HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

Feed capacity development in pullets: A focus on the developer ration Leon Mmokela Mashiane – Technical Advisor: Poultry Between 10 and 17 weeks, pullets must learn to eat more of a bulkier diet so they can later thrive onmineral heavy, lower density layer rations. This “training phase” is best achieved with a developer ration formulated for moderate nutrient density, higher structural fibre, and coarsemeal texture, together withmanagement that grows the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), gizzard function, and daily feed intake capacity. When done well, this will improve uniformity, skeletal readiness for medullary bone formation, and increase the chances of achieving andmaintaining peak egg production. In the early phases (starter and grower), nutrient density is high to support the rapid growth of the organs, the skeletal structure, and the lean tissue. This is achieved by providing the starter and grower feeds in a crumble form to achieve high nutrient intake with a smaller volume of feed. As the bird matures, nutrient requirements shift, and the focus moves toward building adequate body reserves without compromising future productivity. Although these stages differ in nutrient specifications, they have a common dependence on feed intakes. Breeder guides also demonstrate that average daily feed intake rises steadily through late rear from 65 g/b/d at 10 weeks to approximately 80–84 g/b/d by 18 weeks of age, then steps up again in early lay from 118–130 g/b/d. Importance of feed intake capacity A pullet’s genetic potential is realised only when daily nutrient requirements are met. As diets become less nutrient-dense, the pullet must compensate by increasing voluntary feed intake. Birds failing to do so experience: • Sub-optimal body weights • Reduced uniformity • Poor skeletal mineralisation • Weaker onset and persistence in lay The developer period is therefore a controlled “training phase” during which pullets are physiologically and behaviourally conditioned to consume higher volumes. During the starter phase, there is a high requirement for protein growth. The starter and grower are nutrient-dense rations designed to support the rapid growth phase of the pullet, and nutrient intakes can be further improved by crumbling or pelleting the feed. While it is beneficial to feed pelleted/crumbled feed, it is advisable to feed the developer as a coarse mash to further encourage the stretching of the crop and to have the gizzard work more to grow in size, and slow down the rate of passage to have the intestines increase in volume and increase in their nutrient uptake capacity. www.agribonus.co.za Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS 13