Protein is one of the most important nutrients in chicken feeds; it is needed to build muscles and enhance rapid growth, and egg production, in the case of laying birds. In case you do not know, protein sources are usually the most expensive ingredients in livestock feed. One of the cheapest sources of protein in livestock feed is blood meal.
Blood meal is a byproduct from the slaughtering of healthy livestock; the blood of livestock is collected, cooked, caked, and crushed into smaller pieces to serve as ingredients used in the production of animal feeds. Blood meal contains about 90 – 95 percent crude protein and essential minerals like iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
Blood meal is used to produce quality and nutritious chicken feed because of its high protein content and amino acid profile. Blood meal has a higher amino acid profile than soybean meal. Hence, I have come up with the right percentage of blood meal in layer feed and broiler feed, as well as for other poultry species like turkeys, ducks, and geese
Nutrient Composition of Blood Meal
| Composition | Unit (% DM) |
| Crude Protein | 94 |
| Crude fibre | 0.5 |
| NDF | 12.8 |
| Ether extract | 1.5. – 3.0 |
| Ash | 3.0 |
| Energy (MJ/KgDM) | 24 |
| Iron mg/kg DM | 2186 |
| Zinc mg/kg DM | 24 |
| Copper mg/kg DM | 6 |
| Sodium g/kg DM | 4.5 |
| Potassium g/kg DM | 3.8 |
| Phosphorus g/kg DM | 2.2 |
| Calcium g/kg DM | 1.3 |
| Magnesium g/kg DM | 0.2 |
| Manganese mg/kg DM | 1 |
Blood Meal Amino Acid Profile
| Composition | Unit (%protein) |
| Leucine | 12.1 |
| Aspartic acid | 10.7 |
| Glutamic acid | 9.5 |
| Lysine | 8.7 |
| Valine | 8.5 |
| Alanine | 7.9 |
| Phenylalanine | 6.9 |
| Histidine | 6.2 |
| Serine | 4.9 |
| Threonine | 4.7 |
| Glycine | 4.5 |
| Arginine | 4.2 |
| Proline | 4.0 |
| Tyrosine | 3.0 |
| Tryptophan | 1.4 |
| Methionine | 1.2 |
| Isoleucine | 1.1 |
| Cystine | 1.1 |
Inclusion Rate of Blood Meal in Layers Feeds
For laying hens, blood meal contains 2 percent per 100kg of the layer feed to promote healthy growth and optimum egg laying. This inclusion rate enhances palatability and increases the feed intake.
The amino acid profile in blood meal complements that of other feed ingredients like soybean, soybean meal, corn, and premix to achieve a balanced amino acid profile and other nutrient elements to formulate a balanced and nutritious feed that supports egg production and growth of the layers.
Aside from being an excellent protein source, blood meal is rich in vitamins and minerals that support egg laying. Blood meal is rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium that support quality eggshells and larger egg sizes; iron supports feathering and good plumage of the laying birds. Phosphorus, and manganese; positively improve the well-being and increase the longevity of egg production.
Inclusion Rate of Blood Meal in Broiler Feeds
About 2 – 3 percent of blood meal can be added to every 100kg of boiler feeds, meaning between 2 – 3kg of blood meal can be added to 100kg of broiler feeds, either starter or finisher.
Blood meal contains essential amino acids like lysine, histidine, and arginine that can significantly increase growth rate and feed efficiency in broiler chickens. When blood meal is formulated alongside other feed ingredients to attain a balanced feed, the carcass yield and meat quality of the broiler chickens are greatly improved.
In addition, broiler chickens exceptionally benefit immensely from adding blood meal to their feed. Aside from being a quality protein source, the essential vitamins and minerals in blood meal greatly benefit broilers; the calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium levels strengthen the bones of broiler chickens and prevent leg disorders as they grow old.
Cautions in the Usage of Blood Meal in Poultry Feed
The usage of blood meal in poultry feed needs caution; different species of poultry birds have different intake and inclusion levels of blood meal.
Exceeding the levels of inclusion of blood meal in different poultry birds’ feeds causes a reduction in the intake of the feed as a result of its low palatability. Blood meal has a bitter taste and this can have a negative impact on the intake and acceptability of the feed when used in higher quantities.
Read more: Advantages And Disadvantages Of Blood Meal in Animal Feed
Lastly, blood meal excellent protein source in layer and broiler chicken feeds. Blood meal contributes essential amino acids to support egg production, growth rate, meat yield, and quality. Adhering strictly to the percentage level of blood meal in layers and broiler feed will make the desired nutritional profile of the diet achievable.