Most cost effective protein levels?

[magilarilla]

I'm looking into ordering some CornishX, but am trying to figure out the economics of the situation beforehand. My local mill will sell 50# bags of 20% for $10 versus $12.50 for 23%. I'm wondering if it is worth the extra cost for the 23% or if my "theoretical" meaties would do just as well on the 20%.

 

[Dogfish]

Mine have done well on 18-20%, with finished weights of 5.5lb for hens, and 6.5lbs for roosters at 8 weeks. Mind you, I have a small sample of 4 roosters and 4 hens. They were in two separate batches, two weeks apart.

I would hope those results are scalable.

 

[sfessler]

I just switched from a 24% starter at 18$/50# to a 20% at the same price. The 20% crumbles have way less fines in the bag for some reason and the birds love it. Consumption hasn't really gone up or down. I wouldn't pay mor efor the 24% as I don't see the growth rates changing which tells me that the birds aren't really utilizing that 4% for anything.

 

[JohnL11935]

My local Agway starter is 18%, while their game bird "short-cut pellet" grower is 21%. I use the game bird mix because its the only reasonably priced, unmedicated pellet I could get locally.

My CC's and FR's grow out just fine on that.

Interestingly, Agway's Egg Producer is also 21% and $4 less per bag. With the exception of some extra calcium the analysis is nearly identical. When my current pallet runs out I may give that a go.