GMF Organic Soy-Free Trial (Layer Feed)

[Jon0286]

Hi All!!


    Green Mountain Feeds is working on developing a soy-free feeding program for Organic Layers. We have tried this in the past at some larger farms....... Results were not as good as we had hoped for on these larger farms. Lower production levels were observed, compared to our regular organic layer feed. These producers rely on optimum performance levels in order to function properly as a business.


  It has been a few years since we tried this. More Organic ingredients are available now, and this will help with formulating an Organic Layer ration, without the need for soy. I feel that we have the ability to manufacture a high quality soy-free product, for farms and small producers, that dont need maximum production levels to survive.


  Unlike other Organic Feed Manufacturers that make a soy-free ration, we will NOT be using fish meal as a protein source. The following is the reasons why-


1- Currently, The USDA NOP standards allow the use of non-organic farmed fish meal in organic feeds and supplements. Every couple years, they change their mind on this, which makes it hard to keep a formulation the same.....


2- I dont agree that using fish meal, from a non-organic operation, should be allowed for use in organic feed.


3- Fish meal from Organically farmed fish, is not available.


4- There is not an organically approved product, that we can locate,  that can properly stabilize fish meal for use in organic feed. Without proper stabilization, fish meal becomes a very risky ingredient to use. It can turn rancid within a few days in the summer months.


   


    We will be looking for participants to help us with this trial run. I am planning on manufacturing a 1.5 ton batch (60 bags) of this feed to distribute to several small farms. I would prefer that this product be tested on flocks between 2 and 20 birds. This will allow for a longer duration of feeding this product, in order to get better data on performance......  I am guessing that production levels will be lower than they would be on a normal feed. However, I estimate that they will remain acceptable for producers that use their own products. I do know that this feed will not harm your birds in any way. In the trials at the larger farms, bird health was great. Production levels, however, were lower.


The purpose of this thread is to gauge interest in this product, and to document observations if we go ahead with this trial.


This trial would provide 1-4 bags(depending on flock size) to anyone in the continental US, that currently feeds organic feed. They would be expected to provide observations and egg production data in this thread. 4-6 weeks of feeding time would be needed for accurate data. Also a mixing proceedure would need to be used to get your birds transitioned, from the current feed, to the soy free ration. Otherwise, they may not eat it well. This soy-free feed will smell and taste completely different to your birds, and may take a little time for adjustment.


My biggest concern with this trial will be Palatability. Chickens are not really crazy about the taste of field peas. However, peas are needed to meet amino acid requirements. It will be interesting to see what happens. Some breeds are more picky than others /img/smilies/tongue.png


Now, Can i get an idea of how much interest we have? Please post below /img/smilies/smile.png

 

[kellychiciii]

I'm new to BYC and feed organic but I'm looking to see if I can find something a little better price wise... I currently have 36 adults and over 60 biddies.