Pre-starter feed is a highly concentrated, energy-rich, and protein-dense diet used to feed chicks from the first day of life up to around day 7–10. Compared to regular starter feed, it has higher digestibility, finer particles, and higher-quality nutrients so that a chick’s immature digestive system can easily consume and absorb it. In this article from Ladorfat, we’ll take a detailed look at pre-starter feed.
The first week of a chick’s life is one of the most sensitive and decisive stages in poultry production. During this short period, vital organs such as the digestive system, immune system, and skeletal structure grow very rapidly; therefore, the quality of nutrition during these days has a direct impact on future growth, feed conversion ratio, health, and flock performance. To meet this special need, a specialized feed called pre-starter is formulated and produced. With its very fine, easily digestible, and nutrient-dense composition, it provides a strong foundation for early chick development and thus plays a crucial role in proper management of commercial farms.
This feed is especially important for newly born poultry:
On the first day, the chick’s digestive tissues are forming. Pre-starter feed, with its highly digestible ingredients, promotes better intestinal development and higher nutrient absorption.
The presence of antioxidants, probiotics, and vitamins boosts the chick’s immunity and increases its resistance to diseases.
A strong nutritional start allows chicks to grow faster and convert future feed more efficiently into body weight.
High-quality pre-starter feed lowers mortality during the first week, which is typically the most critical period.
Chicks that receive proper early nutrition grow more evenly and maintain more standard body weights throughout the production cycle.
1. Selecting fresh, high-quality raw materials
Even minimal fungal or microbial contamination is highly dangerous at this age.
2. Very fine and uniform grinding
Chicks cannot consume coarse particles in the first days of life.
3. Mild pelleting or micro-crumbles
Excessive heat during pelleting can destroy vitamins.
4. Adding digestive supplements
Enzymes and probiotics play a key role in improving performance.
5. Maintaining strict hygiene
Production facilities, packaging, and storage areas must be fully controlled.
Pre-starter feed increases chick weight during the first one or two days and improves overall performance until the end of the production cycle. It also enhances flock health, reduces the need for medical treatments, and promotes uniform growth and optimal market weight. Additionally, it minimizes nutritional stress during the transition to the starter diet.
Ala oil Sepahan Company, known commercially as Lador, is a well-recognized producer of livestock and poultry feed, concentrates, and high-quality raw materials. Using modern equipment and specialized quality-control laboratories, the company provides scientifically formulated feeds tailored to the nutritional needs of every age group. Their products are made with fresh ingredients, precise analysis, and advanced technology, making them a reliable choice for professional and industrial poultry farms.
Ladorfat, with its focus on producing high-quality, specialized feeds, aims to improve flock productivity and meet the nutritional requirements of poultry with maximum precision. Technical support, expert consultation, accurate formulations, and hygienic packaging are among the company’s advantages, leading many poultry operations to choose Ladorfat as a trusted feed supplier. These farms obtain raw materials for many feeds, such as broiler chicken feed, colored chicken feed, livestock wheat, and oils such as soybean and sunflower for raising their poultry from the Ala Oil Sepahan Company.
Pre-starter feed is one of the most critical components of poultry nutrition management. Investing in its quality has a direct impact on final performance, economic return, and flock health. Because the early days of a chick’s life are extremely sensitive, this feed must be produced and used with great precision, using premium ingredients and an appropriate physical form. Any neglect at this stage can result in growth delays, higher mortality, and reduced farm profitability.
For price inquiries and further information, contact Ladorfat consultants.
