Now a days , It is a great challenge and would be one of the main obstacle to minimize the cost while we are going to formulate the cost effective balance diet, gradually the cost of every ingredients are increasing,
There is more scope to manipulate in feed while processing And ingredients also. So we should be very alert regarding quality, If it is possible , sample should be send to ref. laboratory for analysis.
Look out for substitute and complimentary ingredients which are less expensive to use "as is" or to process. Use as many ingredients as you can to come up with a very palatable diet that is a "least formulation". Happy feed formulation from Prof Irvin DT Mpofu (www.idtfeedservicesinternational.com)
This is very simple. In the area where I live (Puebla, Mexico) pig farmers keep saying how expensive animal feed is and how this is limiting the growth on their farms. But I recently told them: Does anyone know what the protein requirements are in the initial phase of piglets? Using the NRC tables, you will be able to see which ingredients can get and using the Pearson Square or simultaneous equation, diet can be balanced in energy, protein and minerals. The cost of wheat, sorghum, fishmeal and minerals was cheaper than buying the prepared feed. Even your children that can use the computer learnt a program in which is specified requirements per phase and available ingredients, and this show us the amounts to be mixed.
Rupen Chakma, protein requirements in laying hens are about 15% and 2.85 Mcal and these requirements are covered by grain of wheat or sorghum. Now we just need to meet the requirements in minerals, which in laying hens are paramount, but cracked oyster shells cover it, so it is important to add a multivitamin in water. Regards
Nutritionally balanced and commercially viable layer feed is the talk of the day.But the same time one must target optimum output in the form of HHA and HDA from layer,along with efficient management of the flock,like house temp,ventilation,lighting programme and number of feedings and feeding time.
Converting the layer feed into pellet is also of great advantage to save around 10gms of feed/day/layer.
Alternate new raw material -protein-(Cotton seed meal,Guar meal)Energy-Tapioca meal etc
Regards
Dr Sushil Chandra