fermenting feed and protein levels

[digbychris]

Hi All!! I have recently been researching on the lacto-fermenting process and would like to try it. I have only ever fed my flocks (both layer and meat) crumbles from the store, either for layer or meat, so the protein levels are different. I think my layer crumble is 16% and my finisher for the meat birds is 21-22%. The layers range, and my Cornish chicks are in a large moving tractor (and their feed is removed at night).
My question is this: Will fermenting the crumbles I have do anything to the protein levels of the feed? In my limited experience the layer hens can eat whatever, but cornish chicks seem to survive better on an appropriate protein level feed and I don't want to mess that up. I read a lot about probiotics and nutrient levels, lower feed costs, egg benefits, etc but I can't seem to find any information about protein levels.

Thanks for any help and info!

 

[Melky]

Hi All!! I have recently been researching on the lacto-fermenting process and would like to try it. I have only ever fed my flocks (both layer and meat) crumbles from the store, either for layer or meat, so the protein levels are different. I think my layer crumble is 16% and my finisher for the meat birds is 21-22%. The layers range, and my Cornish chicks are in a large moving tractor (and their feed is removed at night).
My question is this: Will fermenting the crumbles I have do anything to the protein levels of the feed? In my limited experience the layer hens can eat whatever, but cornish chicks seem to survive better on an appropriate protein level feed and I don't want to mess that up. I read a lot about probiotics and nutrient levels, lower feed costs, egg benefits, etc but I can't seem to find any information about protein levels.

Thanks for any help and info!

It’s my experience it increases the protein content and overall nutritional value of the feed. It makes a more complete protein. I just did a search it does not tell me by how much does the protein increase if that is what you are looking for. I am starting now by mixing my pullets feed 50/50 with water and fermenting for three days. So far so good. It makes a thick mash. It smells sweet/sour has a slight bubbly top. I mix each day and before I feed. Additionally it may reduce waste because the chicken can not easily toss it to the ground hence also cleanliness. I am hoping it will reduce waste, reduce cost, and increase nutritional value.

 

[Melky]

This resource I found thinks it will increase protein content by 12% and reduce consumption.
http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.com/p/fermented-feed.html?m=1

 

[Melky]

Another item to note that I didn’t know before is if have chlorinated water may want to leave water out 24 hours for making so chlorination has time to dissipate before mixing.

 

[Shadrach]

I'm in the process of a diet change to.
I'm at the wet mash stage now.....making the changes slowly so as to not shock the chickens digestive system.
I'm not sure but if my meneory serves me you need 9 amino acids to make a complete protien. These acids are either present or they are not.
My understanding is that the benifits of wet feed is the change in digestibility, the chicken is able to digest the food more easily.
Fully fermented feed may undergo chemicla changes effecting amino acids but I've yet to read anything firm on this.

 

[Shadrach]

This resource I found thinks it will increase protein content by 12% and reduce consumption.
http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.com/p/fermented-feed.html?m=1

Looking at that article it states useable protien.....that does not necessarily mean there is more in the food.

 

[Melky]

I'm in the process of a diet change to.
I'm at the wet mash stage now.....making the changes slowly so as to not shock the chickens digestive system.
I'm not sure but if my meneory serves me you need 9 amino acids to make a complete protien. These acids are either present or they are not.
My understanding is that the benifits of wet feed is the change in digestibility, the chicken is able to digest the food more easily.
Fully fermented feed may undergo chemicla changes effecting amino acids but I've yet to read anything firm on this.

It does increase digestibility as well. I just switched and my hens had no trouble. I also pull food at night and leave their food out for the day so they are pretty hungry by morning and just dive right in.

 

[Kiki]

This is a good read:
http://www.fao.org/docrep/x2184e/x2184e06.htm

"The content and quality of cereal proteins may be improved by fermentation (Wang and Fields 1978; Cahvan et al. 1988). Natural fermentation of cereals increases their relative nutritive value and available lysine (Hamad and Fields 1979) (Fig. 4). Bacterial fermentations involving proteolytic activity are expected to increase the biological availability of essential amino acids more so than yeast fermentations which mainly degrade carbohydrates (Chaven and Kadam 1989). Starch and fiber tend to decrease during fermentation of cereals (El-Tinay et al. 1979). Although it would not be expected that fermentation would alter the mineral content of the product, the hydrolysis of chelating agents such as phytic acid during fermentation, improves the bioavailability of minerals. Changes in the vitamin content of cereals with fermentation vary according to the fermentation process, and the raw material used in the fermentation. B group vitamins generally show an increase on fermentation (Chavan et al. 1989) (Fig. 5). During the fermentation of maize or kaffircorn in the preparation of kaffir beer, thiamine levels are virtually unchanged, but riboflavin and niacin contents almost double (Steinkraus 1994)."

 

[Kiki]

Looking at that article it states useable protien.....that does not necessarily mean there is more in the food.

THIS! Correct.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there!

I fermented for 2 years... so I will give you my take.

I will start by saying that I feed 20% protein flock raiser to ALL of my birds from start to finish. And all the labels like layer, meat bird, finisher, grower, starter... are all confusing terms and each company makes up their own name... MAIN (not only) difference is protein and calcium.

First I saw almost NO savings... people who do see the most saving are those who this diminished waste for.

Some feeds already have probiotics added in... and you could add some by using raw acv in your water. And to me... you don't get something for nothing. While some nutrients will rise slightly, others will decrease... and formulated rations... are FORMULATED to meet the need of the birds.

Check out this article of you haven't seen it...
https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

It claims to increase protein by "12%"... but that can be a bit confusing of a statement... noting it doesn't make 20% protein into 32%... but rather this is how I figure it... 0.20 X 0.12= 0.224 or 22.4% protein... So their is SOME increase... however... none of the studies focus on what is now decreased that I have seen. One person actually sited a study that had two sets of birds one raised on FF and the other dry... The FF birds were lighter for a period of time in the beginning but eventually caught up to the dry fed birds... I WISH I could find that post again and I feel like it was about 8 weeks... BUT the memory is a feeble thing. Either way... I'm wondering if this "conversion" alters the caloric content... but feel as though it must alter something... if you don't FEED the ferment with fresh stuff... the bacteria runs out of stuff to digest... so is it using calories or turning itself into calories or what?!

Anyways... after doing ONLY for 2 years... it did NOT save me the 30% many claim... maybe not even 10%... but I spent TOO much time and energy doing it for a very large flock, think 30 gallon trash can.. I quit for the longest time as decided it was MOSTLY hype... now I offer FF as a breakfast and they seem to enjoy it.

One thing is... it will be especially beneficial for flocks who may be struggling... But like with vitamins or other supplements.. will do very little for those who already have nicely balanced immune systems. In MY experience.

I always appreciate a logical and intelligent conversation and love to see what others are thinking!