Feed Information

Broiler Feed Categories (Meat Birds)

Broilers are raised for meat and therefore require high-energy, high-protein feeds that change as they grow.

1. Broiler Starter Feed

Purpose:

• Designed for chicks from day-old to ~2–3 weeks of age.
• High protein (~20–24%) to support early growth, healthy bones, and digestive development.

Typical Code/Label:

• Broiler Starter Feed (Act 36 registered product — feed bags list a registration number).

Typical Price (South Africa):

• ~R280 per 40 kg bag (prices vary by brand and location).
• Retailers may charge R500–R550+ per 50 kg bag for premium feeds.

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2. Broiler Grower Feed

Purpose:

• Fed from ~3 weeks to ~5 weeks.
• Balanced energy and protein levels (slightly lower protein than starter); supports rapid muscle and frame growth.

Typical Code/Label:

• Broiler Grower Feed (Act 36 registered).

Typical Price:

• ~R215–R260 per 40 kg bag.
• Premium branded 50 kg can be R480–R550.

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3. Broiler Finisher Feed

Purpose:

• Used from ~5 weeks to slaughter age (6–8 weeks).
• Lower protein, higher energy to increase weight gain and feed efficiency.

Typical Code/Label:

• Broiler Finisher Feed (Act 36 registered).

Typical Price:

• ~R205–R260 per 40 kg bag.
• Premium 50 kg bags often R485+.

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Summary (Broiler Feed Prices)

Feed Type	Retail Weight	Typical Price (Approx.)
Broiler Starter	40 kg	R280
Broiler Grower	40 kg	R215–R260
Broiler Finisher	40 kg	R205–R260
Premium Branded 50 kg	50 kg	R480–R550+

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🐔 Layer Feed Categories (Egg-Producing Birds)

Layers have different nutrient needs, especially calcium for eggshell formation and phases of laying.

1. Layer Starter / Pullet Grower

Purpose:

• Layer Starter / Pullet Grower Feed is for young pullets (up to point-of-lay).
• Supports skeletal growth and prepares birds metabolically for laying.

Typical Code/Label:

• Pullets Grower / Layer Starter (Act 36 registered).

Typical Price:

• ~R390–R420 per 40 kg bag (premium).

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2. Layer Feed / Layer Mash / Layer Pellets

Purpose:

• Primary feed for laying hens.
• Higher calcium (~3–4%) for strong eggshells; moderate energy and protein for egg production.

Typical Code/Label:

• Layer Mash / Layer Pellets (Act 36 registered).

Typical Price:

• ~R390–R420 per 40 kg bag for premium grade.
• Some basic layer feeds cost ~R330 per 50 kg bag in certain markets.

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Summary (Layer Feed Prices)

Feed Type	Typical Weight	Approx. Price
Pullet Grower / Layer Starter	40 kg	R390–R420+
Layer Mash / Layer Pellets	40 kg	R390–R420+
Basic Layer Feed	50 kg	~R330

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📌 How Feeds Are Identified (Codes & Labels)

Act 36 Registration Numbers

• In South Africa, all commercial feeds must be registered under the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (Act 36 of 1947).
• Each product carries a registration number (e.g., “Reg. No. Act 36/1947: VXXXXX”) printed on the bag.
• These numbers are unique to the specific feed product/supplier but do not form a consumer-friendly numeric code system. Instead, the feed type name (e.g., “Broiler Starter”) is what farmers use to select feeds.

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📍 Price Notes & Market Factors

Smaller farms often pay more per kg when buying 40–50 kg bags from local suppliers.

Prices vary by brand, region, and bag size, and may be higher for premium or medicated feeds used in commercial operations.

Bulk purchases by commercial farms are typically priced per tonne and lower cost per kg than retail bag prices.