Protein? Gah!

[Keeperofmunchkins]

OK Im confused about protein percentages. I've read and heard of people feeding their flock of layers anywhere from 16% to 22% protein feed. Most layer pellets or mash feeds where I live are only 16%.

Now Im not a doctor but isn't it bad for humans to eat too much protein? Too little is obviously damaging because bodies need protein for skin hair etc etc. But too high can also be damaging to kidneys I think? Logically it can also be damaging for chickens to eat to much protein. But how much is too much. And how little is too little?

Im interested in feeding my flock for maximum health rather than getting as many eggs as possible. Also I recently switched to grower (no all flock here but it is the alternative to higher calcium layer) with oyster shell separate, because I have roos and non laying pullets as well.

Can anyone help clear this up?

 

[PirateGirl]

let me see if I can find the chart, long story short, different protein levels are advised for different life stages, chicks, birds still growing, adults actively laying, adults in molt, adults not laying, meat birds, etc.

 

[DobieLover]

let me see if I can find the chart, long story short, different protein levels are advised for different life stages, chicks, birds still growing, adults actively laying, adults in molt, adults not laying, meat birds, etc.

IMO a fundamental problem with the vast majority of information you will find regarding poultry nutrition is based on studies conducted to maximize egg and meat production, not maximize poultry health and longevity.
I feed about 20% protein, fermented, with OS on the side.

 

[PirateGirl]

Here is a basic one...

You can get more complicated with factoring in weather and molt, but this is a pretty good guide.

 

[Melky]

OK Im confused about protein percentages. I've read and heard of people feeding their flock of layers anywhere from 16% to 22% protein feed. Most layer pellets or mash feeds where I live are only 16%.

Now Im not a doctor but isn't it bad for humans to eat too much protein? Too little is obviously damaging because bodies need protein for skin hair etc etc. But too high can also be damaging to kidneys I think? Logically it can also be damaging for chickens to eat to much protein. But how much is too much. And how little is too little?

Im interested in feeding my flock for maximum health rather than getting as many eggs as possible. Also I recently switched to grower (no all flock here but it is the alternative to higher calcium layer) with oyster shell separate, because I have roos and non laying pullets as well.

Can anyone help clear this up?

Grower is fine for all flock feed in the absence of flockraiser when have Roos. Grower is usually 17-18 % and that should be fine. Higher protein with high fat treats can cause fatty liver disease in chickens. Higher protein 20% and above is generally not good for a chickens long term diet. Protein that is 20% is usually just needed first 8 weeks then better to reduce protein in layers.

 

[PirateGirl]

Personally I feed an 18%-20% (depends which store I'm at and which brand is available) all flock feed all the time, chickens and ducks, males and females, assorted ages. Any treats and scraps you feed will cut down the overall protein they are getting from the feed. Any free ranging and grazing in the summer will cut that down as well. Higher protein is better for them in hot weather, higher protein is good for them while molting. A 20% feed is not exactly a high protein feed either... it's kinda in the middle of the spectrum overall. Game bird feed and broiler feed will be considerably higher than that.

 

[DobieLover]

Grower is fine for all flock feed in the absence of flockraiser when have Roos. Grower is usually 17-18 % and that should be fine. Higher protein with high fat treats can cause fatty liver disease in chickens. Higher protein 20% and above is generally not good for a chickens long term diet. Protein that is 20% is usually just needed first 8 weeks then better to reduce protein in layers.

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poul...f-fatty-liver-hemorrhagic-syndrome-in-poultry
FLHS is not caused by high protein and fat. It is caused by an energy surplus.
Moral of that story: monitor weight and make sure your birds get lots of exercise as well as a well balanced diet.

 

[chickens really]

Certain breeds require higher protein than others. In order to keep hybrid layers happy they require 18% layer ration.
Remember extras as in free range and snacks cuts into a Birds required daily nutrition.

 

[centrarchid]

OK Im confused about protein percentages. I've read and heard of people feeding their flock of layers anywhere from 16% to 22% protein feed. Most layer pellets or mash feeds where I live are only 16%.

Now Im not a doctor but isn't it bad for humans to eat too much protein? Too little is obviously damaging because bodies need protein for skin hair etc etc. But too high can also be damaging to kidneys I think? Logically it can also be damaging for chickens to eat to much protein. But how much is too much. And how little is too little?

Im interested in feeding my flock for maximum health rather than getting as many eggs as possible. Also I recently switched to grower (no all flock here but it is the alternative to higher calcium layer) with oyster shell separate, because I have roos and non laying pullets as well.

Can anyone help clear this up?

Most recommendations on how much protein to feed are related to the minimum needed to give optimal production rates. That formula is followed to control feed cost. When the chickens are out getting what want via quality true free-range foraging, then the protein intake is likely considerably higher than commercial feeds and at least seasonally higher than what can get in the flock raiser diets.

 

[Melky]

Thinking breeds determine protein level is inaccurate and hybrids do fine once old enough at laying stage to be at 16% protein layer mash. I have hybrids who do fine on this and are laying through the winter with feathers in great shape. Appropriate protein levels for layers has more to do with age for growth. Once on maintenance at breed weight chickens just don’t require as much.