Lets talk about layer feed...

[Cindy in PA]

I recently found this that I thought was neat interactive tool for comparing brand vs NRC recommendations for different life stages of course if the manufacturer doesn’t list vitamins and minerals in guaranteed analysis then it’s not listed. http://www.poultrydvm.com/feeds.php
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If you move the slider where it says newly hatched chicks it lets you choose the life stage to compare.

@GreenMountainEric why is it that many manufacturers don’t list many of the vitamins and minerals in the guaranteed analysis, it is frustrating when trying to decide what formula may meet the majority of your flocks needs especially when you have mixed flock of ages and genders all housed together. Also is there any updated poultry guidelines since 1994, I feel many people are feeding higher protein than the recommendations and seeing better results in their poultry, making me question wether these guidelines are up to date with lastest research.

This was interesting, thanks!

 

[GreenMountainEric]

@GreenMountainEric

Thanks so much for your detailed reply. This makes perfect sense even though the rules seem weird, LOL. You are right, I do not sell eggs, they are used by myself & other family members. Don't know if I know what I am doing, but I know what seemed to work better back when I started chicken keeping (1993). Never had feather picking or other problems in the first 10 years or so, but since animal protein has been mostly deleted from feed, I have been on a search for the perfect feed! Maybe we all over think it, IDK. I fed 21% layer feed with animal protein from Agway back then or a 16% locally made feed with animal protein. I also gave tons of scratch back then compared to now. I do prefer organic & less soy, but I really prefer the most variety in the feed I give the hens. That is why it is attractive to me to feed your soy free layer with fishmeal & a higher protein feed mixed in to bring it to around 18%. It is hard to find a higher protein feed that is pellets that can be mixed with the layer. I am supplementing & reducing calcium through molt right now. I will figure out what I am doing after they are all done molting. It just seems when I have fed an 18% feed, they have done better. This particular group of hens, hatched March 2018 have been the weirdest bunch I can remember. My feed wish is for an organic 18% layer feed with fishmeal, LOL, but I realize it would be too expensive to manufacture & not in high demand. I appreciate your knowledge & willingness to answer my stupid questions! Thanks.

Haha. It’s no problem at all.

Ya, an 18% layer feed would be difficult in a soy-free product. As it is, it is hard to get a good amino acid profile in a soy-free feed, without exceeding limits on some ingredients. Alternative ingredients, like flax, canola, and fish meal, have limits on how much can be used in a formula. Exceeding those limits can have negative effects on egg flavor, and coloring.

Doing a regular organic 18% layer would be pretty easy, and would only add about 40-50 cents per bag. However, almost nobody is looking for that. They want 16-17% like the others, or they don’t care what it is.

Either way, you are on the right track. Being as you feed a little scratch, and a little bit of other things, your actual protein need in the layer feed is probably around 18%.

 

[aart]

As it is, it is hard to get a good amino acid profile in a soy-free feed, without exceeding limits on some ingredients. Alternative ingredients, like flax, canola, and fish meal, have limits on how much can be used in a formula. Exceeding those limits can have negative effects on egg flavor, and coloring.

That is very interesting ...have read many stories of laying issues with soy free products.

 

[Shadrach]

I used to be able to buy a fishmeal based feed here. Unfortunately the calcium content was 4.8% with protein at 16.2%. If it wasn't for the calcium content this would be my preferred feed.

 

[Kiki]

I used to be able to buy a fishmeal based feed here. Unfortunately the calcium content was 4.8% with protein at 16.2%. If it wasn't for the calcium content this would be my preferred feed.

Off topic but...Shad can you tell me the brand names of some of the feeds available in your area? Even better if you could link me to a couple of their websites. I don't think I have any feeds on my sheet from Spain yet.

 

[Shadrach]

Off topic but...Shad can you tell me the brand names of some of the feeds available in your area? Even better if you could link me to a couple of their websites. I don't think I have any feeds on my sheet from Spain yet.

Sure, I'll sort out a bit of a list when I get back after Christmas.

 

[Kiki]

Sure, I'll sort out a bit of a list when I get back after Christmas.

 

[RoosterML]

I don't think I have any feeds on my sheet from Spain yet.

Sounds to me like more producers were missed.
I think the days when back in school one would receive an incomplete !!!
Just sayin.

 

[Melky]

Off topic but...Shad can you tell me the brand names of some of the feeds available in your area? Even better if you could link me to a couple of their websites. I don't think I have any feeds on my sheet from Spain yet.

You might update your list Kiki then post and see if anyone else has more for you. I’ll bet there is more from the US or other regions as well. This would help you update.

 

[RoosterML]

@Texas Kiki just messin with ya. Heck of a nice thing and alot of time you put in getting that feed chart put together.
Thank you