Broiler precise feeding method

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for precise feeding of broilers, employing a two-component feed, including feed A and feed B. Feed A and feed B differ in at least one of the following: energy level, protein level, or mineral element ratio. Feed A is suitable for the early growth stage of broilers, while feed B is suitable for the middle and later growth stages. The ratio of feed A to feed B is adjusted in stages, either continuously or gradually, rather than being replaced entirely at once. This invention effectively mitigates feed intake fluctuations caused by switching from a single feed to a larger one by adjusting the ratio of feed A to feed B in stages, thereby increasing feed intake in the middle growth stage of broilers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of broiler breeding technology, specifically relating to a method for precise feeding of broilers. Background Technology

[0002] The statements herein provide only background information in relation to this invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] With the development of large-scale broiler farming, the requirements for growth rate, feed utilization efficiency and economic benefits in broiler production are constantly increasing. In the current broiler farming process, the feed is usually changed in stages, that is, early-stage feed, mid-stage feed and late-stage feed are fed at different age stages, and the feed change is mostly carried out in the form of "whole feed switching". However, the above-mentioned existing technologies have at least the following shortcomings: (1) The nutritional requirements and feed supply levels are not symmetrical. The existing staged feeding technology assumes that the nutritional requirements of broilers remain unchanged at the same stage; (2) The stress of feed change is obvious: Directly changing feed at different growth stages can easily cause fluctuations in the feed intake of broilers, especially in the mid and late growth stages, which affects normal growth; (3) The flexibility of feeding management is insufficient. The existing technology relies on changing the feed formula to regulate production performance, which cannot achieve control over the weight gain rate, and has high requirements for feed processing and management.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a feeding method that can improve broiler growth performance, increase feed intake in the mid-to-late stages, and maintain stable feed conversion rate without changing the existing feed formulation system, simply by optimizing the feeding program. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to solve the problems of feed fluctuations, insufficient feed intake in the mid-growth stage, and limited final weight gain caused by the phased switching of feed in the existing broiler breeding process. It provides a broiler feeding method that adjusts the proportion of different feeds in stages and gradually to improve the feed intake and final weight of broilers in the mid-to-late stage, and improve the overall production performance without significantly affecting the feed conversion rate.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for precise feeding of broilers, using a two-component feed, including feed A and feed B, wherein the difference between feed A and feed B lies in at least one difference in energy level, protein level or mineral element ratio; feed A is a feed suitable for the early growth stage of broilers, and feed B is a feed suitable for the middle and late growth stage of broilers, and feed A and feed B are mixed and fed in stages.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, feed A and feed B are fed in stages with a cycle of 3 to 9 days. Within the same cycle, the mixing ratio of feed A and feed B remains unchanged, the content of feed A decreases sequentially by 10% to 20%, and the content of feed B increases sequentially by 10% to 20%.

[0008] Preferably, feed A and feed B are fed in stages over a 6-day cycle, and the feeding method includes the following steps: (1) During the 1-6 day period, feed A, which is a feed suitable for the early growth stage of broilers; (2) During the 7-12 day period, feed a mixture of feed A and feed B with a mass ratio of 9:1 to 8:2, wherein feed B is a feed suitable for the mid-to-late growth stage of broilers; (3) During the 13-18 day period, feed a mixture of feed A and feed B with a mass ratio of 7:3 to 6:4; (4) During the 19-24 day period, feed a mixture of feed A and feed B with a mass ratio of 4:6 to 6:4; (5) During the 25-30 day period, feed a mixture of feed A and feed B with a mass ratio of 3:7 to 4:6; (6) During the 31-36 day period, feed a mixture of feed A and feed B with a mass ratio of 1:9 to 2:8; (7) Feed feed B at 36 days of age and beyond.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the feed A contains 50-54% corn, 34-38% soybean meal, 3-6% corn gluten meal, and 2.5-3.8% soybean oil.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the feed B contains 60-65% corn, 22-26% soybean meal, 3-6% corn gluten meal, and 4.0-5.5% soybean oil.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the feed A comprises the following components:

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the feed B comprises the following components:

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, feed A and feed B are pelleted separately and then mixed and fed according to the above proportion.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method for staged mixed feeding of broilers is as follows: (1) 1-6 day old stage: Feed the broilers with feed A of type A; (2) 7-12 day old stage: Broilers are fed a mixture of feed A and feed B, wherein the mass ratio of feed A to feed B is 9:1. (3) 13-18 day old stage: Broilers are fed a mixture of feed A and feed B, wherein the mass ratio of feed A to feed B is 7:3. (4) 19-24 day old stage: Broilers are fed a mixture of feed A and feed B, wherein the mass ratio of feed A to feed B is 5:5. (5) 25-30 day old stage: Broilers are fed a mixture of feed A and feed B, wherein the mass ratio of feed A to feed B is 3:7. (6) 31-36 day old stage: Broilers are fed a mixture of feed A and feed B, wherein the mass ratio of feed A to feed B is 1:9. (7) 37-42 days old: Feed the broilers with a second type of feed, B.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method for staged mixed feeding of broilers is as follows: (1) 1-6 day old stage: Feed the broilers with feed A of type A; (2) 7-12 day old stage: Broilers are fed a mixture of feed A and feed B, wherein the mass ratio of feed A to feed B is 8:2. (3) 13-18 day old stage: Broilers are fed a mixture of feed A and feed B, wherein the mass ratio of feed A to feed B is 6:4. (4) 19-24 day old stage: Broilers are fed a mixture of feed A and feed B, wherein the mass ratio of feed A to feed B is 5:5. (5) 25-30 day old stage: Broilers are fed a mixture of feed A and feed B, wherein the mass ratio of feed A to feed B is 4:6. (6) 31-36 day old stage: Broilers are fed a mixture of feed A and feed B, wherein the mass ratio of feed A to feed B is 2:8. (7) 37 days and beyond: Feed the broilers with a second type of feed, B.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the broiler chicken is a white-feathered broiler chicken, a yellow-feathered broiler chicken, or a local broiler chicken.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the diameter of the feed pellets is 2.0–3.5 mm; In the broiler staged mixed feeding method provided by the present invention, the proportion is adjusted continuously or gradually in stages, rather than by replacing the entire feed all at once.

[0018] All of the above-mentioned alternative solutions fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0019] Since the phased mixed feeding method provided by this invention requires periodic adjustments and feed changes, this invention also provides an automated feed change device to facilitate feed changes. Based on this, the following technical solution is provided: Secondly, the present invention provides an intelligent broiler feeding method, which, based on a controller, adjusts the ratio of feed A and feed B according to time, thereby improving the automation level of broiler farming.

[0020] Furthermore, based on an intelligent broiler feeding device, there are feed A storage container and feed B storage container. The two containers are respectively connected to a mixing container through pipes. The mixing container is connected to the broiler feeding device through pipes. An electromagnetic control valve is installed on the pipe connecting the feed A storage container or the feed B storage container and the mixing container to control the feed amount of the feed A storage container or the feed B storage container. The electromagnetic control valve is connected to a controller to control the feed supply according to the program provided in the first aspect, so as to realize the gradual supply of feed in the feed A storage container or the feed B storage container.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electromagnetic control valve includes a first electric slide gate valve and a second electric slide gate valve.

[0022] In existing technologies, broiler feeds mostly adopt a three-stage or few-stage formulation adjustment model, with large variations in nutrient levels at each stage. This makes it difficult to match the gradually changing nutritional needs of broilers during growth, easily leading to excessive nutrient supply in the early stages, reducing utilization efficiency, and insufficient nutrient supply in the later stages, affecting production performance. This application constructs two basic feeds with different nutrient levels and adopts a progressive feeding method with a 6-day cycle to achieve a continuous and gradual supply of feed nutrient levels, thereby improving the matching accuracy of nutrient supply, reducing nutrient waste, and improving growth performance.

[0023] The intelligent broiler feeding device provided by this invention, based on a phased feeding method, ensures that the nutrient concentration of the feed (including the energy-to-protein ratio and amino acid balance) changes smoothly in an S-shaped curve as the broiler's physiological functions mature (from rapid bone growth to fat deposition), which better matches the actual growth curve of the broiler. This phased nutritional regulation in this solution is implemented throughout the entire feeding cycle.

[0024] Among them, the first 1-6 days of broiler chickens are the critical period for the development of the immune system and intestinal mucosa, and pure A feed is used to lay the foundation; the 7-18 days of broiler chickens are the period of rapid bone and muscle growth, and a mixed feed with a high proportion of A feed (9:1 to 6:4) is used to ensure a high concentration of nutrition, and the digestive enzyme system is induced to develop adaptively by gradually adding B feed (higher energy and slightly lower protein); the 19-30 days of broiler chickens are the critical window period for adipocyte proliferation and intramuscular fat deposition, and an A:B ratio of close to 1:1 is used to achieve a smooth shift of nutritional focus; from 31 days of broiler chickens to slaughter: the period of rapid fat deposition, and the chickens are gradually transitioned to pure B feed.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: (1) By adjusting the ratio of feed A to feed B in stages, the present invention achieves a linear and continuous supply of nutrients. This feed switching method effectively alleviates the fluctuations in feed intake caused by switching whole feeds, avoids the stimulation of the broiler intestines caused by the traditional whole feed switching method, and increases the feed intake of broilers in the middle growth stage. (2) The present invention found that broilers are particularly sensitive to changes in feed composition during the 19-24 day age stage. If feed A and feed B are mixed in equal proportions during this stage, feed intake stability can be improved, laying the foundation for subsequent growth.

[0026] (3) The feeding method of the present invention can increase the final weight of broilers at 42 days of age without significantly reducing the feed conversion rate; (4) This invention does not require changes to the existing feed formulation system, but can be achieved by optimizing the feeding program. It requires little modification to the existing feeding system and is easy to promote and apply. (5) This invention has good industrial applicability and is suitable for large-scale broiler chicken farming. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the intelligent broiler feeding device provided by the present invention.

[0029] Among them, 1- Feed A storage container, 2- Feed B storage container, 3- Mixing container; 101-First electric slide gate valve, 102-Rotary feeder, 103-Screw weighing feeder; 301 - Agitator, 302 - Second electric slide gate valve. Detailed Implementation

[0030] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments.

[0032] Example 1: Gradual Proportioning Feeding Method for Broilers 1. Experimental animals and grouping Three hundred and sixty male AA white-feathered broilers of similar weight and one day old were selected and randomly divided into three groups with 12 replicates in each group and 10 broilers in each replicate.

[0033] The three groups were: control group; feeding method 1 group; and feeding method 2 group.

[0034] 2. Feeding and management conditions All broilers were raised under the same environmental conditions for 1 to 42 days. During the rearing period: continuous lighting was provided; daily ventilation and environmental disinfection were carried out; feed troughs were cleaned regularly; and broilers had free access to feed and water.

[0035] 3. Feed and preparation method Two basal feeds were used in the experiment: Feed A and Feed B. Feed A was suitable for the early growth stage of broilers; Feed B was suitable for the middle and late growth stages of broilers. Feed A and Feed B were pelleted separately, with pellet diameters of 2.5 mm or 3.0 mm. During stages requiring mixed feeding, Feed A and Feed B were mixed at a predetermined mass ratio before feeding.

[0036]

[0037] The micronutrient and vitamin content in the feed met the NRC (1994) standards. Compound micronutrient premix and compound vitamin premix were added at ratios of 0.20% and 0.05%, respectively, providing 80 mg of iron, 75 mg of zinc, 80 mg of manganese, 10 mg of copper, 0.40 mg of iodine, 0.30 mg of selenium, and 8000 IU of vitamin A, 33000 IU of vitamin D, 20 IU of vitamin E, 2 mg of vitamin K, 4 mg of vitamin B1, 8 mg of vitamin B2, 11 mg of vitamin B3, 40 mg of vitamin B5, 4 mg of vitamin B6, and 4 mg of vitamin B6 per kilogram of complete feed. 12 0.02 mg, biotin 0.15 mg, and folic acid 1.0 mg. Choline chloride was added separately in a 50% formulation, with 0.26% added to feed A and 0.20% added to feed B.

[0038] 4. Feeding method (1) Control group The control group broilers were fed according to the conventional feeding method: feed A was given from 1 to 21 days of age; feed B was given from 22 to 42 days of age. Whole feed was replaced during the feed switching process.

[0039] (2) Feeding method 1 group Group 1 adopted a phased, gradually varying proportion of mixed feeding, as detailed below: Feed A : Feed B (by weight) for different age groups 1 to 6 days old 10:0 7-12 days old 9:1 13-18 days old 7:3 19-24 days old 5:5 25-30 days old 3:7 31-36 days old, 1:9 37-42 days old: 0:10.

[0040] (3) Feeding method 2 groups Both groups used a phased, gradually varying proportion of mixed feeding, but the proportion of feed B was increased in certain phases, as detailed below: Feed A : Feed B (by weight) for different age groups 1 to 6 days old 10:0 7-12 days old 8:2 13-18 days old 6:4 19-24 days old 5:5 25-30 days old 4:6 31-36 days old 2:8 37-42 days old: 0:10.

[0041] 5. Production performance testing During the rearing process, the production performance of each group of broilers was recorded, including: body weight at different age stages; feed intake at different stages; final body weight at 42 days of age; and feed conversion ratio throughout the entire period.

[0042] 6. Test Results As shown in Table 1, the results indicate that, compared with the control group, the feeding method 1 and feeding method 2, which adopted the phased ratio gradual feeding method, showed higher feed intake in the middle of broiler growth, and the final weight of broilers increased at the end of the entire feeding cycle, while the feed conversion rate remained stable.

[0043] Among them, the weight of the two feeding groups at 42 days of age was higher than that of the control group, indicating that the phased gradual change feeding method is beneficial to improving the growth performance of broilers.

[0044] Table 1. Effects of feeding method on production performance

[0045] As shown in Table 1, the control group exhibited significant fluctuations in feed intake during the 21-day feed transition period. From D19 to D24, the average daily feed intake of the control group was lower than that of Method 1 and Method 2, indicating that the traditional one-time feed transition at 21 days of age easily leads to a short-term decrease in feed intake and insufficient nutrient intake in the initial stage. However, from D25 to D30, the feed intake of the control group was higher than that of Method 1 and Method 2, indicating compensatory feeding behavior after the initial decrease in feed intake. This pattern of initial decrease followed by a rebound in feed intake is a typical phenomenon of feed intake fluctuation, reflecting an unstable nutrient supply rhythm, affecting digestive and absorption efficiency, and potentially reducing protein and energy utilization efficiency, thus hindering sustained growth in the later stages. In contrast, the gradual, phased feeding method adopted in this invention showed more stable feed intake changes at each stage, without significant troughs or abnormal rebounds, indicating that it effectively improves feed intake stability during the feed transition period. Stable feeding behavior helps maintain continuous nutrient supply, reduces the adverse effects of nutrient intake interruptions and compensatory feeding on nutrient utilization efficiency, thereby laying a good foundation for sustained growth in the later stages.

[0046] Traditional 21-day-old feed transition methods are typically a relatively extensive phased feeding approach. Before and after the transition, there may be periods of excessive nutrient supply or insufficient matching with actual needs, which can temporarily boost weight gain, resulting in higher weight levels in the control group at certain mid-term points. However, this short-term weight advantage does not necessarily translate to higher nutrient utilization efficiency; it may even be accompanied by protein or energy surplus, leading to decreased nutrient utilization efficiency and hindering the realization of sustained growth potential later on. In contrast, phased feeding method 1, through more refined nutrient regulation, reduces potential excessive nutrient supply in the mid-term, resulting in a more rational growth rhythm and stronger growth capacity in the later stages. This is consistent with the result of method 1 surpassing the control group in weight at day 42.

[0047] 7. Conclusion This embodiment demonstrates that by controlling the ratio of feed A to feed B in stages and gradually during the broiler growth cycle, the feeding behavior of broilers can be effectively improved, the final weight can be increased, and there is no adverse effect on the feed conversion rate, which shows good application prospects.

[0048] Without departing from the technical concept of this invention, the following alternative solutions can also be adopted: (1) The age stage mentioned can be advanced or delayed by 2-3 days depending on the different broiler breeds; (2) The ratio of feed A to feed B can be fine-tuned within each stage; (3) The method is also applicable to other poultry, such as yellow-feathered broilers, local broilers or fast-growing poultry; (4) The mixing method can be completed by manual mixing or automatic batching system.

[0049] Example 2: An intelligent broiler feeding device like Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a feed A storage container 1, a feed B storage container 2, and two containers connected to a mixing container 3 via pipes. The mixing container is connected to a broiler feeding device via a pipe. A solenoid valve is installed on the pipe connecting the feed A storage container or the feed B storage container to the mixing container to control the feed amount in the feed A storage container or the feed B storage container. The solenoid valve is connected to a controller to control the feed supply according to the program provided in the first aspect, so as to realize the gradual supply of feed in the feed A storage container or the feed B storage container.

[0050] like Figure 1As shown, the feed A storage container 1 and feed B storage container 2 have the same connection structure with the mixing container 3. Taking feed A storage container 1 as an example, a first electric slide gate valve 101, a star feeder 102 and a screw weighing feeder 103 are sequentially installed from top to bottom on the connecting pipeline between feed A storage container 1 and mixing container 3. The screw weighing feeder 103 is connected to the mixing container 3 through a pipeline.

[0051] The mixing container 3 is equipped with a stirring paddle 301 (see the frame structure in the figure for the contents of the mixing container 3) to mix the two types of feed entering the mixing container 3. A second electric slide valve 302 is installed on the pipeline at the bottom of the mixing container 3.

[0052] The intelligent broiler feeding device also includes a controller. In this embodiment, a PLC controller is used. The first electric slide gate valve 101, the drive mechanism of the star feeder 102, the weighing module and drive mechanism of the screw weighing feeder 103, the drive mechanism of the stirring paddle 301 in the mixing container 3, and the second electric slide gate valve 302 are respectively connected to the controller. The controller receives the weight information provided by the weighing module of the screw weighing feeder 103 and controls the operation of the first electric slide gate valve 101, the drive mechanism of the star feeder 102, the drive mechanism of the screw weighing feeder 103, the drive mechanism of the stirring paddle 301 in the mixing container 3, and the second electric slide gate valve 302.

[0053] The drive mechanism of the star feeder 102, the weighing module and drive mechanism of the screw weighing feeder 103, and the drive mechanism of the stirring paddle 301 in the mixing container 3 all use motors commonly used in the mechanical field.

[0054] In use, first set the PLC program according to the time and ratio of the two feeds described in Example 1. Feed A and Feed B are respectively loaded into Feed A storage container 1 and Feed B storage container 2. The first electric gate valve 101 corresponding to the Feed A pipeline and Feed B pipeline opens and closes according to the controller settings. The feed enters the screw weighing feeder 103 under the action of the star feeder 102. When the set weight is reached, the controller drives the screw weighing feeder 103 to deliver the feed to the mixing container 3. The stirring paddle in the mixing container 3 stirs the two feeds. After mixing for a certain period of time, the controller controls the second electric gate valve 302 to open and output the mixed feed for feeding broilers.

[0055] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for precise feeding of broiler chickens, characterized in that, A two-component feed is used, including feed A and feed B. The difference between feed A and feed B lies in at least one difference in energy level, protein level or mineral element ratio. Feed A is suitable for the early growth stage of broilers, and feed B is suitable for the middle and late growth stage of broilers. Feed A and feed B are mixed and fed in stages. Feed A and feed B are fed in stages in cycles of 3 to 9 days. The mixing ratio of feed A and feed B remains unchanged within the same cycle. The content of feed A decreases by 10% to 20% in stages, while the content of feed B increases by 10% to 20% in stages.

2. The method for precise feeding of broilers according to claim 1, characterized in that, Feed A and feed B are fed in stages over a 6-day cycle.

3. The method for precise feeding of broilers according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the 7-12 day period, feed a mixture of feed A and feed B with a mass ratio of 9:1 to 8:

2.

4. The method for precise feeding of broilers according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the 13-18 day period, feed a mixture of feed A and feed B with a mass ratio of 7:3 to 6:

4.

5. The method for precise feeding of broilers according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the 19-24 day period, feed a mixture of feed A and feed B with a mass ratio of 4:6 to 6:

4.

6. The method for precise feeding of broilers according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the 25-30 day period, feed a mixture of feed A and feed B with a mass ratio of 3:7 to 4:

6.

7. The method for precise feeding of broilers according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the 31-36 day period, feed a mixture of feed A and feed B with a mass ratio of 1:9 to 2:

8.

8. The method for precise feeding of broilers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed A contains the following components: The feed B contains the following components: 。 9. The method for precise feeding of broilers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The broiler chickens are white-feathered broiler chickens, yellow-feathered broiler chickens, or local broiler chickens.

10. A smart broiler feeding method, characterized in that, Based on an intelligent broiler feeding device, it includes a feed A storage container and a feed B storage container, the two containers being connected to a mixing container via pipes, and the mixing container being connected to the broiler feeding device via pipes; an electromagnetic control valve is installed on the pipe connecting the feed A storage container or the feed B storage container to the mixing container to control the feed A storage container or the feed B storage container's feed dispensing amount, the electromagnetic control valve being connected to a controller, and the feed amount in the feed A storage container or the feed B storage container being gradually supplied according to the broiler precision feeding method procedure described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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