Raising poultry in the Philippines can be a way to make money but it will only work if you have the right feed for the animals. When you are raising broilers for meat or layers for eggs the food they eat is very important for how they grow how many eggs they lay and how healthy they are.
This guide will help you pick the food for your poultry that works well in the Philippines with the things you have and with the goals you have for your farm, like raising broilers or layers. As we go along we will also talk about how to find suppliers that we can really trust. This includes learning from the companies like the ones people often talk about when they discuss the Top 10 Animal Feed Companies in the Philippines.
Know about the different Types of Poultry Feed
Before you decide to purchase animal feed, you should know about the various types available:
Starter Feed (0-3 Weeks)
These are High in protein (20–24%) so they can support rapid growth in chicks.
Finisher Feed (Broilers 8 weeks and older)
Lower protein, higher energy to aid weight gain.
Layer Feed (for egg layers)
High in Calcium to support strong eggshell quality.
Selecting the proper type for the age of your poultry will give you the best results.
Climate of the Philippines
The Philippines has a tropical climate and this can creates a large number of effects on poultry feeding:
- Chickens eat less in hot weather
- Must increase nutrient density to make up for
- More common is spoilage of feed by humidity
Tip: Opt for feeds that use quality ingredients and are well-packaged to prevent mold and contamination.
Check nutritional value of the Animal Feed
Read the label, always. A good poultry feed should have these following nutritions:
- Protein - It is needed for growth and egg laying
- Energy (carbs & fats) – Provides powers for everyday activity
- Vitamins & minerals – Support immunity and general health
- Calcium & Phosphorus - Provide strength for Laying Hens
Avoid feeders with too much filler and low nutritional value.
Choose Between Commercial and Homemade Feed
When choosing between commercial and homemade poultry feed, it’s helpful to think convenience vs control.
- Commercial feeds provide a balanced nutrition and are a reliable and time-saving choice. It guarantees consistent quality which is especially helpful for newcomers. But it's pricier.
- Homemade feed can be cheaper. You get to choose what goes into it.. You have to know what you're doing. If you mess up your birds might not get the nutrients they need. That can make them sick.
If you are only just starting out, commercial feed is usually the safer and more practical option.
Assess Feed Brands and Suppliers
There are many reputable feed brands in the Philippines. When selecting you should do these steps:
- Search for reputable manufacturers
- See what local farmers are saying
- Check availability in your area
- Price vs. quality compare
Quality is as important as consistency of supply.
Keep an eye on your budget
Feed accounts for 60-70% of the cost of poultry production, making budgeting essential.
- If you can, buy in bulk.
- Do not overfeed (will create waste)
- Store feed properly to avoid spoilage.
It’s a balance issue. Cheap feed can cause poor performance.
Get advice from local experts
In the Philippines, you can get locally relevant information from agricultural offices, veterinarians and experienced poultry farmers.
When you are first starting out it is an idea to begin with a commercial feed. You should pay attention to the results you get from this feed. As you gain experience with feeding you can make adjustments to your plan to get the best results, from your commercial feed. This will help you to tune your feeding plan using the commercial feed.