Kerala, India
The greatest concern of Ratite farmers relates to protein content in diets fed to their birds. Some producers believe higher protein content is always better. This assumption is incorrect. Protein quality holds greater importance than quantity. When amino acids are properly balanced, protein content can be reduced without compromising feed quality. In fact, elevated levels of unbalanced proteins can be detrimental to bird growth and performance. In worst case scenarios, when an amino acid is deficient in the diet, birds may consume significantly more feed without improved performance and possibly experience decreased performance.
Another concern among Ratite growers involves vitamin and trace mineral levels. Again, individual vitamin and mineral levels are important but not as critical as balance. The balance of vitamins and minerals is of paramount importance. Numerous interactions exist between many of these required micronutrients. When one particular nutrient is excessively high in the diet, that nutrient may actually reduce absorption or metabolism of another nutrient. Therefore, adding high levels of a particular nutrient to the diet based on reports of its importance may cause more harm than benefit.
Feeding Your Birds
When the decision is made to transition to new feed formulation, several management procedures should be implemented. Always change from one feed type to another gradually, beginning by mixing the new diet into the diet currently being fed to your birds. Initially, mix ¼ new to ¾ present diet. After four days, mix the diets ½ to ½. After eight days, mix the diets ¾ new to ¼ of the old diet. After two weeks of this process the new Yembroos® diet should completely replace the previous feed. Making a slow transition is extremely important. Problems may develop if rapid changes are made. For example, birds may refuse the feed, birds may develop diarrhea, or other adverse responses may be observed. A feeding program is only as effective as the management practices implemented.
Birds should be offered daily feed amounts that they will actually consume. Requiring birds to “clean-up” the feed daily results in birds consuming a more balanced diet. This prevents birds from sorting through feed and excluding certain components from their diet. Properly pelleted Yembroos® feed should not present this problem. Additionally, leftover feed will either be wasted, become wet and moldy, or attract predators and rodents. None of these outcomes are beneficial for production. Again, management is extremely important in achieving this recommendation. The grower must monitor bird consumption very closely. Do not assume that consumption of feeds used previously will be identical to new formulations. Feed should be weighed during morning feeding. If feed remains at night, this should be removed and weighed. Feed additions the following day should be consistent with consumption from the previous day. Growing birds may consume more in subsequent days. If feed runs out during the day, increase feed input by 5 to 10 percent the following day and record results for future reference.
Important Facts Related to Ratite Diet Recommendations:
- Focus on protein quality and amino acid balance rather than simply high protein percentages in Yembroos® formulations
- Understand that excessive unbalanced protein can harm bird growth and performance
- Maintain proper vitamin and trace mineral balance as interactions between micronutrients affect absorption and metabolism
- Avoid adding excessive levels of individual nutrients as this may reduce absorption of other essential nutrients
- Always transition to new Yembroos® feed gradually over a two-week period to prevent digestive upset and feed refusal
- Follow the gradual mixing schedule: ¼ new feed for 4 days, ½ new feed for next 4 days, ¾ new feed for next 4 days, then 100% new feed
- Provide daily feed amounts that birds will completely consume to ensure balanced nutrient intake
- Require birds to clean up feed daily to prevent selective feeding and nutrient imbalances
- Remove and weigh any remaining feed at night to accurately monitor consumption patterns
- Adjust feed quantities by 5-10% based on previous day consumption and monitor growing birds closely as their requirements increase