CHAPTER XXIV 



FEEDING FOR GROWTH 



THERE are three definite objects in the feeding of poultry. 

 All young growing animals are fed for growth, or the build- 

 ing of tissue. Poultry are also fed for some product to be 

 yielded by the body, the egg being the product desired, and 

 in order to put birds in condition for market they are fed 

 for increase of flesh. To best attain these three objects, 

 different rations must be fed in each case, and different 

 systems of feeding followed, if the greatest efficiency is to 



be obtained. In this chapter 

 we will discuss feed require- 

 ments and the methods of 

 feeding for growth. Feeding 

 methods necessarily apply to 

 pullets from hatching time to 

 maturity. Feeding for growth 

 can be divided into two peri- 

 ods; the brooding stage and 

 the growing stage. During the 

 brooding period the object of 

 all feeding and management 

 is to get the chicks safely 

 through the stage of their 

 helplessness. If during these few weeks they are not prop- 

 erly cared for in the brooder house, there will be great mor- 

 tality, which is often largely due to improper feeding. It is 

 at this early period that the framework of the body, or skele- 

 ton, starts to grow, and without a strong, heavy skeleton, 

 it is impossible for the bird subsequently to carry a heavy 

 weight of flesh. The brooding period ceases when the chicks 

 242 



FIG. 134. The maturing pullet; she 

 is the ultimate aim when feeding for 

 growth and maturity. 



