Broiler feeding phases — table (starter, grower, finisher)
A step-by-step guide to what feed broilers receive at each rearing stage, how much protein and energy it should contain, and why phase transitions must be gradual. All figures are indicative and based on Aviagen Ross 308 guidelines and IZ-PIB norms — always follow your feed supplier's specification.
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Broilers grow very quickly — reaching 2–3 kg in 35–42 days. For that growth to be efficient and healthy, the feed must change along with the bird. Early on, the chick needs plenty of protein to build muscles and organs; towards the end it needs more energy to finish the carcass. The feeding programme is divided into several phases. The full picture of broiler farming is in the guide on broiler farming. Feed intake norms are in the guide on broiler nutrition norms, and flock-level calculations in the broiler feed requirement calculator.
Where do the numbers in this table come from?
All protein and energy values are indicative and based on Aviagen guidelines for the Ross 308 line (Ross 308 Nutrition Specifications 2022) and on IZ-PIB norms "Normy żywienia drobiu" (2025). Different genetic lines (Ross 708, Cobb 500, Hubbard, etc.), different feed suppliers and different farm conditions may require different values. Always follow the specification of the feed you purchase — the feed manufacturer knows the composition of their raw materials.
What is MJ/kg?
MJ/kg (megajoules per kilogram) is the unit of metabolisable energy (ME) in feed — the share of energy the bird can actually use. The higher the MJ/kg, the more energy-dense the feed. Broilers need feed with moderate energy and high protein early in life; towards the end of rearing they need feed with higher energy and lower protein.
Indicative broiler feeding phase table (Ross 308 / IZ-PIB)
Indicative values. Depend on genetic line and feed supplier specification — always follow manufacturer guidance.
Pre-starter (optional) — days 0–3/4
Crumble (granulate broken into small pieces, easy for chicks to peck). Protein: approx. 23%. Energy: approx. 12.5 MJ/kg. The pre-starter is a short phase — just the first 3–4 days — used by some producers to help chicks get off to a good start: crumbles are small, soft and easy to eat right after arrival. Not every feeding programme includes it. If your feed supplier does not offer a pre-starter, begin with the starter feed.
Starter — days approx. 0/4–10/11
Crumble. Protein: approx. 22–23%. Energy: approx. 12.6 MJ/kg. This is the first "full" phase — starting either from day 0 (if no pre-starter is used) or from day 4. Chicks grow rapidly and build muscle, so the feed must be high in protein. Crumble is well suited to small chicks. Pay attention to pellet quality: well-pressed crumbles minimise dust and feed waste. More on compound feeds in the guide on compound feeds for poultry.
Grower — days approx. 11–24
Pellet or crumble (depends on supplier). Protein: approx. 21%. Energy: approx. 13.0 MJ/kg. From around day 11 broilers are larger and eat more — time for the grower feed. Protein drops slightly; energy rises, as the bird starts building muscle tissue intensively and needs fuel for rapid growth. Live weight and daily gain during this phase are covered in the table at broiler live weight and daily gain.
Finisher — days approx. 25 to slaughter
Pellet. Protein: approx. 19–20%. Energy: approx. 13.2–13.4 MJ/kg. The finisher is the last phase before slaughter. Even less protein, even more energy — the bird finishes the carcass and deposits intramuscular fat. Important: the finisher must be free of coccidiostats (drugs preventing coccidiosis) or any other medication if one was used earlier — observe the required withdrawal period stated on the product label.
Second finisher (optional, for longer finishing)
Pellet. Protein: approx. 18–19%. Energy: high (per supplier specification). For longer finishing programmes (e.g. heavier numbers, broilers beyond day 42) some feeding programmes include a second finisher with even lower protein. Use it only if your feed supplier offers it and your rearing programme requires it.
Phase transitions and withdrawal period — essential reading
Even the best table cannot substitute for following these rules correctly in the house.
Phase transitions — make them gradual
A sudden feed change can disrupt the gut microflora (the bacteria living in the intestines that help digest feed) and cause diarrhoea or poorer weight gain. For a few days (usually 2–4 days) mix the old feed with the new one: e.g. 75% old + 25% new, then 50/50, then 25/75, finally 100% new. Your feed supplier may have specific recommendations on transition length.
Withdrawal period before slaughter — mandatory
If you have used a coccidiostat (e.g. lasalocid, narasin, salinomycin — drugs preventing coccidiosis, a parasitic intestinal disease) or any other veterinary medicine in feed or water, you must observe the withdrawal period before sending birds to slaughter. The withdrawal period is stated on every product label and may range from a few to over ten days. A coccidiostat-free finisher is the most common way to achieve withdrawal — but ALWAYS verify this with your vet or poultry nutrition adviser.
Feed form matters
Crumble is recommended for small chicks — easy to peck. Pellets (solid cylindrical pieces) are better for older birds — less dust, less waste and better feed conversion (FCR, Feed Conversion Ratio — kg of feed per kg of live weight gain). Feed dust means wasted money and poorer results.
Water access is as important as feed
Broilers drink approximately 1.6–2.0 litres of water per litre of feed. Without adequate access to clean water, birds do not eat as much as they should and do not grow correctly. Check drinkers at least once a day — a blocked drinker is one of the most common causes of poor performance.
Frequently asked questions about broiler feeding phases
How many feeding phases do broilers have?add
Most commonly 3–4, sometimes 5 phases: optionally a pre-starter (days 0–3/4), starter (days 0/4–10/11), grower (days approx. 11–24), finisher (days approx. 25 to slaughter), and optionally a second finisher for longer finishing. The number of phases depends on your feed supplier's programme and the genetic line of the broiler. Values are indicative per Aviagen Ross 308 and IZ-PIB — your situation may differ.
How much protein should broiler feed contain?add
Indicatively: starter approx. 22–23%, grower approx. 21%, finisher approx. 19–20%, optional second finisher approx. 18–19%. Protein decreases with age, as the bird needs progressively less for muscle growth. Too much protein in the final finishing phase is an unnecessary cost and an unnecessary load on the bird's kidneys. Always use feed with a specification matched to your genetic line.
What is crumble and when is it used?add
Crumble is crushed pellet — feed pellets broken into small pieces that are easy for small chicks to eat. It is used in the pre-starter and starter phases. Older broilers receive whole pellets, as they are large enough and pellets cause less dust and waste.
Why can't you change feed abruptly?add
An abrupt feed change disrupts gut microflora (bacteria in the intestines that help digest feed). This can cause diarrhoea, poorer growth and a higher FCR (feed per kg of gain). For several days, gradually mix the old feed type with the new one — this gives the gut time to adapt.
What is a withdrawal period and why is it important before slaughter?add
A withdrawal period is a mandatory period of time between the last administration of a medicine (e.g. a coccidiostat — a substance preventing coccidiosis, a parasitic intestinal disease) and sending birds to slaughter. During this time the bird's body has already eliminated the drug and its level in the meat is safe. The withdrawal period is stated on every product label. Failing to observe it is a legal violation and a food safety risk.
How do I calculate how much feed I need for a whole flock?add
It depends on flock size, target live weight, FCR and rearing length. Use our calculator: broiler feed requirement calculator. You can also check standard growth and feed intake tables in the guide on broiler live weight and daily gain.
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