The success of gamefowl performance is attributed to many factors but feeds, which are the primary source of energy and nutrition, are the major contributors. So to bring out the best in your gamefowl, they need to be given the right feeds that meet their nutritional requirements.
The same way humans’ nutritional needs change from infancy to adulthood, gamefowl and backyard birds have different needs as they grow. To help your flock thrive and perform well, a feed program must be mapped from the start, using a complete poultry feed specially formulated for the birds’ life stage, species, or stage of production.
Gamefowl feeding do’s and don’ts
To guide you in making your gamefowl feed program, here is a list of best practices to consider:
Do’s
Ensure feeds have enough protein
Protein helps build and repair the muscle of the gamefowl. With that muscle developed, it results in a battlecock with more power. If you are making your own feed, experts suggest up to 22% crude protein to keep up the development and repair of muscle tissues.
Maintain a normal feeding pattern and schedule.
Whether you’re following a 14, 21, or 30- day training plan, it’s important to stick to a fixed schedule. Gamefowl have a unique digestive system that can accommodate only a small amount of food at a time in their crops, which should be considered when feeding them.
Choose the right feed for their life stage.
As previously mentioned, a chick’s nutritional requirements are vastly different from a grown battlecock, which is why their feeds should be based on what life stage they are in. Making homemade feed may be tricky in this case, but the good thing is, there are commercially made feeds like GMP that is specially formulated with the nutritional needs of each life stage in mind.
Don’ts
Don’t take exercise for granted.
Similar to athletes, gamefowl should also be following a training schedule prior to a fight. Your feeding schedule should also be adjusted accordingly. For example, give complex carbohydrates on the morning of training as a fuel source, then give protein and recovery nutrients after.
Don’t give feeds in uniform amounts.
During pre-fight conditioning, you should closely monitor each bird’s weight and performance, then adjust their feeding accordingly. For example, the usual amount is 40 to 45g with supplements, but you have to know how much they individually need. Those who lack body may need 50 to 60g worth of feeds, while those who are at an optimum level may have around 40 to 30g. The amount can be adjusted accordingly for the best results.
Don’t forget supplementation.
Nutritional supplements include vitamins, minerals, and other related products used to boost the nutritional content of the diet. These supplements are used for many purposes, like boosting overall health and energy, providing immune system support, and reducing the risks of illness and age-related conditions, helping to improve physical performance, and supporting the healing process during illnesses. Work with your vet to see what your animals need and what kind of supplements they might need.
GMP Gamefowl Feeding Guide
GMP Feeds has ActiPlus Technology, a combination of specialty formulated additives in feeds that help improve the specific growth requirements of each life stage:
| GMP 1 Chick Booster | Helps in the development of the chicks’ metabolism and digestion for better nutrient absorption, ensuring that they are lively and strong |
| GMP 2 Stag Grower | Helps with the birds’ muscle growth and resistance against illness (immunity) |
| GMP 3 Maintenance | Helps maintain good physical condition in corded stags and cocks |
| GMP 4 Breeder | Helps improve rates of egg fertility and hatchability |
To learn more about proper nutrition and supplementation in gamefowl, feel free to browse the articles on this website.
Sources:
https://www.totalgamefowl.com/conditioning-feeds-and-feeding/
http://sabong-news.blogspot.com/2008/12/basic-stag-conditioning.html
