A century of Turkey talk 2000-2100.

[R2elk]

The big difference in the grower mix I get is it includes soybeans but no barley and, of course, has the added minerals and vitamin supplement which includes everything needed for the turkeys.

I haven't looked into it but have seen lots of posts recommending against soy beans in their feed.

 

[Flashpoint]

I would not worry about the % protein for a mature bird. I would want to make sure that BB types get lots of exercise. When I did raise BB turkeys I started them the same as I do the heritage turkeys which is on a 28% protein turkey/gamebird starter and then switched them to a 24% protein turkey/gamebird grower. Once they are mature they get the same feed as the chickens which is a 16% protein layer pellets. Mine did free range and I did not have the issues that many people write about concerning BB turkeys. My turkeys got lots of exercise and currently mine also get all the Russian Olives they can forage for.

Except for the laying chickens and ducks which run from a year or so old to 7 years, the turkeys are the only "young ones" at not quite 6 months old. They would be considered mature at this stage?

 

[R2elk]

Except for the laying chickens and ducks which run from a year or so old to 7 years, the turkeys are the only "young ones" at not quite 6 months old. They would be considered mature at this stage?

At 3 months mine were getting the same feed as the chickens. The main thing is that they all get to free range from early morning to almost dusk every day and greatly supplement their processed food intake.

 

[duluthralphie]

I have read soybean should be cooked before feeding them...Why,,I have no idea.

I think I feed too high a level of protein I get an angel wing now and then...I might cut down on it sooner.

 

[Flashpoint]

I haven't looked into it but have seen lots of posts recommending against soy beans in their feed.

On here I have seen posts recommending to not feed raw soybeans with the claim they are poisonous.

Hmmmm, but apparently it is not a problem to feed them to humans. lol

I think, like many other topics, people have their own opinions even if they have no valid reason for those opinions. I think a lot of mis-information or parts of information gets taken as fact after being repeated forever without the proper context.

Studies I looked at say the primary reason to not use soybeans is because most soybeans are GM or modified grains. However, many studies by poultry experts claim roasted soybeans or meal is fine.

One study:
"Written by: Dr. Jacquie Jacob, University of Kentucky

Soybean meal is the dominant protein supplement used in poultry diets and is the standard to which alternative protein sources are compared. Soybeans can be fed to poultry whole or as soybean meal, a by-product of oil extraction. Oil can be extracted from soybeans by the application of pressure, which is referred to as expeller or mechanical extraction, or by solvent extraction. Most commercial feeds use solvent-extracted soybean meal. Only mechanically extracted soybean meal can be used in organic poultry diets.
Soybean meal has a high protein content, especially when compared to other plant protein sources. Soybean meal also has an excellent amino acid profile that complements that of corn, the primary energy source in poultry diets."
--- http://articles.extension.org/pages/67352/feeding-soybean-to-poultry

The feed I buy is completely non-GMO, with all grains used grown on the farm.

From their website, "We use the best nutrition products from companies like Kirby Ag, Altech, and Akey, as well as our own and locally grown grains to make a premium GMO free feed. The grains go from the fields to be roasted and ground, then mixed into feed, and bagged, all on our farm. We utilize probiotics which increases the health of the digestive system and as a result, keeps the animal healthier overall. With these factors we aim to provide the highest quality feed that we can produce and it is our goal to give you the best "bang for your buck."
--- https://www.ernstgrainandlivestock.com/non-gmo-feed

I do know these people, so I'm sure there is unknown level of bias on my part. At the same time, I know the educational background of these farmers and trust I am not being lied to.

Doesn't mean I can't be wrong, either.

 

[Flashpoint]

At 3 months mine were getting the same feed as the chickens. The main thing is that they all get to free range from early morning to almost dusk every day and greatly supplement their processed food intake.

All my birds free range and usually all day. That said, if I have to go somewhere, the turkeys get put away. One, to make sure they stay home. Two, to make sure someone else doesn't try to give them another home (or oven space). Therefore, their range time can last from 2 hours to 10 or more.

Again, free range and turkeys is kinda of an odd combination. After watching them for hours, I am convinced they eat for an hour or so - and then go bug everyone else. Then beg for food out of a container, then go range some more. But none of them free range to eat constantly nor consistently.

 

[Flashpoint]

I have read soybean should be cooked before feeding them...Why,,I have no idea.

I think I feed too high a level of protein I get an angel wing now and then...I might cut down on it sooner.

One of the comments in the article posted in another post to R2elk states:
"Whole soybeans contain an antinutritional factor, trypsin inhibitor, that is heat sensitive. Roasting whole soybeans can destroy this antinutritional factor. It is also destroyed during the production of soybean meal."

That seems to be the main reason for roasting/cooking them.
(My best guess / understanding of the statement)

 

[rjohns39]

I'm trying this multi-quote thing again...

I haven't looked into it but have seen lots of posts recommending against soy beans in their feed.

Most people like us, have a problem with solvent based methods for extracting soy oil and making soy meal... Don't want the solvent in the feed, also don't want round-up or other stuff in there.

I have read soybean should be cooked before feeding them...Why,,I have no idea.

I think I feed too high a level of protein I get an angel wing now and then...I might cut down on it sooner.

Roasting removes the "bad" stuff and develops the omega 3s in the oil. I use whole roasted soy, or expeller pressed roasted full fat meal. I prefer whole and then cracked into the feed.

One of the comments in the article posted in another post to R2elk states:
"Whole soybeans contain an antinutritional factor, trypsin inhibitor, that is heat sensitive. Roasting whole soybeans can destroy this antinutritional factor. It is also destroyed during the production of soybean meal."

That seems to be the main reason for roasting/cooking them.
(My best guess / understanding of the statement)

Good find. R2, looks like you and I use very similar methods. 28% first 3 weeks, 24% next 4, 18 for the next 4, then 16 for duration. Once I get all the "stuff" I need I'm going to try the SPN guidelines and see how close I can get. They use 7 different mixes (actually 8) for different stages of growth, which also requires fairly early identification of sex and decision of who is for meat and breeding. Young Toms who are going to be breeders get one ration, while hens who will be breeders get another and of course those going to the freezer, yet another. If my math is right these three start at 20 weeks.

 

[Flashpoint]

I have cucumber slices in the dehydrator.

Tomorrow, it will be Apple's turn.

 

[OneMountainAcres]

I have cucumber slices in the dehydrator.

Tomorrow, it will be Apple's turn.

I have garlic in the dehydrator....we made sure to do that outside lol. Fresh garlic powder coming up!