This feeding guide focuses on ingredients that are locally grown in the Philippines, providing a nutritional diet that supports the rooster’s growth, strength, and endurance. The amounts listed are for general guidance, but individual roosters may require more or less based on their activity levels and specific needs
1-3 Months: Growth Phase (Chick to Young Rooster)
At this stage, your rooster is rapidly growing, so a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals is necessary to support muscle and bone development.
Key Ingredients and Amounts:
- Corn (Maize): Provides carbohydrates for energy and essential fatty acids. - Amount: 40% of the diet
- Rice Bran (Darak): A good source of fiber, protein, and essential fatty acids. - Amount: 20% of the diet
- Soybeans (Asoy): High-quality protein source for muscle development. - Amount: 20% of the diet (soaked or cooked)
- Moringa Leaves (Malunggay): Rich in vitamins A, C, calcium, and iron, essential for immune and bone health. - Amount: 10% of the diet (fresh or dried leaves)
- Sweet Potato (Kamote): High in carbohydrates and fiber, which support digestion and energy levels. - Amount: 5% of the diet (cooked)
- Leafy Greens (Kangkong, Talbos ng Kamote): Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promotes digestion and overall health. - Amount: 5% of the diet
Feeding Tips:
- Water: Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Roosters this age need up to 500 ml of water per day.
- Feed Frequency: Offer food 3–4 times daily to ensure consistent nutrition.
4-6 Months: Transition to Adulthood
The rooster continues growing, though at a slower rate. At this stage, muscle and bone development remains important, and you should start introducing more complex nutrients.
Key Ingredients and Amounts:
- Corn (Maize): Amount: 30% of the diet
- Rice Bran (Darak): Amount: 25% of the diet
- Soybeans (Asoy): Amount: 25% of the diet (soaked or cooked)
- Moringa Leaves (Malunggay): Amount: 10% of the diet
- Banana Blossoms (Puso ng Saging): Provides potassium, fiber, and vitamins. - Amount: 5% of the diet (fresh)
- Papaya (Papaya): Contains enzymes that help with digestion and support overall health. - Amount: 5% of the diet (fresh, chopped)
Feeding Tips:
- Water: Increase water intake to about 600 ml per day, especially in warmer months.
- Feed Frequency: Offer food 3–4 times daily, ensuring sufficient calcium and protein for growth.
7-9 Months: Maturing Rooster
As the rooster nears adulthood, its nutritional needs begin to stabilize, but maintaining protein and mineral intake is still crucial for muscle and bone strength.
Key Ingredients and Amounts:
- Corn (Maize): Amount: 30% of the diet
- Rice Bran (Darak): Amount: 20% of the diet
- Soybeans (Asoy): Amount: 20% of the diet (soaked or cooked)
- Moringa Leaves (Malunggay): Amount: 10% of the diet
- Coconut (Buko): Provides healthy fats, fiber, and minerals for overall health. - Amount: 5% of the diet (fresh, grated)
- Kamote Tops (Talbos ng Kamote): Rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. - Amount: 10% of the diet (fresh)
Feeding Tips:
- Water: Ensure 700 ml of water per day.
- Feed Frequency: Feed 3 times daily. Monitor body weight and adjust feed portions as the rooster matures.
Feeding Guide for a Fully Mature Rooster (10-15 Months)
Your rooster is now a mature adult. The diet should focus on maintaining muscle mass, ensuring good feather condition, and supporting overall endurance.
10-12 Months: Fully Mature Rooster
At this stage, the rooster's diet should prioritize maintaining muscle mass, ensuring good feather condition, and supporting overall endurance.
Key Ingredients and Amounts:
- Corn (Maize): Amount: 25% of the diet
- Rice Bran (Darak): Amount: 20% of the diet
- Soybeans (Asoy): Amount: 20% of the diet (soaked or cooked)
- Moringa Leaves (Malunggay): Amount: 10% of the diet
- Coconut (Buko): Amount: 10% of the diet (fresh, grated)
- Papaya (Papaya): Amount: 5% of the diet (fresh)
- Banana (Saging): Function: Provides quick energy and potassium for muscle function. Amount: 5% of the diet (fresh)
Feeding Tips:
- Water: Ensure 700-800 ml of water per day.
- Feed Frequency: Feed 2-3 times daily, depending on the rooster’s activity level.
13-15 Months: Full Adult Rooster
Your rooster is now fully mature and in its prime. The focus should be on maintaining muscle mass, high energy levels, and excellent feather quality.
Key Ingredients and Amounts:
- Corn (Maize): Amount: 25% of the diet
- Rice Bran (Darak): Amount: 20% of the diet
- Soybeans (Asoy): Amount: 20% of the diet (soaked or cooked)
- Moringa Leaves (Malunggay): Amount: 10% of the diet
- Kamote (Sweet Potato): Amount: 10% of the diet (cooked)
- Coconut (Buko): Amount: 5% of the diet (fresh, grated)
- Papaya (Papaya): Amount: 5% of the diet (fresh)
Feeding Tips:
- Water: Ensure 800 ml or more of water per day.
- Feed Frequency: Feed 2 times daily, adjusting for any changes in activity or weather.
Additional Notes:
1. Supplemental Sources of Protein:
- Occasionally add fish meal (from locally sourced fish), earthworms, or mealworms to boost protein intake, especially for young, growing roosters.
- Scrambled eggs can also provide an excellent protein boost.
2. Seasonal Variations:
- During hotter months, roosters may drink more water and benefit from cooler foods, like fresh fruits (papaya, watermelon) and vegetables (kangkong, talbos ng kamote).
- In the rainy season, increase fiber-rich ingredients like rice bran to support digestion.
3. Feeding Frequency:
- For younger roosters (1-6 months), offer feed 3-4 times per day.
- For mature roosters (7-15 months), 2-3 feedings per day is sufficient.
4. Health Monitoring:
- Always monitor your rooster’s health and adjust feeding portions as necessary. Ensure fresh, clean water is always available, and regularly rotate between different types of grains, vegetables, and protein sources to ensure a well-rounded diet.
By following this feeding guide and using locally available ingredients, you can support your rooster’s growth, strength, and health throughout its first 15 months of life.