*How To Administer Feed, Drugs and Vaccine in Poultry Production*

In Nigeria, most of the diets used in feeding poultry are commercially produced. They are mainly formulated and prepared by feed manufacturing companies, most of which employ trained nutritionists. The formulation and mixing of poultry feeds is a highly technical job involving the use of increasing amount of knowledge and experience in purchasing ingredients, the use of computers, experimental testing of formulas and laboratory control of ingredient quality. Improper mixing could result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies, lowered diseases defense mechanisms or chemical or drug toxicity.

*Chick Mash:* This is fed from the first day to 8 weeks of age for pullets and chicks intended for breeding stock. Its protein and energy levels are essentially 20% and 2550 – 2640 ME kcal/ kg respectively.

*Grower Mash:* This mash is fed from 8 to 18 weeks of age in case of light layers and up till 20 weeks for heavy breeds. Protein and energy levels are 16% and 2330 ME kcal/ kg respectively.

*Layers Mash:* Layers mash is fed from point of lay (18 weeks in case of light layers and 20 weeks for heavy breeds). It contains enough calcium to enable the hen produce hard-shelled eggs. Nutrient specifications for protein and energy are usually 16.5% and 2430 ME kcal/kg respectively.
Broiler Starter Mash: This is a high-energy ration fed ad lib (morning, afternoon and evening) to broilers from the first day to about 5 weeks of age, and has protein level of 23% and 2650 ME kcal/kg for energy.

*Broiler Finisher Mash:* This again is a high-energy ration fed ad lib to broilers from 6 weeks to market weight and on analysis yields proximate protein content of 19% and 2700 ME kcal/kg energy.
Other poultry mashes such as turkey and breeder mash are also prepared by many commercial poultry feeds manufacturers according to set standards and their nutrient requirements.

*FEEDING STANDARDS:* Nutritionists have over the years developed guidelines for selecting properly balanced rations for meeting the nutrient requirements of various types and classes of livestock. These recommendations have been collected, classified, tabulated and revised from time to time and have come to be known as feeding standards. Thus, feeding standards are tables stating the amount of various nutrients that should be present in the daily ration of different classes of livestock for optimum results in growth, work and production. The poultry feeding standards for Nigeria has been developed and is currently housed at the Standard Organization of Nigeria.

It is imperative that feed manufacturers and prospective feed producers whether for commercial or private use should as a matter of necessity be conversant with this content. Every feed producer is expected to adhered strictly to instructions of this feeding standard of production in the country in order to continually provide good quality products to the public, which ultimately is the heartbeat for continued profitability and growth in the business. You will find the drugs and Medication required for Poultry products from production inception to point of sales and marketing as attached files and picture to this article

*NOTE* Poultry business is a very sensitive and at the same time very lucrative provided you get it right. Dont go into poultry business because you admire the affluence and window dressing lucrativeness of a colleague in the layers production sector of poultry, then you feel the desperation and inspired to do poultry business. So as not to unduly burn your hands in the course of experimentation or to make a lab rat of your resources. Let our over two decades of experience in The Poultry And Livestock Feed business guide you in your prospective livestock & poultry venture. For consultancy call 09099176956, 07031360546, 08180499192, 08141208884. DOT SVC & Co, Olukayode Housing Estate, Agric Bus Stop, Ondo Road, Akure, Ondo State or DOT SVC & Co Services Olutoye Shopping Complex, Opposite Royal Spring Hotel, Oshogbo, Osun state