What is an acceptable food conversion ratio for broiler chickens?
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Broiler chickens on straw and straw bales inside with feeders and open pop holes in background. Free-range system.
Question by Mel: What is an acceptable food conversion ratio for broiler chickens?
i can’t find broiler chickens on their own, and due to the selective breeding involved in producing the broiler chickens, it may differ between broiler and layer chickens. Thanks heaps for your help.
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2 Responses to What is an acceptable food conversion ratio for broiler chickens?
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2:1 (feed to gain) is generally upheld as an excellent ratio for broilers. Many of Tyson’s flocks can actually get slightly below 2:1. Heritage breeds and backyard flocks should expect a worse ratio. My guess would say anywhere from 2-3:1. Many of the pullets in some of my studies are about 2.4:1. This would result from genetic variability and feed waste. You are also correct in thinking that layers and broilers exhibit different growth curves. In many cases layers are fed a maintenance diet once they reach a weight to prevent them from getting too large.
Matthew
May 8, 2011 at 4:53 am
The modern broiler strain requires 9 g of feed to produce 100 g of breast meat compared to 16 g for the 1977 strain and 27 for the 1957 strain.
In Canada we aim for 1.8:1. Our birds tend to be about 1.8 kg based on spec and customer demand.
Hope that helps.
Marty Brett
Chicken Farmers of Canada
Marty B
May 8, 2011 at 5:22 am