Poultry farming is one of the most profitable livestock businesses in Nigeria, but success depends on ensuring birds receive balanced nutrition to maximize productivity. Feed supplements play a crucial role in promoting faster growth, higher egg production, and overall health. In this review, we focus on the best feed supplements that can help Nigerian poultry farmers improve their flock’s performance. While fish meal has traditionally been a go-to option, its high cost and dwindling use in Nigeria are driving farmers to explore more sustainable and affordable alternatives. We highlight these options and how they can sustainably enhance poultry farming operations.

1. Moringa Leaf Powder

Moringa leaf powder is a natural, plant-based supplement gaining popularity in Nigeria’s poultry industry. Packed with essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants, Moringa is an excellent feed supplement for both broilers and layers.

Benefits:

• Promotes faster growth and increases egg production due to its high protein and nutrient content.
• Strengthens the immune system, reducing the likelihood of diseases.
• Can be easily cultivated, making it a cost-effective option for local farmers.

In different clusters across Nigeria, poultry farmers incorporating Moringa leaf powder into their feed mix have reported improved growth rates and higher egg yields. Farmers observed that broilers gained weight more rapidly, and layers began producing larger, higher-quality eggs.

2. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)

Black soldier fly larvae are becoming a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources in poultry feed, such as fish meal. BSFL are rich in protein and fat, helping birds develop muscle and providing a natural energy source.

Benefits:

• Provides high-quality protein and fats, essential for healthy muscle development in birds.
• Improves feed conversion ratios, leading to faster growth and higher productivity.
• A locally available and eco-friendly alternative to expensive imported feed ingredients.

A poultry farm cooperative in Lagos using BSFL in their broiler feed reported a 20% reduction in feed costs. The birds also showed an improved growth rate and strong immunity against common poultry diseases, making BSFL a game-changing supplement for small and medium-scale farmers.

3. Vitamin and Mineral Premixes

Vitamins and minerals are vital for the proper development, reproduction, and immune health of poultry. Premixes, which are blends of essential vitamins and minerals, ensure that birds receive all the nutrients they need, especially those that might be missing in regular feed.

Benefits:

• Prevents nutritional deficiencies that can lead to poor growth, weak bones, and reduced egg production.
• Enhances immune function, helping birds resist infections and recover faster from illnesses.
• In layers, it significantly improves egg quality, shell strength, and egg production consistency.

Layer farms in Nigeria adding vitamin and mineral premixes to their feed saw a 30% improvement in egg production and noticeable increase in eggshell quality. Farmers reported that the eggs were larger, with harder shells, reducing breakage during transport and boosting profitability.

4. Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that support a healthy gut environment in poultry, improving digestion, boosting immunity, and enhancing overall health. As more Nigerian farmers look for alternatives to antibiotics, probiotics have proven to be an effective solution for keeping flocks healthy.

Benefits:

• Improves digestion, ensuring birds absorb more nutrients from their feed, which enhances growth rates.
• Strengthens immunity, reducing the need for antibiotics and helping birds stay healthy in challenging environments.
• Increases egg production and improves the overall quality of meat, with less fat and better muscle development.

In Abuja, a poultry farm using probiotics in their feed mix reported a reduction in disease outbreaks, especially in the rainy season when birds are more prone to infections. The farm also experienced a 15% boost in egg production after introducing probiotics into the layers’ diet, demonstrating their role in both productivity and bird health.

5. Fish Meal (Less Popular Option)

While fish meal has been a traditional protein source in poultry feed, its use is steadily declining in Nigeria due to high costs and sourcing challenges. Fish meal provides high-quality protein but is becoming less sustainable for local farmers.

Drawbacks:

• Fish meal is increasingly expensive, making it less accessible to small-scale farmers.
• Over-reliance on fish meal is unsustainable, as demand for fish products in human consumption is also growing.

Some poultry farmers in south west Nigeria have switched from fish meal to alternatives like Black Soldier Fly Larvae and Moringa, reporting similar growth rates and better affordability. While fish meal remains effective, its high cost is driving farmers to more sustainable and cost-efficient supplements.

Conclusion: Transitioning to Sustainable Feed Supplements for Better Productivity

As fish meal becomes less practical for poultry farming in Nigeria, farmers are turning to more sustainable and locally available feed supplements to maintain high productivity. Supplements like Moringa leaf powder, Black Soldier Fly Larvae, vitamin and mineral premixes, and probiotics offer excellent alternatives for improving bird growth, immunity, and egg production. By choosing these affordable and effective options, farmers can reduce costs, enhance productivity, and build more resilient farming systems in the face of rising feed prices.

For Nigerian poultry farmers, focusing on affordable, high-quality feed supplements is the key to sustainable growth and long-term profitability.