Finisher Feeds: The Final Stage of Poultry Nutrition

The final stage of poultry nutrition, known as the finisher phase, is crucial for achieving optimal weight gain and overall performance before birds are prepared for market.

Finisher feeds are designed to meet the changing nutritional needs of growing poultry as they transition from rapid growth to fattening.

During this phase, poultry require a specific balance of nutrients to maximize their growth potential, improve feed efficiency, and ensure they reach market weight with optimal body condition.

In this article, we will explore the significance of finisher feeds and how they play a vital role in the final stages of poultry growth and development.

1. The Role of Finisher Feeds in Poultry Growth

Finisher feeds are formulated to support the final stages of poultry growth, where birds are no longer growing rapidly but are focusing on reaching market weight efficiently. At this stage, poultry need a diet that supports weight gain and fat deposition while maintaining overall health.

Unlike starter and grower feeds, which are formulated to promote rapid skeletal growth, finisher feeds are designed to provide the necessary energy and protein to help poultry reach their target weight and condition before processing.

The nutritional profile of finisher feeds is designed to maximize feed conversion ratios (FCR), ensuring that the poultry are efficiently utilizing the feed for weight gain. These feeds are essential for ensuring that birds achieve their full growth potential while maintaining the desired body composition.

2. Nutritional Components of Finisher Feeds

The formulation of finisher feeds focuses on providing the appropriate balance of protein, energy, and fats needed for optimal weight gain. As poultry approach market weight, their protein requirements decrease slightly compared to earlier stages, while their energy needs increase.

Finisher feeds typically contain a moderate level of protein to ensure continued muscle development while providing an increased level of energy in the form of fats and carbohydrates to promote fat deposition and weight gain.

Ingredients such as corn, wheat, and vegetable oils are commonly used to provide high energy content, while protein sources like soybean meal and canola meal supply the necessary amino acids for muscle growth.

Vitamins and minerals are also included to maintain overall health, support bone development, and boost immunity during the final stages of growth. The precise formulation of finisher feeds helps ensure birds reach their target weight with optimal health and body condition.

3. Managing Feed Conversion and Efficiency

One of the primary goals during the finisher phase is to achieve a high feed conversion ratio (FCR), which is a measure of how efficiently birds convert feed into body weight. Finisher feeds are designed to maximize FCR by providing the correct balance of nutrients and ensuring that the feed is highly digestible and palatable.

A well-formulated finisher feed helps birds utilize the feed more effectively, converting it into lean body mass and fat with minimal waste. This is important not only for maximizing productivity but also for improving the economic efficiency of poultry production.

The right balance of energy and protein in the feed allows birds to gain weight efficiently without over-consuming feed, helping producers reduce feed costs while achieving optimal growth and weight at market time.

4. Adjusting Finisher Feeds Based on Poultry Type and Purpose

The formulation of finisher feeds may vary depending on the type of poultry being raised and their intended purpose. For broilers, the focus is on rapid weight gain and achieving the ideal market weight in a short period.

Therefore, finisher feeds for broilers are typically higher in energy and fats to promote rapid fattening. On the other hand, for laying hens or other specialty poultry breeds, finisher feeds may have a slightly different formulation to promote good health and maintain the balance of nutrients necessary for egg production or other specific needs.

Additionally, for poultry raised for organic or free-range purposes, the formulation of finisher feeds may include specific ingredients or exclude certain additives to meet the requirements of organic certifications.

Customizing finisher feeds based on poultry type and purpose ensures that the nutritional needs of the birds are met for optimal performance and health.

5. Monitoring Growth and Adjusting Feed Intake

Regular monitoring of poultry growth and feed intake is essential during the finisher phase. As poultry approach market weight, their growth rates begin to slow, and their nutrient requirements must be carefully managed to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding.

By closely tracking the weight and health of the birds, farmers can adjust the amount of feed provided to ensure that the birds are receiving enough nutrition for optimal growth without wasting feed.

Adjustments to the type and amount of finisher feed can help optimize growth and prevent issues such as excessive fat deposition or slow weight gain.

Tools such as regular weight checks, feed intake records, and monitoring for signs of illness or stress are essential to ensure that the finisher feed is meeting the birds’ nutritional needs at this final stage of their growth.

Finisher feeds are a vital component of poultry nutrition during the final stages of growth, helping birds reach their market weight with optimal feed efficiency and body condition.

The precise formulation of these feeds, which balances energy, protein, fats, and other nutrients, ensures that poultry achieve the desired growth rates while maintaining good health and performance.

By managing feed conversion ratios, adjusting formulations based on poultry type, and monitoring growth, farmers can ensure that their poultry are prepared for market at the right time and with the best possible condition.

As poultry farming continues to evolve, the importance of well-formulated finisher feeds remains central to achieving optimal production efficiency, ensuring that both the economic and nutritional needs of the industry are met.

Read Also: Starter Feeds: Formulating Nutrition for Optimal Chick Growth