Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[diriel]

From what I understand, the actual level of finite protein does not increase. What does increase is the *AVAILABLE* protein. In fact, all of the nutrients become substantially more available. The bird spends less energy trying to get what nutrients they can, and they get more of what is there. So in the end, you still end up being able to lessen the protein of the feed and get the same actual results.

Now that paper that was linked a couple pages back seems to indicate that if you do a dual ferment process you can maybe increase protein some. Personally I think what they really mean is that you increase what is readily available even more than the single ferment process. All in all, these fermented feed methods are really good stuff!

Gary

 

[erinszoo]

Been using fermented feed for a week now with our new meat birds and so far so good. They more than doubled their weight in four days and the poop and smell is almost negligible. Tomorrow is day one of week two so we'll weigh them again. They still eat like rock stars but aren't as ravenous as the last ones we had. They are also very active during the day and run all over the place. Unusual for cornish x. Love it love it love it. The first few days we had feed left that the little weren't eating and we've fed it to the big chickens who seem to love it too. The turkeys won't touch it and the ducks ignored it entirely but we are hoping to up our fermented feed production and get everyone on it soon.

 

[Dianuzhka]

I wanna share that today my mother came to help me with my first time processing chickens, i had 5 exta roosters and only found new home for one(they where leghorns), so we took care of the other 4. My mother was amazed by the lack of bad smell, but i must admit im not sure if it was cause of the ff or the fact that i mixed oregano whit their food for a couple of days... O.O

 

[Miss Lydia]

I saw something about using plastic and leaching chemicals into the ff does anyone know where we can buy plastic that doesn't have the PBA in it? I found plastic containers for people at Sams club that is PBA free but haven't been able to find buckets.

 

[Leahs Mom]

I saw something about using plastic and leaching chemicals into the ff does anyone know where we can buy plastic that doesn't have the PBA in it? I found plastic containers for people at Sams club that is PBA free but haven't been able to find buckets.

The problem w/plastic is that even if it doesn't have BPA, it has other BP's. (Not to mention other items, including xeno-estrogens. [don't think I spelled that correctly]). Plastic isn't inert so it is always in process of breaking down. Everyone knows BPA because it was very publicized.

It seems that when the BPA info came out it was enough to quiet folks concern regarding plastic in general, and not much has been publicized about the other issues...

That being said...as far as BPA specifically... if you choose a food-grade plastic you should be good there. I actually get my buckets FREE from the local supermarket. I go to the bakery and ask for any buckets. These are the #2 plastic (HDPE I believe). I usually try to look for the #2 (recycling symbol) on the plastic.

 

[just me]

First of all, I would like to say thank you to all who participate in this thread. I have really enjoyed it, and have learned so much!!

The only experience I've ever had with fermenting is making wine the "old fasion way" (no yeast, just fruit, sugar, water and time). I make it in gallon glass jars, and love to watch it "work", it looks like it's boiling! That being said, I started my feed to ferment this past Monday evening, in a 2 gallon plastic bucket (food grade from the grocery store deli). The feed I used is a half and half mix of 5 grain scratch and layer's mash. It is more of a paste than a grain/water mix (if that makes any sense).

Anyway, when I stirred it last night and this morning, I stood there a couple of minutes and could hear, what sounded like it "working". BUT, I'm not sure if the air bubbles I heard (and saw seeping to the top) are from it actually "working" or from air I stirred into it. It does feel "airy" when I stir it, but I"m still not sure. It doesn't smell much different than it did when I started, but it smells good. I almost tasted it this morning!

So, after that loooong drawn out rambling, here's the question: Do you think it's ready, or should I give it a couple more days?

Thanks in advance,

Julie

 

[Beekissed]

Give it 'til it smells a little sour. When it starts to smell sour, I feed it.

 

[Nomibear]

Sounds ready to me! Mine also stays pretty thick, too think I think to see the bubbles going until I stir it.

 

[Miss Lydia]

The problem w/plastic is that even if it doesn't have BPA, it has other BP's. (Not to mention other items, including xeno-estrogens. [don't think I spelled that correctly]). Plastic isn't inert so it is always in process of breaking down. Everyone knows BPA because it was very publicized.

It seems that when the BPA info came out it was enough to quiet folks concern regarding plastic in general, and not much has been publicized about the other issues...

That being said...as far as BPA specifically... if you choose a food-grade plastic you should be good there. I actually get my buckets FREE from the local supermarket. I go to the bakery and ask for any buckets. These are the #2 plastic (HDPE I believe). I usually try to look for the #2 (recycling symbol) on the plastic.

Thanks I'll check out the bakery at out grocery store. I want to change it out quick.

 

[just me]

Thanks.

It's supposed to get a little warmer today, maybe that'll help it along!! I usually start the wine in July, when it's really hot!! LOL