A Complete Analysis of Standard Procedures for Transitioning Feed to Chickens
I. Why is feed transition so important?
Chickens have varying needs for nutrient concentration, feed particle size, and formulation at different growth and development stages. From chicks to growers, and then to laying hens or fattening hens, each stage requires a matching feed type to meet their nutritional needs for energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins.
However, in actual production inspections, we often find many adverse clinical symptoms after feed transition:
Digestive and absorption disorders: Frequent feed waste and undigested feed, decreased feed utilization
Intestinal damage: Blood streaks or veins in feces, endoscopic examination reveals duodenal or jejunal hemorrhages/spots
Abnormal feeding behavior: Poor appetite, large particles remaining in the feed trough, significantly slowed feeding speed and frequency
Declining production performance: Slower growth rate, larger fluctuations in weekly flock indicators, decreased uniformity
Tracing the root cause of these problems, improper feed transition procedures are undoubtedly the main culprit. A scientific feed transition process is key to ensuring a smooth transition for the flock and fully realizing its production potential.
II. Standard Feed Change Transition "Four-Fixed" Operation Procedure
1. Timing: Choosing the Right Feed Change Window
The timing of feed change directly affects the success of the transition and should follow these principles:
Based on Nutritional Needs and Age: Strictly set feed change times according to the nutritional needs of the flock at different growth stages.
Avoid Stress Accumulation: Avoid high-stress events such as flock regrouping, vaccination, and adjustments to lighting.
Allow Sufficient Transition Period: Each feed change should be controlled within 5-7 days to ensure sufficient adaptation time for the gut microbiota and digestive enzyme system.
💡 Professional Advice: It is recommended to initiate the feed change program when the flock is in good health, feed intake is stable, and environmental conditions are suitable. The suitability for feed change can be determined by considering the flock’s weight achievement and uniformity indicators.
2. Feed Quantity: Precise Control of Mixing Ratio
A reasonable mixing ratio is the core element for a smooth transition:
Total Quantity Control: The base amount calculated for each feed change is the total daily feed amount; additional base feed is not included in the ratio calculation.
Step-by-Step Mixing Ratio: During the 5-7 day transition period, mix in three stages with a new feed ratio of 30%:50%:70% in increments:
Stage 1: 30% New Feed + 70% Old Feed
Stage 2: 50% New Feed + 50% Old Feed
Stage 3: 70% New Feed + 30% Old Feed
Thorough Mixing: Each feed increment must be thoroughly mixed. While lower ratios are easier to operate, they are less likely to achieve the desired mixing effect.
3. Fixed Frequency: Rational Allocation of Each Stage’s Duration
Based on the overall planning of different feed transition times, two time allocation schemes are recommended:
Scheme 1 (5-day system): 30% feed ratio for 2 days → 50% feed ratio for 1 day → 70% feed ratio for 2 days (i.e., 2+1+2 pattern)
Scheme 2 (7-day system): 30% feed ratio for 2 days → 50% feed ratio for 3 days → 70% feed ratio for 2 days (i.e., 2+3+2 pattern)
The overall principle is to achieve a gradual change in nutrient concentration and mixing ratio, allowing the chickens’ digestive system to gradually adapt to the physicochemical characteristics of the new feed. A 7-day transition period is generally recommended for situations with rapid growth and large feed fluctuations.
4. Fixed Process: Standard Evolution from Model 1 to Model 2
Taking the replacement of Model 1 (old feed) with Model 2 (new feed) as an example, the standard process is as follows:
| Transition Days | Model 1 (Recycled Material) Ratio: | Model 2 (New Material) Ratio | Feeding duration after mixing: |
| Day 1-2 | 70% | 30% | 2 days |
| Day 3 | 50% | 50% | 1 day |
| Day 4-5 | 30% | 70% | 2 days |
This process ensures that the digestive system has enough time to adapt to changes in the nutrient concentration and physical properties of the new feed, reducing stress during feed transition.
III. Four-Point Method for Evaluating Feed Change Effectiveness
1. Observe the Feed Trough: Monitor Feeding Speed
Normal Behavior: After the mixed feed is introduced, the feed consumption per unit time shows a steady upward trend, indicating that the feed change plan is appropriate.
Abnormal Behavior: After the feed change, the chickens’ feeding time is significantly prolonged, and the amount of leftover feed in the feed trough increases.
Solution: Immediately extend the feeding time of the current mixing ratio for 1-2 days, and proceed to the next stage after feeding returns to normal.
2. Observe Particle Size: Check Mixing Uniformity
Due to the grading effect of feed production equipment, feeds of different particle sizes are prone to stratification during mixing, transportation, and feeding:
Regularly check the distribution of feed particle size in the feed trough.
Observe whether there is a concentration of large particles or separation of powder and feed.
Assess the uniformity of the mixing operation, and optimize the mixing method or extend the mixing time if necessary.
3. Observe Feces: Intestinal Health Indicators
Regular Observation: Check fecal shape and consistency at a fixed time every morning.
Warning Signals: The appearance of feed-laden feces, watery feces, or feces with blood streaks/blood lines indicates that the intestines have been adversely stimulated.
In-depth Assessment: Combine necropsy observation of intestinal bleeding points, and extend the feeding time of the single-mix ratio as needed to alleviate symptoms.
4. Observe Indicators: Quantitative Assessment of Production Performance
When possible, accurately assess the effect of feed change through data management:
Daily Weight Gain Monitoring: Monitor the trend of daily weight gain during feed change.
Uniformity Tracking: Population uniformity is an important indicator of whether feed change is stable.
Eliminating Interference: During the assessment, pay attention to eliminating the interference of other stress factors on the data to draw conclusions on the applicability of the feed change plan.
IV. Three Major Auxiliary Relief Measures
1. Balance Adjustment: Maintaining Intestinal Microbiota Homeostasis
Feed changes often involve changes in nutrient concentration (from high to low or low to high) and raw material structure (amount of corn, soybean meal, bran, limestone, etc.): The digestive system requires longer grinding time, prolonging the irritation period of the intestinal mucosa. Diarrhea stress may induce intestinal microbiota imbalance.
Coping Strategy: Appropriately add probiotic preparations during each feed change to help improve intestinal digestive capacity and effectively alleviate feed change stress.
2. Hemostasis: Preventing Secondary Infections
The physical irritation from large-particle corn and limestone may damage the intestinal mucosa, forming bleeding points: During feed changes, antibiotics can be administered in drinking water under the guidance of a veterinarian to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria invading the weakened immune system. Pay attention to medication guidelines and adhere to withdrawal periods.
3. Rapid Repair: Promoting Mucosal Recovery
To accelerate intestinal mucosal repair and maintain the integrity of intestinal absorption function, it is recommended to supplement during feed change:
Vitamin A: Maintains epithelial cell integrity
B vitamins (B2, B5): Participate in energy metabolism and mucosal health
Vitamin C: Anti-stress, enhances immunity
Vitamin D: Promotes calcium and phosphorus absorption, maintains intestinal health
Vitamin E: Antioxidant, protects cell membranes
Comprehensive supplementation of the above vitamins can significantly accelerate the recovery of the intestinal mucosa and maintain stable digestive and absorptive functions.
Feed change for chickens is not a simple feed replacement, but a carefully designed and steadily implemented systematic project. By implementing the “four fixed” operating procedures (fixed time, fixed feed quantity, fixed frequency, fixed process), coupled with the “four observations” effect evaluation (observe feed trough, observe particle size, observe feces, observe indicators), and combined with three auxiliary mitigation measures, feed change stress can be minimized, ensuring a smooth transition for the flock and laying a solid foundation for subsequent high and stable production.
Good feed change management ensures flock health, and breeding efficiency naturally follows!
