Key Concept: Broiler protein requirements fall in three feeding phases as the bird ages: starter, grower, finisher.
Why it's correct: The starter phase (0–3 weeks) demands the highest protein for rapid early muscle and frame development, at roughly 22–23% crude protein.
Why others fail: 16–17% and 18–19% match the later finisher/grower phases when growth has slowed, while 25–26% overshoots even starter-phase requirements and isn't standard practice.