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Let's see... XLD are jumbos, right? I don't have jumbos, so that shouldn't be it. It may be due to a lower protein food. The best I could get with that batch was 24% protein. This batch that I have now (different lineage) may also mature at that rate, we'll see, as they were just switched to 30% since I have only now been able to get hold of some.
I don't mind the extra week(s) to maturity, though.
That's why the XLD designer genes were developed....To put off sexual maturity. Having sex burns, calories,fat, etc... That allows for a larger weight harvest without caponization. (Temporary through light denial, not surgery.)
That discussion should be compartmentalized, and deserves it's own "Coturnix for meat production" thread.
There is nothing wrong with 24% protein GBS/Game bird feed. I have seen scientific studies comparing 24% GBF to 28% and the results were the same. As long as it's game bird feed, not chicken feed, I would feed it to my birds. As long as I could get it regularly.
For the record: I use Purina Mills GBS 5419, 30% protean, because that's what I can get without much effort. I would use 24+% GBF if I could get it. As long as I feed the same thing, then I have no problems.
Thanks for the input. Bill
