Poultry Judging Practice Test

When growing market broilers, which diet constitutes approximately 42-48% of the total feed consumed?

1. Starter

2. Finisher

3. Grower

4. Maintenance

The correct answer is: Grower

The grower diet is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of broilers as they transition from the starter phase and move toward market weight. This phase typically occurs when the birds are around 3 to 6 weeks old. The grower feed is designed to provide a balanced diet that supports optimal growth and muscle development during this critical period. In terms of feed composition, the grower diet usually represents a substantial portion of the total feed consumed, approximately 42-48%. This level of consumption is essential for ensuring that the birds gain weight efficiently and develop the necessary body condition for market readiness. Other dietary phases, such as starter, finisher, and maintenance, are crafted for different growth stages or purposes. The starter diet, for example, is higher in protein and is focused on the very early growth phase, while the finisher diet is used closer to market time to maximize final weight and flesh quality. The maintenance diet, on the other hand, is not typically used for broilers intended for market but rather supports birds in maintenance or non-production stages. Overall, the significance of the grower diet in the overall feeding strategy for market broilers cannot be overstressed, as it plays a key role in bridging the early nutrition to the