Rooster Vitamins and Minerals

This guide breaks down the essential vitamins and nutrients for roosters in their first 15 months, grouped by age stages (1-6 months, 6-15 months) to ensure high endurance, strength, and overall health.

1-6 Months: Growth Phase (Chick to Young Rooster)

During this phase, your rooster is growing rapidly and developing muscle, bones, and feathers. The focus is on building strength, stamina, and a solid skeletal system.

Key Nutrients & Vitamins:

  • Protein (Amino Acids): Supports muscle growth, feather development, and tissue repair. Sources: Poultry feed, mealworms, soybean meal, fishmeal, peas. Amount: 16-18% protein in feed.
  • Calcium: Vital for strong bones and muscles. Sources: Calcium-rich poultry feed, oyster shell, leafy greens. Amount: 0.8% in feed.
  • Vitamin A: Supports immune function, skin, eye health, and feather quality. Sources: Carrots, spinach, kale, high-quality poultry feed. Amount: 3,000 IU per kg of feed.
  • Vitamin D3: Aids calcium absorption and supports bone development. Sources: Sunlight, fish oil, fortified poultry feed. Amount: 400 IU per kg of feed.
  • Vitamin E: Provides antioxidant support, protects cells, supports muscle health. Sources: Sunflower seeds, wheat germ, green vegetables. Amount: 15-30 IU per kg of feed.
  • Vitamin K: Promotes blood clotting and bone health. Sources: Kale, spinach, alfalfa, poultry feed. Amount: 0.5 mg per kg of feed.
  • B-Vitamins: Vital for energy metabolism, muscle function, and endurance. Sources: Whole grains, sunflower seeds, brewer’s yeast, poultry feed. Amount:
    • B1 (Thiamine): 1.5 mg/kg
    • B2 (Riboflavin): 4 mg/kg
    • B6 (Pyridoxine): 3 mg/kg
    • B12 (Cobalamin): 0.02 mg/kg
    • Biotin: 0.3 mg/kg
    • Pantothenic Acid: 10 mg/kg
    • Folate: 1.5 mg/kg
  • Iron: Supports red blood cell production and oxygen transport for stamina. Sources: Leafy greens, seeds, liver, legumes. Amount: 80-100 mg per kg of feed.
  • Zinc: Promotes strong immune function, feather development, and protein synthesis. Sources: Whole grains, legumes, fishmeal. Amount: 50-60 mg per kg of feed.
  • Magnesium: Aids muscle function and bone development. Sources: Seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables. Amount: 2,000-3,000 mg per kg of feed.
  • Phosphorus: Works with calcium to support bone health and energy metabolism. Sources: Grains, seeds, fishmeal. Amount: 0.6-1% in feed.
  • Selenium: Antioxidant, supports muscle health and immune function. Sources: Selenium-enriched grains, garlic, fishmeal. Amount: 0.1-0.3 mg per kg of feed.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports heart and muscle health, enhances endurance. Sources: Flaxseeds, fish oil, chia seeds. Amount: 0.5-1% in feed.
  • Iodine: Supports thyroid function, regulating metabolism and energy levels. Sources: Iodized salt, seaweed, fishmeal. Amount: 0.5 mg per kg of feed.
  • Manganese: Promotes bone development and energy metabolism. Sources: Whole grains, legumes, leafy vegetables. Amount: 60-100 mg per kg of feed.

6-15 Months: Maturation Phase (Adolescent Rooster to Fully Grown)

During this phase, the rooster transitions from rapid growth to full maturity. The focus is on maintaining strength, endurance, and supporting reproductive health (if applicable).

Key Nutrients & Vitamins:

  • Protein (Amino Acids): Maintains muscle mass and endurance. Sources: Poultry feed, mealworms, fishmeal, peas. Amount: 14-16% protein in feed.
  • Calcium: Critical for bone strength, muscle function, and overall health. Sources: Calcium-rich poultry feed, oyster shell, leafy greens. Amount: 3.5% in feed (adjust for non-laying roosters to avoid excess calcium intake).
  • Vitamin A: Supports immune function, feather condition, and skin health. Sources: Carrots, spinach, kale, poultry feed. Amount: 2,500 IU per kg of feed.
  • Vitamin D3: Continues to support calcium absorption and bone health. Sources: Sunlight, fish oil, fortified poultry feed. Amount: 300 IU per kg of feed.
  • Vitamin E: Supports muscle health, endurance, and overall vitality. Sources: Sunflower seeds, wheat germ, green vegetables. Amount: 15-30 IU per kg of feed.
  • Vitamin K: Continues to support blood clotting, bone health, and muscle recovery. Sources: Kale, spinach, alfalfa, poultry feed. Amount: 0.5 mg per kg of feed.
  • B-Vitamins: Vital for energy metabolism, endurance, and overall vitality. Sources: Whole grains, sunflower seeds, brewer’s yeast, poultry feed. Amount:
    • B1 (Thiamine): 1.5 mg/kg
    • B2 (Riboflavin): 3 mg/kg
    • B6 (Pyridoxine): 2.5 mg/kg
    • B12 (Cobalamin): 0.02 mg/kg
    • Biotin: 0.2 mg/kg
    • Pantothenic Acid: 8 mg/kg
    • Folate: 1.0 mg/kg
  • Iron: Supports oxygen transport and stamina for high endurance. Sources: Leafy greens, seeds, liver, legumes. Amount: 80-100 mg per kg of feed.
  • Zinc: Supports immune system, feather quality, and protein metabolism. Sources: Whole grains, legumes, fishmeal. Amount: 50 mg per kg of feed.
  • Magnesium: Helps muscle function and energy metabolism. Sources: Seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables. Amount: 2,000 mg per kg of feed.
  • Phosphorus: Works with calcium to support bone and muscle health. Sources: Grains, seeds, fishmeal. Amount: 0.5-0.7% in feed.
  • Selenium: Antioxidant, supports endurance and immune system. Sources: Selenium-enriched grains, garlic, fishmeal. Amount: 0.1 mg per kg of feed.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports muscle recovery, heart health, and overall stamina. Sources: Flaxseeds, fish oil, chia seeds. Amount: 0.5% in feed.
  • Iodine: Supports thyroid function and energy metabolism. Sources: Iodized salt, seaweed, fishmeal. Amount: 0.5 mg per kg of feed.
  • Manganese: Supports bone development, metabolic processes, and enzyme activity. Sources: Whole grains, legumes, leafy vegetables. Amount: 60-70 mg per kg of feed.
Share
Share
Search Rooster Guide