Protein Percentage

[beckyjo]

So today I stopped at the feed mill to pick up my second bag of starter for my 2 week old chicks. While I was paying I said while I'm here I will take a bag of the grower too. For some reason I didn't even ask the protein percentage. When I got home I was so disappointed to see that it was only 16% and it is called Poultry Finisher. From reading in the last few months I had it in my mind that it should be around 20% from 3 weeks on and be called a Grower. Did they give me the wrong stuff? What percent do you all feed from 3 weeks til finish? Is finisher something that should be fed at the very end? I know a lot of you do fermented feed. I am thinking that I will do a mix of fermented grains along with the the crumbles, but I am thinking that I should buy another bag of starter (23%)to mix with the 16% to bring the protein percentage up. What do you all think? Thanks for any advice.

 

[mnferalkitty]

I start all poutry on 23% and after that go right to 16% layer. I have done this for years, Saves me time and $.

 

[booker81]

I wouldn't worry too much. Sure, most of us (myself included) like a 20% feed. To me, higher protein = faster growth and more chance of heart failure. Lower percentage means slower growth. Feed 20% and you could end up with a dressed chicken at 7 weeks at 8lb. Feed 16% and maybe you'll be at 4lbs at 7-8 weeks. Feed 24% and maybe you'll be at 6lbs at 7 weeks. These aren't guarantees or tested, but my thoughts. Of course, the cost goes up usually with the higher percentage, so that would skew results as well.

Personally, I'd just mix the feed and feed it all to them, but I'm all about keeping it simple

 

[jaj121159]

I start on 21% and have a custom blend 19% broiler finisher.

 

[mstricer]

Start to finish Purina non medicated chick starter. I have never had leg issues or deaths (other then them piling) mine range from 6-7 lbs for females and up to 9 lbs for the boys.

 

[Buster52]

Finisher has more corn, thus less protein percentage. For energy and fattening over the last two weeks. So, yes, you got the wrong stuff.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The 16% poultry grower or 15% Grower/Developer is for finishing laying birds, not meat birds. With a flock that will be layers, it is recommended to give them less protein after they get a good start so their skeleton and internal organs can mature at the same pace with their body as they grow. Since you posted in the meat bird section, I assume you are talking about broilers, not a laying flock. You feed meat birds differently.

It is always wise to look at the tag to see what you are buying as you learned. I bet you don't make that mistake again. Trust me, you are not the only one that has done something similar.

 

[mstricer]

Finisher has more corn, thus less protein percentage. For energy and fattening over the last two weeks. So, yes, you got the wrong stuff.

You are so right. I did the finisher thing once, due to the price was cheaper, then the start and grow. But you also notice the difference in the birds. Mine didn't feather out quickly and they didn't grow at the rate I wanted them to do. Come to think of it that was the year I lost a few to heat, doesn't the corn raise their body temp? Just asking don't know.

 

[SmokinChick]

I've only done CX's once. But I would not fret a few percentage points in protien. I raised mine on 18% local broiler mash 12 on/12 off and butchered at 8 weeks. They averaged 7 lbs.
As a matter of fact the poultry industry starts with a high % then lowers it as processing day approaches. Saves money and doesn't waste protien.
Good luck