What are the methods for using oil and fat feed for broiler chickens?

I. Types and addition amounts

Oil and fat feed includes animal oils and vegetable oils. Animal oils such as lard, beef tallow, fish oil, etc. have a metabolizable energy above 33.5 MJ/kg, while vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, etc. have lower metabolizable energy, also at 29.3 MJ/kg. Generally speaking, the optimal ratio of oil and fat in broiler diets is: 0.5% in the early stage, and 5%-6% in the later stage.

II. Addition and usage methods

Because oil and fat are highly viscous, they must first be heated and melted before addition, then added to the powder feed from less to more, mixed evenly, and gradually expanded and diluted, and finally mixed evenly with the remaining parts of the diet. Never mix oil and fat directly with additives, to prevent sticking and clumping that makes even mixing impossible. A sprayer can also be used to evenly spray the oil and fat onto the surface of pelleted feed. If conditions allow the production of pelleted feed, 30% of the added oil and fat can also be added into the pelleted feed, with the other 70% sprayed onto the surface of the pellets, thereby improving palatability.

III. Issues to note

1. Do not use spoiled oil and fat.

2. Pay attention to the balance of nutrition in the diet. After oil and fat are added, because the energy level in the diet is increased, other nutritional components in the feed must also be adjusted accordingly, especially keeping the protein-energy ratio unchanged.

3. Feeding storage time should not be too long. If stored for too long or kept under high-temperature conditions, rancidity is likely to occur. Generally speaking, oil- and fat-containing feed should not be stored for more than 7 days in summer, and no more than 21 days in winter.

4. Antioxidants should be added to the feed to prevent rancidity.