Protein %

[RhodeIslandReds]

Whats the lowest protein% of feed I can feed to my cornish xs?

 

[journey11]

I guess you could do 18%, but they'll not gain quite as quickly (so your cost may actually come out more in the long run if you keep them longer). They recommend a turkey ration, a 22-24% feed because the extra protein is supposed to help prevent leg problems. That's what I feed (24%) and have had nice results over the past 3 years. They usually dress out around 4-5 lbs for me, 7 weeks males, 9 weeks females.

 

[Recon]

I feed 22% for the first month and then go to 18% for the second month. My birds dress out between 5.5 and 6.5 pounds at 7.5 weeks.

 

[Pineywoods Peepers]

I thought higher protein made them grow faster? Wouldn't that result in more leg problems?

Just wondering. Currently raising my first batch of freedom rangers, and they recommend an 18% chick grower after 3 weeks.

 

[ghulst]

Lower protein will slow down groth but is better for the bird. That is the way the breeders of the cornishX are fed so they don't get so heavy and will breed and lay eggs good. I feed mine meat birds on 17% for the first 4 weeks then I lower to about 14% by adding corn. I never have lost a bird and when I dress there isn't much waster fat. Very nice looking.

 

[Pineywoods Peepers]

Quote:
How much corn do you add? I would think whatever fat the corn might add would be good for cooking, etc. Right?

 

[ghulst]

When you add corn to a ration it lowers the portein plus the total cost of the feed. I am going to raise a flock of cornish again this summer. Will keep good records this year.