MOS feed supplement? and Poulin vs Morrisons in Vermont

[bantamofopera]

So we have been feeding our flock Organic feed from Morrisons Feed. We are in VT so prefer to feed a locally produced feed. Even if the grain is brought in, it keeps things somewhat local and we like to support Vermont-owned businesses where possible. We also prefer organic if we can. A local farm just became a supplier for another VT producer, Poulin feeds. We'd really like to be able to buy from them them, and would even step away from organic to do so, but I looked into the Poulin feed and it says it has MOS supplements. Any 'natural' folks out there using this type of supplement? Is it franken-food? I'd love to support the farm but I don't want to give my flock girls anything I wouldn't give my kids, so to speak. (Not that I give the kids chicken feed, you know, besides what they steal out of the bin when I'm not looking). Any advice on MOS and words from others Vermonters appreciated!

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

MOS is the acronym for MannanOligoSaccharide, a long chain carbohydrate that improves gut health.

 

[bantamofopera]

But is it really necessary in a backyard flock? Anyone out there using this type of feed? Noticing a difference? I'm leaning towards staying with the organic feed at this point, unless I hear that the MOS supplement is going to make my birds look significantly more fabulous. longevity evidently isn't a problem for us (our 9-year-old still lays!).