BONUS SPRING SUMMER 2025

A comparative analysis of two-phase versus three-phase feeding strategies Mlungisi Gwala – Technical Advisor: Poultry Farmers are rethinking conventional nutrition strategies as feed costs account for a larger proportion of broiler production expenses. The two- phase technique, which overlooks the grower phase, is gaining popularity, particularly among growers who are struggling financially and logistically. Does this simplifiedmethodwork? Why three phases? The science behind conventional wisdom Before embracing simplification, it is crucial to understand why the starter, grower, and finisher phases exist. Each phase is carefully formulated to meet evolving physiological demands. Feeding phase Feeding ages/period Primary nutritional focus Purpose Starter 0–18 days High protein and digestibility. Supports skeletal and organ development during the period of rapid tissue growth. Grower 19–30 days Balanced protein and energy. Promotes muscle accretion while minimising excessive fat deposition. Finisher 31 days to market Lower protein, energy-dense. Maximises weight gain and feed conversion efficiency as birds approach market readiness. What happens when the middle phase is removed? Let’s dive into the biological rationale that underpins this standard. Low-input reality check: What happens when the grower phase disappears? This section reveals how skipping the grower Table 1: Conventional feeding technique. Spring/Summer 2025 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 62