 weeks old until
desired market weight and age are achieved.

The recommended nutrient requirements and supplementary vitamin
and mineral for broiler chickens are presented in Tables 2 and 3,
respectively. Three nutrient densities (low, medium, and high) are
presented for each type of feed. The ratio of other nutrients (protein,
amino acids, minerals, and vitamins) to the different energy levels is
made constant in each feed type. This provides flexibilities in formulating
broiler diets, depending on the desired level of feed efficiency, availability
and cost of feedstuffs, without sacrificing the efficiency of nutrient
utilization. When efficient feed is desired, use the high-nutrient density
formulation. Chicks will eat less of this feed per unit gain in body weight
compared with those chicks, which are fed low- or medium-nutrient
density feeds. The low- or medium-nutrient density requirements are
adopted when by-products such as rice bran are to be used in the ration,
which results in increased feed consumption per kilogram body weight

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 25

26 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION Table 2. Nutrient recommendations for broiler-type chicken.

Nutrient Booster Starter Finisher
(0–2 Weeks) (2–4 Weeks) (4–6 Weeks)

Unit Low Medium High Low Medium High Low Medium High

ME; Protein Ration 130 130 130 140 140 140 150 150 150
Energy, ME 2,800 2,900 3,000 2,700 2,800 2,900
Crude Protein Kcal/kg 2,700 2,800 2,900
Calcium % 21.50 22.30 23.00 19.30 20.00 20.70
Phosphorus, Available % 0.84 0.87 0.90 0.81 0.84 0.87 18.00 18.70 19.30
Salt (NaCl) % 0.45 0.46 0.48 0.41 0.42 0.44
% 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.76 0.78 0.81

0.38 0.39 0.41

0.30 0.30 0.30

Amino Acid % 1.12 1.16 1.20 0.97 1.01 1.04 0.86 0.90 0.93
Lysine % 0.48 0.49 0.51 0.38 0.39 0.41 0.32 0.33 0.35
Methionine % 0.84 0.87 0.90 0.68 0.70 0.72 0.59 0.62 0.64
Met + Cys % 0.78 0.81 0.84 0.62 0.64 0.67 0.57 0.59 0.61
Threonine % 0.22 0.23 0.24 0.19 0.20 0.20 0.16 0.17 0.17
Tryptophan

Source: Feed Reference Standards, Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (PhilSAN), 2003.

Table 3. Recommended vitamin and mineral supplementation
for broilers.

Type of Feed/Age (weeks)

Vitamin/Mineral Unit/kg Booster Starter Finisher

Supplement Feed 0–2 2–4 4–Market

Vitamins: IU 10,000 10,000 8,000
Vitamin A IU 2,500 2,500 2,500
Vitamin D3 mg
Vitamin E mg 30.0 30.0 25.0
Vitamin K3 mg 3.0 3.0 2.5
Vitamin B1 mg 2.0 2.0 1.0
Vitamin B2 mg 5.0 5.0 4.0
Vitamin B6 mcg 3.0 3.0 3.0
Vitamin B12 mcg 12.0 12.0 12.0
Biotin mg 200.0 200.0 100.0
Folic Acid mg 1.0 1.0 0.5
Niacin mg 30.0 30.0 30.0
Pantothenic Acid mg 12.0 12.0 10.0
Choline 500.0 500.0 300.0
mg
Trace Minerals: mg 8.0 8.0 8.0
Copper mg 80.0 80.0 80.0
Iron mg 0.8 0.8 0.8
Iodine mg 80.0 80.0 80.0
Manganese mg 0.1 0.1 0.1
Selenium 40.0 40.0 40.0
Zinc

Source: Feed Reference Standards, Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (PhilSAN), 2003.

gain of broilers. Table 4 shows the estimated feed consumption and
weight gains of broilers up to market age. Tables 5, 6, and 7 present
sample formulations for low-, medium-, and high-nutrient density broiler
rations, respectively.

The three forms of broiler feeds are:

Mash - a mixture of ground and powdered form of feedstuffs
Pellets - compressed mash feed. Feeds are compressed through
pelleting machine (Fig. 11). Pellets vary in size.
Crumbles - coarsely ground pellets
Mash feed is recommended for use only during the first 2 weeks as

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 27

Fig. 11. Pelleting machine.

Table 4. The estimated feed consumption and average daily
weight gain of broilers from day-old up to market age.

Age Ave. Feed Ave. Daily Feed Type
(days) Consumption Weight Gain

(g/days) (g)

1–10 24.60 24.50 BB
11–24 67.10 45.00 BST
25–30 115.00 65.00 BFN-1
31–42 136.25 64.50 BFN-2

an alternative to crumbles. However, under local condition, mash feed
is commonly used for the entire growing period. Mash feed is easier to
prepare and cheaper than crumbles or pellets. However, when pellets
and crumbles are available they are preferred over mash. Broilers may
be fed with crumble during the entire growing period. When chicks are
2–3 weeks of age, broilers prefer starter pellets to mash or crumbles. At
about 4 weeks of age, broiler finisher pellets, which are larger in particle
size, is commonly recommended. Based on total feed consumption,
prestarter feed accounts for 15%, while starter and finisher feeds
account for 35% and 50%, respectively.

28 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

Table 5. Sample formulation of chick booster mash*.

Ingredient Chick Booster Mash
Low Medium High

Corn, yellow 513.00 463.00 415.00
Soybean HP 341.00 367.00 390.00
Rice bran D1 50.00 50.00 50.00
Copra meal 50.00 50.00 50.00
Limestone, fine 11.50 11.50 12.00
Monodicalcium phosphate 14.50 14.60 15.30
Crude coconut oil 32.80 56.40
Salt 9.00
DL - methionine 3.00 3.00 3.00
Vitamin premix 1.30 1.40 1.60
Mineral premix 1.00 1.00 1.00
Choline, 50% 1.00 1.00 1.00
Toxin binder 1.20 1.20 1.20
Enzyme 1.00 1.00 1.00
Mold inhibitor 0.50 0.50 0.50
Coccidiostat 0.50 0.50 0.50
Antioxidant 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total 0.50 0.50 0.50
Calculated nutrient content 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00
Crude protein, %
M.E., kcal/kg 21.50 22.30 23.00
Crude fat, % 2800 2900 3000
Crude fiber, %
Calcium, % 4.34 6.57 8.77
Available phosphorus, % 3.66 3.63 3.60
Lysine, % 0.84 0.87 0.90
Methionine, % 0.45 0.46 0.48
Met + Cys, % 1.19 1.25 1.30
Tryptophan, % 0.49 0.50 0.53
Threonine, % 0.84 0.87 0.90
0.26 0.27 0.28
0.81 0.84 0.87

* Formulated based on the nutrient recommended for broilers.

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 29

Table 6. Sample formulation of broiler starter diets*.

Ingredient Broiler Starter Mash
Low Medium High

Corn, yellow 519.00 481.00 432.00
Soybean HP 266.50 288.00 312.00
Rice bran D1 100.00 100.00 100.00
Copra meal 80.00 80.00 80.00
Limestone, fine 12.00 12.20 12.50
Monodicalcium phosphate 12.70 13.00 14.00
Crude coconut oil 16.00 39.50
Salt -
DL - methionine 3.00 3.00 3.00
Vitamin premix 0.50 0.50 0.70
Mineral premix 1.00 1.00 1.00
Choline, 50% 1.00 1.00 1.00
Toxin binder 0.80 0.80 0.80
Enzyme 1.00 1.00 1.00
Mold inhibitor 0.50 0.50 0.50
Coccidiostat 0.50 0.50 0.50
Antioxidant 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total 0.50 0.50 0.50
Calculated nutrient content 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00
Crude protein, %
M.E., kcal/kg 19.30 20.00 20.70
Crude fat, % 2737 2800 2900
Crude fiber, %
Calcium, % 4.32 5.80 8.00
Available phosphorus, % 3.97 3.95 3.91
Lysine, % 0.81 0.84 0.87
Methionine, % 0.41 0.42 0.44
Met + Cys, % 1.01 1.07 1.12
Tryptophan, % 0.38 0.39 0.41
Threonine, % 0.71 0.72 0.75
0.23 0.24 0.25
0.72 0.75 0.78

* Formulated based on the nutrient recommended for broilers.

30 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

Table 7. Sample formulation of broiler finisher mash*.

Ingredient Broiler Finisher Mash
Low Medium High

Corn, yellow 539.00 506.00 461.00
271.50
Soybean HP 230.00 251.00 120.00
80.00
Rice bran D1 120.00 120.00 11.70
12.50
Copra meal 80.00 80.00 34.80

Limestone, fine 11.20 11.40 3.00
0.20
Monodicalcium phosphate 11.50 11.70 1.00
1.00
Crude coconut oil - 11.50 0.80
1.00
Salt 3.00 3.00 0.50
0.50
DL - methionine - 0.10 0.50
1000.00
Vitamin premix 1.00 1.00
19.30
Mineral premix 1.00 1.00 2900

Choline, 50% 0.80 0.80 7.82
3.94
Toxin binder 1.00 1.00 0.81
0.41
Enzyme 0.50 0.50 1.02
0.35
Mold inhibitor 0.50 0.50 0.67
0.23
Antioxidant 0.50 0.50 0.72

Total 1000.00 1000.00

Calculated nutrient content

Crude protein, % 18.00 18.70

M.E., kcal/kg 2759 2800

Crude fat, % 4.59 5.65

Crude fiber, % 3.98 3.98

Calcium, % 0.76 0.78

Available phosphorus, % 0.38 0.39

Lysine, % 0.92 0.97

Methionine, % 0.32 0.33

Met + Cys, % 0.63 0.65

Tryptophan, % 0.21 0.22

Threonine, % 0.67 0.70

* Formulated based on the nutrient recommended for broilers.

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 31

Pelleting of broiler feeds is expensive. If costs are to be regained,
the advantages of pelleting must outweigh the disadvantages.

Advantages of Pelleting

The following are some advantages of pelleting broiler feeds:

a. Less feed loss due to wind
b. Reduces feed dustiness
c. Keeps all ingredients bound in pellet form during handling
d. Destroys bacteria in feeds (e.g., salmonella)
e. Increases feed density, allowing chicken to consume more

low energy (high-fiber) feeds
f. Markedly increases consumption of certain feed ingredients

that are otherwise unacceptable to chickens when they are
not pelleted
g. Less feed wastage from feeders

Disadvantages of Pelleting

The following are some of the major disadvantages of pelleting:

a. Added cost of pelleting
b. Wasting of fine particles when pellets break into crumble
c. Increased water consumption of broiler chicken that often

results to wet droppings
d. Increased incidence and severity of cannibalism

Considering the aforementioned advantages and disadvantages of
pelleted feeds, the choice of the form of feed to adopt largely depends
on economic considerations. The following are the observed responses
of broilers to pelleting or crumbling broiler feeds.

a. Pelleting of high-fiber feeds shows more improvement in
feed consumption than pelleting low-fiber feed.

b. Pelleting reduces the feeding time of chickens.
c. Pelleting per se does not increase the growth rate of

broilers. Pelleting increases feed consumption, which is
often translated into fast growth rate.
d. From day-old to 2 weeks, chicks eat more feeds in mash

32 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

form than crumbles or very small pellets, but thereafter,
pellet feeds are preferred.
e. When mixture of three-fourth pellets and one-fourth mash
is given, some broilers show preference for mash and some
for pellets. This practice results in greater average body
weight than when pellets alone are fed.
f. If pellets are too large, acceptance will be reduced. Broilers
under 4 weeks of age should be given pelleted feed with a
diameter of 2.3 mm, while broilers over 4 weeks of age
should be given pellets of 4.7 mm.

Nutritional Deficiency

Feed rations, which are balanced and contain adequate nutrients,
are important in disease prevention. Deficiencies in any of the nutrients
can cause disease or make broilers more susceptible to infectious and
non-infectious disease. Deficiency problems related to protein, vitamin
A, vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, among others, are often seen in
small flocks. Table 8 presents the symptoms of nutritional deficiencies
in broilers.

Feeding Systems

Unless otherwise recommended by the supplier, feed must be
available to the chickens at all times. Birds must be provided with
artificial light to enable them to eat at night. When open trough feeders
are used, refill the troughs as frequently as possible. Fresh feed must
be mixed with the remaining feed in the trough during feeding time.

In most commercial broiler farms, tube feeders are commonly used
to ensure continuous supply of feeds to the chickens and make feeding
convenient to the caretaker. Occasionally check the tube feeders to
ensure the flow of feed from the tube to the pan. Hang the tube feeder
at a height where the brim of the pan is leveled with the back of the
chickens. This will make the chickens eat more conveniently and at the
same time reduce feed wastage.

To avoid overcrowding during feeding, allow 2.54 cm (1 in) of
feeder space for each chick for the first 2 weeks (Fig. 12), 5.08 cm (2
in) up to 4 weeks, and 10.16 cm (4 in) up to slaughter age (6 weeks). For
every 100 chicks, use three tube feeders.

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 33

Table 8. Nutritional deficiency for broilers.

Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms

Energy Increased feed intake; as the energy content of the
chicks drop below the critical level (600/kg) growth is
reduced and the amount of deposited fat in the carcass
is decreased; when the energy level is decreased below
maintenance requirement, the animal loses weight (using
up its own body fat and protein tissues for energy) until
this process becomes severe enough to affect a vital
function, causing the animal to die.

Protein/Essential acid Decreased feed intake, decreased growth in proportion
to degree of deficiency, decreased deposition of fat.

Essential fatty acid Reduced growth and condition progresses as build
(Linoleic acid) up of fat occurs in the liver; susceptibility to
respiratory diseases

Vitamins Anorexia, growth retardation, drowsiness,
Vitamin A incoordination, emaciation, and ruffled feathers

Vitamin D Retarded growth, leg weakness, beak and claws
become soft and pliable, squatting on their hocks.
Poor calcification of tibia and femur.

Vitamin E Encephalomalacia, exudative diathesis, and muscular
dystrophy

Vitamin K Subcutaneous and internal hemorrhages, delayed
blood clotting

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Anorexia, polyneuritis, and paralysis

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Slow growth, curled toe paralysis; walk with hocks
with the aid of their wings

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Retarded growth, dermatitis, convulsion, and anemia

Vitamin B12 Reduced weight gain and feed intake along with poor
(Cyanocobalamin) feathering and nervous disorder

Niacin (Nicotinic acid) Loss of appetite, retarded growth, general weakness
and diarrhea, enlargement of the tibiotarsal joint, bowing
of the legs, poor feathering, and dermatitis on the head
and feet

34 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

Table 8. Nutritional deficiency for broilers (continued).

Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms

Panthothenic acid Reduced growth and feed consumption, poor feathering,
encrustations around beak and eyes, dermatitis of the
feet

Biotin Crusty dermatitis of foot pod, eyes, and mouth; perosis,
poor feathering

Folacin (Folic acid) Poor feathering, slow growth, perosis, macrocytic
Choline anemia, and reduced white blood cell
Minerals
Calcium Poor growth, perosis

Phosphorus Growth retardation and reduced feed intake, rickets,
Sodium reduced activity and sensitivity, abnormal posture and
Potassium gait, increased urine value

Chlorine Rickets and poor growth

Magnesium Growth retardation, soft bones, corneal keratinization,
impaired feed utilization, and decrease in plasma volume
Manganese
Muscle weakness characterized by weak extremities,
poor intestinal tone with intestinal distention, cardiac
and respiratory muscle weakness

Extremely poor growth rate, high mortality,
hemoconcentration, dehydration and reduced blood
chloride level, nervous reaction reduced by sudden
noise or fright

Retarded growth, lethargic and often pant and gasp,
exhibit convulsions and go on to comatose state when
disturbed

Perosis characterized by enlargement and malformation
of the tibio-metatarsal joint, twisting and bending of the
distal end of the tibia and proximal end of the torso-
metatarsus, thickening and shortening of the
gastrocnemius or Achilles tendon from its condyles

Zinc Retarded growth, shortening and thickening of leg
bones, enlargement of the hock joints, scaling of the
skin, very poor feathering, reduced feed utilization,
loss of appetite, and in severe cases, mortality

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 35

Table 8. Nutritional deficiency for broilers (continued).

Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms

Iron Severe anemia with reduction in packed cell volume,
impaired feather pigmentation

Copper Anemia, increased fragility of bone, thickened epiphyseal
cartilage, reduced vascular penetration of the thick
cartilage

Selenium Exudative diathesis, muscular dystrophy

Iodine Enlarged thyroid

Fig. 12. Two-week old broiler chicks raised in slatted-floor
housing with tube feeders placed alternately with
automatic waterers.

Management Practices to Avoid Feed Losses in Feeders

The following are some tips to minimize feed wastage:

1. Avoid filling beyond one-third of the capacity of the trough feeders.
This will require frequent feeding, but less feed will be wasted
through beaking out. Also, the feed will remain fresh and more
palatable.

2. Use the right size of feeder for a particular age of chickens. Each
feeder should have a guard or lid to avoid the feed from being beaked
out.

36 PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

3. Keep the brim of feeders level with the back of the chickens to
reduce wastage from beaking out feeds and make eating easier for
the chickens.

4. Give pelleted or crumbled feed instead of mash feed if the cost is
reasonable. These kinds of feed are less likely to be blown out from
feeders. These forms of feeds are preferred by broilers. These
stimulate them to eat more feeds than the feed in mash form.

Feed Additives

Feeds for broilers are formulated to contain optimum nutrient
concentration to enhance growth and better efficiency of feed utilization
at reasonable cost. To ensure that the dietary nutrients are ingested,
digested, protected from destruction, absorbed, and transported to the
cells of the body, certain feed additives are included in the ration.

The following are commonly used feed additives in broiler rations:

Antifungal agents. These are used to prevent fungal (mold)
growth in stored ingredients and mixed feeds. Molds reduce palatability
and may produce mycotoxins. The use of mold inhibitor is strongly
recommended when moisture content of grains exceeds 13–14%,
relative humidity increases to more than 80–85%, temperature rises
above 12.8oC, or the grain is damaged, broken, or insect-infested.

Antioxidants. These are preservatives that prevent the oxidation
(rancidity) of fats. Unsaturated fatty acids may react with oxygen to
produce undesirable products with offensive odors and toxic properties
and destroy nutrients (i.e., fat-soluble vitamins).

Anticoccidial agents. These are substances used to prevent the
incidence of coccidiosis in poultry.

Antitoxins. These are substances that bind mycotoxins present in feeds.

PHILIPPINES RECOMMENDS FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 37