Broiler Feed Ingredients: Common Sources and Nutrient Profiles

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

Broiler diets are primarily based on corn for energy and soybean meal for protein, with formulation adjusted across starter, grower, and finisher phases to meet specific nutrient requirements.
Essential amino acids, particularly methionine and lysine, are critical for broiler growth and feed conversion; synthetic supplements are often added to corn-soy diets to achieve optimal levels.
Feed quality control is paramount, necessitating testing for moisture, protein content, and mycotoxins, as ingredient variability can significantly impact flock performance and health.
The physical form of feed, specifically crumbles or pellets, enhances feed conversion by 5-10% compared to mash due to improved digestibility and reduced wastage.
Feed additives like phytase, coccidiostats, and enzymes play crucial roles in improving nutrient utilization, preventing disease, and optimizing gut health, thereby enhancing overall broiler performance.
Rigorous record-keeping of feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) is essential for monitoring flock performance and identifying potential issues early.

Raising broilers profitably depends on getting the feed right. Feed represents 60 to 70 percent of total production costs, and the ingredients you choose directly affect growth rate, feed conversion, carcass quality, and flock health. This guide covers the common ingredients used in broiler rations, their nutrient profiles, how to evaluate quality, and how to build a practical feeding program for your operation. It is written for small to mid-scale broiler producers, farm managers, and anyone starting a broiler enterprise who wants to make informed feed decisions.

At a Glance

Corn and soybean meal are the backbone of most broiler diets in North America. Corn provides energy, soybean meal provides protein.
Broiler feeds are formulated in phases: starter, grower, and finisher. Each phase has different protein and energy targets.
Common alternative protein sources include canola meal, fish meal, meat and bone meal, peas, and field beans. Use them based on cost and availability, not habit.
Feed additives such as phytase, amino acids, and coccidiostats improve nutrient utilization and flock performance.
Particle size matters. Broilers perform best on crumbles or pellets, not fine mash.
Always test ingredients for moisture and key nutrients before formulating a ration. Do not assume book values match what you bought.
Keep detailed feed records. Track feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio for every flock.
Call a poultry veterinarian or extension agent if you see unexplained drops in feed intake, poor growth, or signs of nutritional deficiency.

Understanding Broiler Feed Composition

Broiler feed is a mixture of energy sources, protein sources, vitamins, minerals, and additives. Each component has a specific job, and the proportions change as the bird grows. The goal of formulation is to provide all essential nutrients in the right amounts and ratios so the bird can grow efficiently without wasting feed.

Energy is the largest component of a broiler ration by weight. Most of the energy comes from cereal grains, primarily corn. Protein comes from oilseed meals like soybean meal and from animal byproducts. Vitamins and minerals are added in small amounts but are essential for bone development, immune function, and metabolic processes. Additives such as enzymes and coccidiostats are included at very low inclusion rates but can have a large impact on performance.

The nutrient profile of a feed is described in terms of metabolizable energy, crude protein, digestible amino acids, calcium, available phosphorus, and other essential nutrients. Metabolizable energy is measured in kilocalories per pound or kilogram of feed. Crude protein is a measure of the nitrogen content, but what matters to the bird is the digestible amino acid profile, not just the total protein.

Energy Sources for Broiler Feed

Energy is the most expensive component of broiler feed per unit of weight, and corn is the standard energy source in most regions. Corn provides about 1,540 to 1,560 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per pound. It is highly digestible, palatable, and consistent in quality when properly stored. Yellow dent corn is the preferred type for poultry feed.

Corn quality varies with growing conditions, harvest moisture, and storage. Test corn for moisture content before purchase. Corn above 15 percent moisture is at risk for mold growth during storage. Mycotoxins produced by molds can reduce feed intake, damage the liver, and increase mortality. If you suspect mold, have the corn tested for aflatoxin and fumonisin.

Wheat is a common alternative energy source where corn is expensive or unavailable. Wheat has slightly lower metabolizable energy than corn, around 1,500 to 1,540 kilocalories per pound, but higher protein at 12 to 14 percent. The protein in wheat is not as high quality as soybean meal protein, but it can replace a portion of the soybean meal in a ration. Wheat contains arabinoxylans, which can increase digesta viscosity in young birds. Use a xylanase enzyme when wheat inclusion exceeds 20 percent of the diet.

Barley and oats are lower in energy than corn and contain fiber that young broilers cannot digest well. Use these grains only in small amounts, generally less than 15 percent of the diet, and only for older birds. Milo or grain sorghum is another option in drier regions. It has energy close to corn but contains tannins that can reduce protein digestibility. Use low-tannin varieties and limit inclusion to 50 percent of the grain portion.

Fats and oils are concentrated energy sources added at 1 to 5 percent of the diet. Vegetable oils such as soybean oil, canola oil, and corn oil are highly digestible. Animal fats such as poultry fat and choice white grease are also used. Fats increase the energy density of the feed, improve palatability, and reduce dust. They also help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Use an antioxidant to prevent rancidity in stored feed.

Protein Sources for Broiler Feed

Protein is the second largest component of broiler feed by cost. Broilers need a high protein diet because they grow rapidly and build muscle tissue quickly. The quality of a protein source is determined by its amino acid profile, specifically the levels of the essential amino acids that the bird cannot synthesize itself.

Soybean meal is the gold standard protein source for poultry feed. It contains 44 to 48 percent crude protein depending on whether the hulls have been removed. Soybean meal has a well-balanced amino acid profile, with high levels of lysine and tryptophan, but it is relatively low in methionine. This is why synthetic methionine is almost always added to corn-soy diets. Properly processed soybean meal has high digestibility. Under-processed meal contains trypsin inhibitors that reduce protein digestion. Over-processed meal has reduced lysine availability due to Maillard reactions. Buy soybean meal from reputable suppliers and test for protein content and urease activity.

Canola meal is the second most common oilseed meal. It contains 36 to 38 percent crude protein. Canola meal has a lower energy value than soybean meal due to higher fiber content. It is also lower in lysine but has a better methionine profile. Canola meal can replace 20 to 30 percent of the soybean meal in a broiler diet without reducing performance, but the diet must be reformulated to balance amino acids. The fiber in canola meal can limit its use in starter diets for young birds.

Full-fat soybeans are an option for farms that grow their own soybeans. They contain about 38 percent protein and 18 percent oil, providing both protein and energy. Raw soybeans must be roasted or extruded to destroy trypsin inhibitors before feeding. Do not feed raw soybeans to broilers. Properly processed full-fat soybeans can replace both soybean meal and part of the added oil in a ration.

Animal byproduct meals are concentrated protein sources with high amino acid availability. Poultry byproduct meal contains 58 to 62 percent protein and is highly palatable to broilers. Meat and bone meal contains 45 to 50 percent protein and is also a good source of calcium and phosphorus. Fish meal contains 60 to 65 percent protein and is rich in methionine and lysine, but it is expensive and can cause fishy flavors in meat if used at high levels. Use fish meal at no more than 5 percent of the diet and stop feeding it during the withdrawal period before processing.

Alternative protein sources are gaining attention due to cost and sustainability concerns. Peas and field beans can be grown locally and provide 20 to 24 percent protein. They contain antinutritional factors that limit inclusion rates. Peas can be included at up to 20 percent of the diet, field beans at up to 15 percent. Sunflower meal is a byproduct of oil extraction with 28 to 42 percent protein, but it is high in fiber and low in lysine. Distillers dried grains with solubles from ethanol production contain 27 to 30 percent protein and are commonly available. DDGS can be included at 10 to 15 percent of a broiler diet, but it is variable in quality and can be high in fat and phosphorus.

Amino Acids and Synthetic Supplements

Broilers do not have a requirement for crude protein per se. They have requirements for specific amino acids. The most critical essential amino acids in broiler diets are methionine, lysine, threonine, and tryptophan. When these are deficient, growth slows and feed conversion worsens.

Methionine is almost always the first limiting amino acid in corn-soybean meal diets. Synthetic DL-methionine is widely available and cost-effective. It is typically added at 0.1 to 0.3 percent of the diet. Methionine also serves as a methyl donor and a precursor for cysteine, which is important for feather development and antioxidant function.

Lysine is the second limiting amino acid in most broiler diets. Synthetic L-lysine is available as lysine sulfate or lysine hydrochloride. It is added to reduce the total protein level of the diet while maintaining an adequate amino acid profile. This is important because excess protein is excreted as uric acid, which costs energy and contributes to litter moisture.

Threonine is becoming more important as diets are formulated at lower protein levels. Synthetic L-threonine is available and is often added when lysine and methionine are supplemented. Tryptophan is rarely limiting in corn-soy diets but may become limiting in diets with high levels of alternative ingredients.

When you add synthetic amino acids, you can lower the crude protein of the diet by 2 to 4 percentage points. This reduces feed cost and nitrogen excretion. However, there are limits to how low you can go. Some peptides and nonessential amino acids are still needed for optimal growth and immune function. A practical minimum crude protein level for broiler diets is around 18 percent.

Vitamins and Minerals in Broiler Feed

Vitamins and minerals are included in broiler feed as a premix. They are needed in small amounts but are essential for bone development, enzyme function, and disease resistance. A deficiency in any essential vitamin or mineral will reduce growth and can cause specific deficiency diseases.

Calcium and phosphorus are the most critical minerals. Broilers need calcium for bone formation and eggshell quality in breeders. The calcium requirement is about 0.9 to 1.0 percent of the diet for growing broilers. Phosphorus is needed for bone development and energy metabolism. The available phosphorus requirement is about 0.45 to 0.50 percent. The ratio of calcium to available phosphorus should be about 2 to 1. Too much calcium can reduce phosphorus availability, and too little calcium causes rickets and leg problems.

Phytase is an enzyme that breaks down phytate, the storage form of phosphorus in plant ingredients. Broilers cannot digest phytate phosphorus, so it passes through the bird and ends up in the litter. Adding phytase to the diet releases phosphorus from phytate, allowing you to reduce the amount of inorganic phosphorus in the diet. This reduces feed cost and environmental impact. Use phytase according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and account for the phosphorus release in your formulation.

Sodium and chloride are supplied by salt. The typical inclusion rate is 0.2 to 0.3 percent of the diet. Broilers need sodium for nerve function and fluid balance. Too much salt causes wet litter and increased water intake. Too little salt reduces growth and feed intake.

Trace minerals include zinc, copper, manganese, iron, iodine, and selenium. These are added as a trace mineral premix. Zinc and manganese are important for bone and joint health. Copper is needed for iron metabolism and connective tissue formation. Selenium works with vitamin E as an antioxidant. Organic forms of trace minerals are more bioavailable than inorganic forms but are more expensive.

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin D3 is critical for calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function. The B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and B12, are involved in energy metabolism. Choline is needed for fat metabolism and is often added separately because it is required in relatively large amounts.

Feed Additives for Broilers

Feed additives are products added to feed to improve performance, health, or feed quality. They are not nutrients in the traditional sense, but they can have a significant impact on flock performance. Some additives are essential for modern broiler production, while others are optional depending on your management system.

Coccidiostats are the most important feed additives for broilers raised on litter. Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by Eimeria species that damages the intestinal lining, reduces nutrient absorption, and can cause mortality. Coccidiostats are included in the feed continuously to prevent infection. Common products include ionophores such as monensin, salinomycin, and lasalocid, and chemical coccidiostats such as decoquinate and nicarbazin. Rotate between different classes of coccidiostats between flocks to reduce the development of resistance.

Antibiotic growth promoters are used in many countries to improve feed efficiency and reduce the risk of necrotic enteritis. However, their use is restricted or banned in some regions due to concerns about antimicrobial resistance. If you raise broilers without antibiotic growth promoters, pay extra attention to gut health, litter quality, and biosecurity. Alternative products such as probiotics, prebiotics, and organic acids can support gut health in antibiotic-free systems.

Enzymes other than phytase are also used. Proteases can improve protein digestibility, especially in diets with alternative protein sources. Carbohydrases such as xylanase and beta-glucanase break down non-starch polysaccharides in wheat, barley, and other grains. These enzymes reduce digesta viscosity and improve nutrient availability.

Organic acids such as formic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid are used to control pathogenic bacteria in the feed and the gut. They also act as mold inhibitors in stored feed. Butyric acid is a preferred energy source for intestinal cells and can improve gut barrier function.

Betaine is a methyl donor that can spare methionine and help birds cope with heat stress. It also helps maintain water balance in the cells. Betaine is often added to diets for birds raised in hot climates.

Phase Feeding Programs

Broilers are fed a series of diets that change as the birds grow. Each phase is designed to meet the changing nutrient requirements of the bird while controlling feed cost. The three standard phases are starter, grower, and finisher.

Starter feed is given from day 1 to about day 14. It is the most nutrient-dense diet, with the highest protein level and the most digestible ingredients. Starter diets typically contain 22 to 24 percent crude protein and 1,450 to 1,500 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per pound. The starter diet is fed as a crumble or a fine pellet. Young birds have small digestive systems and need a highly digestible diet to get off to a good start. The starter phase is also when coccidiostats and other health-promoting additives are most important.

Grower feed is given from about day 15 to day 28. Protein is reduced to 20 to 22 percent, and energy may be slightly increased. The grower diet supports rapid muscle development while starting to control the rate of fat deposition. Birds eat more as they grow, so the cost per pound of gain starts to matter more than the cost per ton of feed.

Finisher feed is given from about day 29 to processing. Protein is reduced to 18 to 20 percent, and energy is increased to promote efficient weight gain and finish. The finisher diet is the cheapest per ton because it contains less protein and more energy. Some producers use a withdrawal feed in the last 5 to 7 days before processing. Withdrawal feeds contain no medications and are used to ensure that no drug residues remain in the meat at slaughter.

The exact timing of phase changes depends on the target market weight, the genetics of the bird, and the feeding program recommended by the hatchery or integrator. A fast-growing broiler reaching 5 pounds in 42 days will move through phases more quickly than a slower-growing bird raised for 56 days. Weigh birds weekly and compare your actual growth curve to the breed standard. Adjust phase changes based on body weight, not just age.

Feed Form and Particle Size

The physical form of the feed is as important as its nutrient content. Broilers perform best on pellets or crumbles, not mash. Pelleting improves feed conversion by 5 to 10 percent compared to mash. This is because pelleting gelatinizes starch, denatures proteins, and reduces feed wastage. Birds cannot sort pellets as easily as mash, so they consume a balanced diet.

Crumble is a pellet that has been broken into smaller pieces. It is used for starter diets because young birds cannot easily eat whole pellets. As the birds grow, they can be switched to whole pellets. Pellet quality matters. Fines, the powdery material that accumulates at the bottom of the feeder, reduce feed intake and increase wastage. Aim for less than 10 percent fines in the feeder. Use a good quality pellet binder if needed, and avoid over-drying pellets, which makes them brittle.

If you are mixing feed on farm and cannot pellet, at least provide the mash in a crumbled form or use a roller mill to create a coarse texture. Fine grinding reduces feed intake because the birds find it difficult to pick up fine particles. Target a particle size of 600 to 900 microns for corn in a mash diet. A mix of particle sizes is better than a uniform fine grind.

Feed Quality Control and Testing

The nutrient values listed in feed tables are averages. The actual nutrient content of your ingredients can vary significantly depending on variety, growing conditions, processing, and storage. If you are serious about feed efficiency, you need to test your ingredients and adjust your formulation accordingly.

Moisture is the simplest test and the most important for grain. Corn should be below 15 percent moisture for safe storage. High-moisture grain is worth less per ton because you are buying water. It is also at risk for mold growth. Use a moisture meter to check every load of grain you receive.

Protein content can be tested by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy or by wet chemistry methods. If you buy soybean meal, request a certificate of analysis from the supplier and compare it to the specification. A drop of 2 percentage points in protein content can reduce growth and increase feed conversion.

Mycotoxin testing is recommended if you suspect mold or if the growing season was stressful. Aflatoxin, fumonisin, and deoxynivalenol are the most common mycotoxins in poultry feed. Even low levels can reduce feed intake and immune function. If mycotoxins are detected above safe levels, do not feed the grain to broilers. Use a mycotoxin binder as a temporary measure while you source clean grain.

Fat quality is important when using added fats or oils. Rancid fat has a bitter taste and destroys vitamins A and E. Test for free fatty acids and peroxide value. Store fats in sealed containers away from heat and light. Use an antioxidant such as ethoxyquin or BHT to extend shelf life.

On-Farm Feed Mixing

Some broiler producers mix their own feed to reduce cost or to use home-grown grains. On-farm mixing can save money, but it requires careful management and good equipment. You need a reliable scale, a mixer that produces a uniform blend, and the ability to test ingredients.

The first step is to develop a balanced ration. You can use a least-cost formulation program or work with a poultry nutritionist. Do not guess at the formulation. A small error in the amount of a vitamin premix or a mineral supplement can cause a major deficiency.

Weigh each ingredient accurately. Use a scale that is accurate to within 0.5 percent of the batch size. Add ingredients in the correct order: large ingredients first, then small ingredients. Add the vitamin and mineral premix slowly to ensure even distribution. Mix for the time recommended by the mixer manufacturer. Under-mixing results in uneven nutrient distribution. Over-mixing can cause separation of fine particles.

Keep records of every batch: date, ingredient amounts, batch size, and which barn or pen the feed goes to. Keep a sample of each batch in a labeled container for at least 60 days. If a problem occurs, you can test the feed to identify the cause.

Common Feeding Mistakes

Many feeding problems are caused by simple mistakes that are easy to avoid. The most common mistake is using the wrong feed phase. Feeding starter feed to finishing birds wastes money because the extra protein is not needed. Feeding finisher feed to young birds reduces growth because the protein level is too low.

Another common mistake is poor feeder management. Feeders should be filled to the correct level and adjusted as the birds grow. Feeder height should be at the level of the bird's back. If the feeder is too high, birds cannot reach the feed. If it is too low, feed is wasted. Check feeders daily and clean out any moldy or caked feed.

Water is often overlooked, but it is the most important nutrient. Broilers drink about 2 pounds of water for every pound of feed consumed. If water intake drops, feed intake drops within hours. Check water lines daily for flow rate and cleanliness. Clean water lines between flocks to remove biofilm.

Feed storage is another common problem. Feed should be stored in a clean, dry, rodent-proof area. Do not store feed on the floor. Use pallets and keep bags off the walls. Use the oldest feed first and do not buy more feed than you can use in 2 to 3 weeks. Mold can develop in stored feed, especially in warm, humid conditions.

Monitoring Feed Performance

The most important metric for broiler feed management is feed conversion ratio, or FCR. FCR is the pounds of feed consumed divided by the pounds of body weight gained. A FCR of 1.6 means the bird ate 1.6 pounds of feed for every pound of gain. Lower is better.

To calculate FCR for a flock, you need accurate records of feed intake and body weight. Weigh the feed you put into each barn or pen. Weigh a sample of birds weekly to track growth. At the end of the flock, calculate the total feed consumed and the total weight gained. Compare your FCR to the breed standard and to your previous flocks.

Track feed intake per bird per day. This tells you if the birds are eating enough. A sudden drop in feed intake is often the first sign of disease or a feed quality problem. If feed intake drops by more than 10 percent in a day, investigate immediately.

Monitor body weight uniformity. Weigh at least 50 birds per flock and calculate the coefficient of variation. A CV below 10 percent indicates a uniform flock. High variation suggests problems with feeder space, water access, or bird health.

Keep records of every flock: date of placement, number of birds, feed type and amount by phase, mortality, body weights, and FCR. These records help you identify trends and make better decisions for the next flock.

When to Call a Professional

Most feed-related problems can be solved by reviewing your formulation, ingredient quality, and management practices. However, some situations require professional help. Call a poultry veterinarian if you see signs of nutritional deficiency or toxicity, such as:

Sudden increase in mortality with no obvious cause
Leg deformities or lameness affecting more than 2 percent of the flock
Poor feathering or skin lesions
Swollen joints or signs of gout
Reduced growth that does not improve after correcting the feed

A veterinarian can perform a post-mortem examination, test feed samples, and help diagnose the problem. Do not wait until the problem is severe. Early intervention saves birds and money.

Call an extension agent or poultry nutritionist if you are reformulating feed, considering new ingredients, or if your FCR is consistently worse than the breed standard. A professional can help you identify the cause and make adjustments. They can also help you evaluate new feed additives or alternative ingredients before you commit to a large purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed whole corn to broilers?

Whole corn is not recommended for broilers. Birds cannot digest whole kernels efficiently, and much of the corn passes through the digestive tract undigested. Grind corn to a coarse particle size or use pelleted feed. If you must feed whole grain, offer it only in addition to a complete pelleted feed and only to birds older than 3 weeks.

How much does feed cost per broiler?

Feed cost varies with ingredient prices and feed conversion. As a general estimate, a broiler raised to 5 pounds with a FCR of 1.7 will consume about 8.5 pounds of feed. At a feed cost of 15 cents per pound, feed cost is about $1.28 per bird. This is a rough estimate. Calculate your own feed cost using your actual ingredient prices and FCR.

What is the best protein percentage for broiler starter feed?

Starter feed for broilers should contain 22 to 24 percent crude protein. The exact level depends on the energy content of the diet and the amino acid profile. A diet with higher energy can have slightly lower protein because the bird eats less feed. Work with a nutritionist to balance protein and amino acids for your specific conditions.

Can I use kitchen scraps or garden waste in broiler feed?

No. Kitchen scraps and garden waste are not appropriate for commercial broiler production. They are inconsistent in nutrient content, may contain pathogens, and can attract pests. Broilers need a complete, balanced diet to grow efficiently. If you want to reduce feed costs, focus on buying ingredients in bulk and minimizing waste.

How long can I store broiler feed?

Finished broiler feed should be used within 2 to 3 weeks of mixing. Longer storage leads to vitamin degradation, fat rancidity, and mold growth. Store feed in a cool, dry place and use a first-in, first-out system. In hot, humid weather, reduce storage time to 10 to 14 days.

What is the difference between medicated and non-medicated feed?

Medicated feed contains additives such as coccidiostats or antibiotic growth promoters. Non-medicated feed does not. Medicated feed is used to prevent disease and improve growth. Non-medicated feed is used when the producer wants to avoid drug residues or is raising birds under an antibiotic-free program. Always follow the withdrawal time for medicated feed before processing.

How do I know if my feed has mycotoxins?

You cannot detect mycotoxins by smell or appearance. The only reliable way is to test the feed or ingredients at a laboratory. If you see signs of mold, reduced feed intake, or poor growth, have your feed tested. Common mycotoxin tests cost between $50 and $150 per sample. This is a small price compared to the cost of a poor performing flock.

Should I add extra vitamins to broiler water?

No. Adding vitamins to water is generally unnecessary if you are feeding a complete, balanced ration. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body, and excess amounts are excreted. Adding vitamins to water can also encourage bacterial growth in the water lines. Focus on providing a high-quality feed and clean water.

Related Farming Guides

This section will be populated with related farming guides based on the topics you are viewing. Check back for links to guides on broiler housing, flock health management, and poultry processing.

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References

FAO Poultry Production: https://www.fao.org/poultry-production-products/en/
USDA APHIS Poultry Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian
WOAH Avian Influenza: https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/
FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/
WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.