Fermenting Feed.

[centralcaligirl]

So Now for those of us who still add Brewers yeast to our dry feed. I am guessing that should be sprinkled on last before you feed?

Yes or just mix it in

 

[416bigbore]

There are many reasons, fermenting feed is actually a really old practice on family farms but fell out of favor through the years and is now experiencing a revival. Some of the scientific research indicates it produces overall healthier birds with stronger egg shells and also reduces feed costs. I think the main idea is that by partially fermenting the grain, the yeast starts breaking down the feed, which makes it more digestible for the birds, and therefore they get more nutritional benefit from the feed than they do with dry feed. It also gives them probiotics, which improves digestion and overall health.

Here is one article that discusses the benefits, there have been others since then:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19373724/

Yes or just mix it in

Is that because it is an inactive yeast and has no power to start fermentation?

 

[RebeccaRN]

Then do you use part or all of the liquid to start your next batch of ferment?

Yes

 

[RebeccaRN]

I will most pictures of my feed tomorrow.

Anyone trying this who isn’t using a crumble or pellitized feed should be Milling their grains. I don’t use pre mixed feed, because it creates a messy paste that’s not easy to feed and makes a huge mess.

back to the point here tho....

IF fermenting longer than 24 hours you are actually feeding your feed to yeast an other voracious micros.

if your goal is to create a more nutritious feed, then there is cooking involved. After cooking, I wouldn’t ferment. After fermenting 4-7 days you are essentially feeding a fibery mush. I guess also pickling you’re chickens.... who doesn’t love a drunk chicken.

Only ferment for 3 days

 

[416bigbore]

Yes

Sorry, Part or all of the liquid for the next batch of FF ?

 

[centralcaligirl]

Back in the day before man developed commercial feeds livestock,

Is that because it is an inactive yeast and has no power to start fermentation?

Yes and also it's already been through a full fermentation process (it's the byproduct of beer-making) so I don't know if it would benefit from a second cycle of fermentation. You might run the risk of losing some of the nutritional value.

 

[yakitori]

I’m trying it tonight with relatively dry mix. I added some sourdough starter to water and crumbles. I’ve always done low hydration (drier) starters for bread making, I think it should work the same for chicken feed... Guess I’ll find out tomorrow morning, lol.

 

[centralcaligirl]

I’m trying it tonight with relatively dry mix. I added some sourdough starter to water and crumbles. I’ve always done low hydration (drier) starters for bread making, I think it should work the same for chicken feed... Guess I’ll find out tomorrow morning, lol.
View attachment 2293733

Can't wait to see it!

 

[RebeccaRN]

Sorry, Part or all of the liquid for the next batch of FF ?

I use it all for a couple of rounds then start over again with fresh water. The water needs to be distilled or tap water that has set out for 24 hrs so any chemicals evaporate or bottled water would work too

 

[416bigbore]

I use it all for a couple of rounds then start over again with fresh water. The water needs to be distilled or tap water that has set out for 24 hrs so any chemicals evaporate or bottled water would work too

OK super thank you, since I mill our own feed, I will try a small batch and see how it goes.