In today’s poultry industry, feed accounts for up to 65–70% of total production cost. Against a backdrop of volatile raw material markets, supply chain disruptions, increasing pressure on margins, and with consistent improvements in the genetics of the animals, the technical disciplines of feed formulation, matrix management, and quality control have become decisive competitive factors for feed mills and integrated poultry operations.
Feed Formulation as a Commercial Strategy
Modern feed formulation extends well beyond least-cost nutrition. It is a commercial optimisation exercise that integrates production forecasts, raw material pricing, stock positions, market availability, and plant constraints. Advanced multi-mix and time-period formulation approaches allow mills to optimise raw material usage across multiple products and time horizons, rather than reacting to shortages after they occur.
The financial implications of poor planning are significant. As shown in Figure 1, any constraint placed on formulation — whether through limited ingredient availability or operational restrictions — leads to a measurable increase in feed cost. Preventing unnecessary constraints through accurate forecasting and coordinated procurement is therefore essential for margin protection.
Matrix Adjustments: Managing Risk and Opportunity
Matrix values determine the assumed nutritional contribution of raw materials and additives. When these assumptions are inaccurate, the consequences can be severe. Over-valued matrices risk-reduced bird performance and higher feed conversion ratios (FCR), while under-valued matrices drive unnecessary over-formulation and inflated feed costs.
In Africa, ingredient variability due to climate, processing differences, and sourcing diversity makes routine matrix validation especially important. Continuous review of matrix values ensures formulations remain biologically correct and commercially competitive.
Quality Control: Turning Formulation into Reality
Quality control systems form the critical link between formulation intent and manufacturing output. Reliable laboratory analysis of incoming raw materials, in-process feeds, and finished products ensures that formulation assumptions hold true in practice. Strong quality control protects pellet quality, mill throughput, and feed consistency — all of which directly influence poultry performance and profitability.
Feed HUB: Practical Expertise for African Poultry Systems
Feed HUB and its subsidiary Feed First East Africa, headquartered in South Africa and Tanzania respectively, provide specialised formulation, laboratory, feed mill design, and optimization of feed mills and consulting services to feed mills and integrated poultry operations across Africa. With experience spanning South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Eswatini, and other regional markets, Feed HUB brings a deep understanding of the technical and commercial realities unique to African production systems.
Their services integrate commercial feed formulation, matrix evaluation, laboratory analysis, and feed mill optimisation, enabling clients to align nutrition, procurement, and manufacturing strategies. By bridging scientific nutrition with real-world constraints, Feed HUB helps poultry producers convert technical discipline into sustainable profitability. Feed HUB is also in control of two research units in South Africa, where continuous research is done to gain more information on new products and feed specifications, and their impact on poultry performance. Feed HUB has also developed a modelling program for broilers to optimize performance and profitability for its customers, allowing a custom approach when developing feed formulations.
Conclusion
In an industry where feed efficiency defines success, excellence in feed formulation, matrix management, and quality control is no longer optional. When supported by experienced partners with regional insight, such as Feed HUB, poultry producers and feed mills are better equipped to manage volatility, protect margins, and deliver consistent performance across diverse operating environments.
For further information, contact Dewald Steyl – dewald@feedhub.co.za or Heiko Köster – heiko@feedhub.co.za
