Beata Mudjanima With pride, we walk into a local agricultural retailer to purchase a 50kg bag of Feedmaster poultry feed. You might think, “This 50kg Feedmaster layer mash bag will last a week for my 100 hens.” However, within just four days, the bag is empty. Puzzled, you may wonder, “Where did it all go?... The post ‘Feed bag is finished already’ … a story every Namibian poultry farmer knows appeared first on New Era .
**Beata Mudjanima **
With pride, we walk into a local agricultural retailer to purchase a 50kg bag of Feedmaster poultry feed. You might think, “This 50kg Feedmaster layer mash bag will last a week for my 100 hens.”
However, within just four days, the bag is empty. Puzzled, you may wonder, “Where did it all go? Did the hens really eat it all, or was it stolen?”
Most farmers conclude, “Eexuxwa ohadili unene, nande udi pe i ta di kuta,” which translates to “Chickens eat too much, even if you feed them, they are never satisfied.”
The shock of how quickly a 50 kg bag of feed can be consumed is one reason many startup farmers give up within the first six to eight months.
It is important to note that feed accounts for about 70% of the input costs in poultry farming. If farmers do not manage their feed properly, their flocks will compromise potential profits, leading to the perception that poultry farming is unprofitable.
In this article, we will explore why the feed disappears so quickly and offer practical ways for farmers to manage their budgets more effectively.
Understanding poultry feed requirements
One common mistake a beginner farmer makes is estimating feed quantities by eye and by container. Generally, it is advised that 100 hens consume between 12 kg and 13 kg of Feedmaster layer mash during summer and winter, respectively. Many farmers assume a 1-litre container equals 1 kg, which can lead to financial losses. Chickens have specific daily requirements, usually measured in grams. For a flock of 100-layer hens during summer:
– A layer hen consumes 120g of feed per day.
– 100 hens × 120g = 12kg of Feedmaster layer mash per day.
– Since a 50kg bag contains 50kg of feed:
– 50kg ÷ 12kg/day = approximately 4.2 days of feed.
Thus, a 50kg bag of feed will last less than five days for 100-layer hens.
If a farmer purchases two bags of Feedmaster layer mash thinking it will last a month, their flock may starve and become unproductive.
Understanding this simple calculation before starting an egg production farm is crucial to running a successful business and avoiding unexpected challenges.
If the feed runs out even faster than the suggested amounts, the question becomes: where is the missing feed going? In most cases, the answer is hidden wastage. If the feeders are wide open or shallow bowls are used, hens will scratch the feed out onto the dirt or litter.
Once the feed mixes with manure, the hens cannot consume it. Some farmers believe that chickens enjoy scattering feed on the ground, so they throw feed directly onto the ground.
These practices effectively mean throwing your money away. If the coop is not properly enclosed and well-maintained, farmers risk attracting wild birds and rodents, which can consume significant amounts of feed daily, to the detriment of the hens. Lastly, many farmers do not weigh their feed – owning a scale should be the first priority.
Overfed hens can become overweight, which may clog their reproductive systems, resulting in reduced egg production and, in worst-case scenarios, fatalities.
Maximising the value of a 50kg bag of layer mash
Farmers should not starve their flock in hopes of saving money, as underfed chickens will stop growing and producing eggs effectively, resulting in poor feed efficiency. Start with a flock size you can sustain.
A free profit calculator on the Feedmaster website can help farmers determine a flock size they can afford. Feed should be weighed every time before feeding, and feeders must be hung and elevated to the proper height for the hens. For hens in battery cages, ensure that the feeder guards are secured at both ends to prevent hens from scooping feed onto the ground.
If open feeders are used, do not fill them to the brim, as this increases waste. Farmers are advised to divide their feedings into two portions to minimise wastage.
It is also important to note that substituting or diluting layer mash with plain yellow maize or mahangu will not yield profitable results. Maize lacks the necessary protein for growth and calcium for strong eggshells, leading some flocks to resort to eating their own eggs.
Always consult your technical advisor for assistance.
Remember to treat your 50kg Feedmaster bag like a bank account to ensure you maximise poultry profits.
*** Beata Mudjanima is the Technical Advisor at Feedmaster for communal north. **
The post ‘Feed bag is finished already’ … a story every Namibian poultry farmer knows appeared first on New Era.
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