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Research and Reviews : A Journal of Life Sciences Review Article

Phase-Specific Nutrient Requirements in Broilers: Implications for Behavior, Gut Health, Performance, Meat Quality, Welfare, and Economics

  1. Md. Emran Hossain Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram
  2. Shilpi Islam Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Salna, Gazipur

Abstract

The broiler industry plays an inevitable role in global food security, requiring optimal formulation strategies tailored to each growth phase, starter, grower, and finisher for sustainable production. This review explores phase-specific nutrient requirements and their implications for broiler performance, meat quality, welfare, and economics. During the starter phase (1–10 days), nutrition focuses on immune development, gut health, and skeletal growth, with high protein and low energy needs. In the grower phase (11–20 days), nutrient strategies prioritize muscle growth and feed efficiency while preventing excessive fat accumulation. The finisher phase (21 days to market) aims for optimal body weight and carcass quality by enhancing high energy and moderate protein intake. Beyond growth, phase-specific nutrition influences behavior, reducing stress-related behaviors like feather pecking. It also enhances gut health, improving nutrient absorption and reducing disease risk through additives like prebiotics and probiotics. Early protein intake affects meat quality by promoting muscle development and improving meat composition through dietary fat. Welfare is enhanced by addressing phase-specific issues, such as leg health, metabolic disorders, and immune system, reducing mortality rates. Economically, tailored diets improve feed conversion ratios, minimize feed waste, and lower veterinary costs, leading to improved profitability. Overall, precise phase-specific nutrient strategies optimize broiler performance, welfare, meat quality, and economic efficiency, supporting sustainable production and meeting consumer demands for high-quality poultry products.

Keywords

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