Rangergord
Songster
Wow that’s a lot of studies! I will be reading a few of the references later but it’s pretty obvious that there are some major benefits to fermented feed in terms of health and nutrition. There are some drawbacks as well.
I feed mostly fermented feed, using lay ration fermented with milk and whey inoculated with LAB in buttermilk culture, also found in cottage cheese and cream cheese whey. I use a 24 hour culture time at room temperature and find 72 hours unnecessary. I find it works best with whole, crushed or cracked grains rather than finely ground and pelleted feed. I have had excellent results, productive laying and good health.
So what’s the downside? It’s not convenient. When I go out for a weekend or work a job that takes the majority of my time, I do not use fermented feed. It’s not convenient in freezing weather, it only works if I am there to tend to them 2
to 3 times a day. I put up with inconveniences because it works for me. Others may not find the benefits worth the extra time and effort required especially with larger flocks.