Broiler Starter — Livestock Feed Analysis
Broiler starter is a high-protein, high-energy complete feed formulated for rapid growth of meat chickens during the first 14-21 days of life. With 22% crude protein and 78% TDN, broiler starter provides the nutrient density needed to support the extraordinary growth rate of modern broiler genetics. The feed is typically offered as fine crumbles to facilitate intake by small chicks. Broiler starter contains elevated levels of essential amino acids (particularly lysine and methionine), vitamins, and trace minerals optimized for skeletal development and feather growth. The energy level of 3,050-3,100 kcal ME per kg is among the highest of any commercial livestock feed. Broiler starter often includes a coccidiostat to prevent coccidiosis, which is the most significant disease threat to young poultry. Medicated feeds must be withdrawn before processing according to the medication's label instructions.
Which Animals Can Broiler Starter Feed?
The table below shows how Broiler Starter performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 22% crude protein and 78% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 22% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 78% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where broiler starter fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 26.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $180.00 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 54.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | $367.50 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 24.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | $165.00 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 5.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $39.38 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 6.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $45.00 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 5.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $39.38 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 13.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $90.00 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 8.3 lbs | Yes | No | $56.25 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | Yes | Yes | $1.50 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $2.25 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 1.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $6.56 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $2.36 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $2.10 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 7.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $47.25 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 3.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $20.25 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 8.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $56.25 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 40.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $270.00 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 22.2 lbs | Yes | Yes | $150.00 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 5.6 lbs | Yes | Yes | $37.50 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 6.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $45.00 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Broiler Starter with other feeds in the complete-feed category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
| Layer Pellets | 90% | 16% | 70% | $400 | $444 |
| Broiler Starter | 90% | 22% | 78% | $450 | $500 |
| Horse Sweet Feed | 88% | 12% | 72% | $350 | $398 |
Feeding Guidelines for Broiler Starter
When incorporating broiler starter into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 90%, each pound of as-fed broiler starter provides 0.90 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 22% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 3.5 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 78% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of broiler starter at $450 per ton translates to $0.225 per pound as-fed or $0.250 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.