Small CX's. Ideas?

[sheetmetalpete]

I had over 100 straight run CX's from Hoover's Hatchery processed earlier this week. The were just over 8 weeks old. They were all over the board in size but the vast majority dressed out in the 3 1/2 pound range. All were very healthy and active for CX's. The inspector even commented on how clean and nice they appeared despite their size.

I gave them chick starter for about 3 weeks then switched them to a home mix broiler grower (lionsgrip recipe). Two years ago I followed the same routine and they dressed out at about a 6 pound dressed average.

Did I do something wrong or did I have a funky strain of CX's?

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

I gave them chick starter for about 3 weeks then switched them to a home mix broiler grower (lionsgrip recipe). Two years ago I followed the same routine and they dressed out at about a 6 pound dressed average.

Did I do something wrong or did I have a funky strain of CX's?

Sounds like your recipe resulted in a nutrient deficiency. The internet recipes rely on static nutrient contents of the ingredients and are formulated for protein content not amino acids.

 

[Buster52]

Sounds like your recipe resulted in a nutrient deficiency.  The internet recipes rely on static nutrient contents of the ingredients and are formulated for protein content not amino acids.

What would you recommend as a good source of amino acids, Lazy J?

I like the price of milled feed, but I'm concerned about the results. I'm thinking you hit on my weak spot.

 

[kizanne]

I'm confused. Help me out (not being sarcastic). Your saying they were a nice big healthy weight before butchering like 7 to 8 lbs but they dressed out at 3 1/2?

Or what do you mean by over the board in size?

 

[Buster52]

I'm confused. Help me out (not being sarcastic). Your saying they were a nice big healthy weight before butchering like 7 to 8 lbs but they dressed out at 3 1/2?

Or what do you mean by over the board in size?

Various weights.

You might have read 8 pounds when he said 8 weeks.