September 8, 2023

World Poultry Foundation funds new app to help optimise poultry feed

The University of Georgia's Poultry Science Department, in partnership with funding from the World Poultry Foundation, has unveiled the FeedMixer app, which seeks to help optimise chicken feed in the face of surging commercial feed expenses and constrained access to specific grains, Biz Community reported.

Maureen Stickel, director of International Program Development at the World Poultry Foundation, said that the FeedMixer app offers precise feed mix recommendations for layers, broilers, and dual-purpose birds at various stages of growth.

She said that the foundation's meticulous efforts encompassed the compilation of an extensive library of feed ingredients, replete with their nutritional profiles, empowering farmers with invaluable guidance.

Operating the FeedMixer app is simple. Users start by selecting the type of chickens they are raising, followed by choosing the ingredients at their disposal, along with the desired proportions for blending. The app, in turn, provides a comprehensive assessment, indicating whether the chosen feed mixture supplies adequate energy, protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals to nurture the birds optimally, all while minimising waste. Additionally, users can input the cost of their selected ingredients, allowing for real-time cost-effectiveness analysis of their custom feed blend.

Professor Sean Chen, assistant professor and extension specialist at the Department of Poultry Science at the University of Georgia, said that the app is user-friendly.

Chen said the aim with this app is to simplify the process for farmers, even those with a basic poultry background. This includes backyard and emerging chicken farmers who may not possess extensive experience.

With the app's intuitive interface, they strive to empower farmers to harness locally available ingredients, formulate diets that align with fundamental poultry nutrition requisites, and thereby, achieve their production objectives efficiently, said Chen.

-      Biz Community