Chicken (Broiler) — Feed Requirements Guide
Broiler chickens are the most feed-efficient meat animals in agriculture, reaching market weight of 5-9 lbs in just 35-56 days depending on the target market. A broiler at 6 lbs average weight consumes approximately 0.30 lbs of feed daily, with a lifetime feed conversion ratio of approximately 1.8-2.0 lbs of feed per lb of live weight gain. Broiler nutrition emphasizes maximum growth rate through high-protein, high-energy diets formulated on a digestible amino acid basis. The three-phase feeding program (starter, grower, finisher) progressively reduces protein while increasing energy as the birds shift from lean growth to fat deposition. Modern broiler genetics have improved feed efficiency by approximately 50% over the past 40 years, making poultry the most affordable animal protein source worldwide.
Chicken (Broiler) Nutritional Requirements by Life Stage
The table below shows how dry matter intake, protein requirements, and feed costs change across the 3 life stages of chicken (broiler) production. Life stage adjustments account for the dramatically different energy and protein demands of lactation, growth, gestation, and maintenance. Click any life stage for a dedicated page with detailed feeding recommendations and management tips.
| Life Stage | DMI Adj. | Daily DMI | Protein % | Daily Protein | Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter (0-14 days) | 0.5x | 0.2 lbs | 23% | 0.0 lbs | $0.38 |
| Grower (15-28 days) | 1x | 0.3 lbs | 20% | 0.1 lbs | $0.77 |
| Finisher (29+ days) | 1.3x | 0.4 lbs | 17% | 0.1 lbs | $1.00 |
*Monthly cost estimated using grass hay at $150/ton. Actual costs vary by feed type and region.
Recommended Feeds for Chicken (Broiler)
The following feeds meet both the minimum crude protein and TDN requirements for chicken (broiler) at maintenance level (20% protein, 78% TDN) when fed as the sole feed source. In practice, most feeding programs combine multiple feed ingredients to optimize cost and nutritional balance.
| Feed | Protein | TDN | As-Fed/Day | Cost/Ton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soybean Meal | 44% | 84% | 0.3 lbs | $450 |
| Distillers Grains (Dried) | 27% | 86% | 0.3 lbs | $200 |
| Corn Gluten Feed | 21% | 80% | 0.3 lbs | $200 |
| Broiler Starter | 22% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | $450 |
Feeds Requiring Supplementation
These feeds meet either the protein or TDN requirement but not both, and would need to be combined with other feeds in a balanced ration. The table indicates which nutritional requirement is met and which needs supplementation.
| Feed | Protein | TDN | Protein OK? | TDN OK? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Corn | 9% | 88% | No | Yes |
| Cracked Corn | 9% | 88% | No | Yes |
| Barley | 13% | 84% | No | Yes |
| Cottonseed Meal | 41% | 75% | Yes | No |
| Canola Meal | 36% | 74% | Yes | No |
| Fat Supplement (Bypass Fat) | 0% | 180% | No | Yes |
| Urea (Feed Grade) | 281% | 0% | Yes | No |
| Brewers Grains (Wet) | 26% | 66% | Yes | No |
Feeding Chicken (Broiler) at Different Body Weights
Body weight directly determines dry matter intake. The table below shows how daily feed requirements change across a range of body weights for chicken (broiler) at maintenance level. Use the calculator for custom weights, life stages, and herd sizes.
| Body Weight | Daily DMI | Daily Protein | Monthly Feed | Annual Feed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 lbs | 0.2 lbs | 0.0 lbs | 6 lbs | 0.04 tons |
| 5 lbs | 0.3 lbs | 0.1 lbs | 8 lbs | 0.05 tons |
| 6 lbs | 0.3 lbs | 0.1 lbs | 9 lbs | 0.05 tons |
| 7 lbs | 0.4 lbs | 0.1 lbs | 11 lbs | 0.06 tons |
| 9 lbs | 0.5 lbs | 0.1 lbs | 14 lbs | 0.08 tons |
Herd Size Feed Budgets for Chicken (Broiler)
Planning feed purchases and storage requires estimating total feed needs for your herd over time. The table below shows monthly and annual feed requirements and costs for various herd sizes of chicken (broiler) at maintenance level using grass hay at $150/ton.
| Head Count | Daily DMI Total | Monthly Feed | Annual Feed | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1.5 lbs | 0.02 tons | 0.27 tons | $46.66 |
| 10 | 3.0 lbs | 0.05 tons | 0.55 tons | $93.32 |
| 25 | 7.5 lbs | 0.11 tons | 1.37 tons | $233.31 |
| 50 | 15.0 lbs | 0.23 tons | 2.74 tons | $466.62 |
| 100 | 30.0 lbs | 0.45 tons | 5.48 tons | $933.24 |
| 200 | 60.0 lbs | 0.90 tons | 10.95 tons | $1,866.48 |
Other Animals
Browse feed requirement guides for other livestock species.