GMO corn/soy and fertilty/hatch rates

[Chris09]

Another variable to consider is the breed of the chicken. I've found that hybrids are insanely easy to hatch while some of the purebred strains are more difficult, possibly due to inbreeding with the more rare varieties. For a true test, I imagine you'd have to split the same genetic pool into groups and keep the other conditions the same as well, other than the feed. I'm not looking for the results of a big study.....just a general impression from fellow poultry hobbyists. Nutrition is an interesting subject.

Yes to a point breed or more so genetics play a role in hatch-ability just the same as nutrition. Most all my birds are purebred and I have a closed flock, my Rhode Island Reds have been line bred for close to 10 years now.

I keep my protein at 18 to 22 percent protein and the protein in the feed is both plant and animal based, along with the amount and type of protein vitamins and minerals also play a key role also.

Chris

 

[pawtraitart]

Have you found any difference between a plant protein only based diet or a diet that includes animal protein? If you've checked, that is.

 

[Chris09]

Have you found any difference between a plant protein only based diet or a diet that includes animal protein? If you've checked, that is.

When I feed a plant based protein feed my hatch rate is much less than when I use a feed that is plant and animal protein based.


Chris

 

[pawtraitart]

Excellent information, Chris. Thank you.

 

[Chris09]

Your Welcome


Chris

 

[pawtraitart]

Do you know where I could buy fish meal online? The food grade/supplement kind, not the fertilizer.

 

[Chris09]

You might try Ohio Earth Foods. I know at one time they had it.
http://www.ohioearthfood.com/

Chris

 

[pawtraitart]

Thanks!

 

[Daloorashens]

Another very interesting thread with more "food for thought".... Obviously it would take a large study to find out 'for sure' but observations made by those who have been following cloesly their own flocks over time, in a way, can be more valuable, because studies can overlook things that an 'owner' would be acutely aware of... at least that's how human studies are!!

 

[pawtraitart]

So true! In most of the studies I've read they always have a number of fatalities. That says something right there.