Nutrient requirements generally decline with broiler age. From a classical standpoint,
starter, grower and finisher diets are incorporated into the growing program of broilers.
However, bird nutrient needs do not change abruptly on specific days, but rather they
change continuously over time. Most companies feed multiple feeds in an attempt to match
bird nutrient requirements. The greater the number of feeds a bird receives, the closer the
producer can feed his birds to the requirement. The number of feeds is limited by economic
and logistical factors, including feed mill capacity, transportation costs and farm resources.
Dietary nutrient concentrations are based on the objectives of the producer. There are three
main objectives of feeding broilers and most producers use a combination of these.