The use of antibiotics in agriculture and its impact on antibiotic resistance in humans has received a lot of media attention over the last few years. Currently, the poultry industry manages/controls antibiotic use and feels these medications are used responsibly while the government has strict control on antibiotic approvals and their use in chicken barns. The poultry industry is actively researching the availability and efficacy of alternative ingredients and there are programs in place for broilers raised and marketed without the use of antibiotics (RWA). 

New Life Mills offers a RWA (raised without antibiotics) program that is specifically designed to maximize the performance of broilers grown without the use of medications. The feeding program makes use of a very specific ingredient matrix as well as research proven additives designed to promote and enhance the health and well-being of broilers in conjunction with vaccination programs. 

How Does Nutrition Impact Broiler Chicken Performance?

Today’s commercial broiler is the fastest growing, leanest and most feed efficient bird ever produced. Intensive genetic selection over the past few decades has resulted in the production of broilers requiring higher standards of care, health, bio security and nutrition to realize the benefits: 

• Improved weight for age 

• Improved feed conversion rate 

• Increased growth rate of lean muscle tissue 

• Greater breast meat yield 

• Reduced body fat 

Nutrition is key to capitalizing on improved genetic potential on farms. Nutrients must be supplied in the correct amounts and balanced to support rapid and efficient body weight gains. 

• Energy 

Energy is supplied primarily by carbohydrates from grain sources, fats and oils. It is required for the growth of tissue and maintenance of normal body functions. 

• Protein 

Protein is supplied primarily from grains, oilseed meals and animal by-product meals. It is broken down into amino acids because of digestive processes. Protein quality is determined by its balance of essential amino acids. 

• Macro Minerals 

Calcium and phosphorus are required for bone development and nervous and immune system function. Sodium, potassium and chloride are essential for several metabolic systems. Deficiencies can affect feed intake and growth, while excesses will encourage water intake and consequently wet litter. 

• Vitamins and Trace Minerals 

Vitamins and trace minerals are needed for all metabolic functions. They are supplied in trace amounts and are essential to maximize broiler growth. 

• The role of the Nutritionist 

Nutritionists must constantly re-evaluate nutrient requirements to determine the most profitable approach to feeding broilers as the genetic potential is improving constantly. 

Body weight gain, feed efficiency and carcass composition are influenced by the nutrient density of the diet. Deciding on the number and type of diets to be used in a feeding program is an economic decision based on maximizing profitability. Today’s broiler strains will perform better when fed a more nutrient dense diet with a higher amino acid to energy ratio. During stages of rapid growth, their protein and amino acid requirements are increasing at a faster rate than their energy requirements. Marginal or deficient nutrient levels in the diet can compromise daily gain, feed conversion, breast meat yield and/or lead to loss of flock uniformity. 

There are many biological and environmental factors that are constantly changing when it comes to raising commercial broilers. These factors interact with genetics to influence the growth, feed intake and overall performance of broilers. Responses to improved nutrition are only achieved when such factors are not limiting performance. Ask a New-Life Mills Poultry Specialist about how you can improve flock performance.