soy based feeds

[fostermom55]

Just wondering what are the pros and cons to using chicken feed with soy bean?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They are the cheapest protein feed ingredient - for the essential amino acids missing in grains.
To get close to the amino acid balance chickens need, it is necessary to pair grains and legumes.
Lots of people want to stay away from soy for various reasons for themselves and their livestock.
Even in organic feed one may find soy but that is rare. About 85% or more of soy in the US is GMO which isn't allowed in organic feed.
Eliminating soy will raise the cost of feed because other sources of those amino acids must be found. That would be other legumes like peas or fishmeal.

 

[fostermom55]

What about soy interfering with egg production? One article I read refers to that.

 

[Alaskan]

What about soy interfering with egg production? One article I read refers to that.

No idea... but I wouldn't think it reduces egg production.. .. because you know all of the egg factory type places feed their hens soy feeds

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies in soy must be compensated with synthetic forms to limit the effects on the pancreas, bones and immune system.
I'm sure all the reputable feed manufacturers do a good job of getting the balance right.
https://millersbiodiversityfarm.grazecart.com/blog/benefits-of-feeding-chickens-soy-free-feed#:~:text=Feeding soy to chickens has,atrophy, and susceptibility to diseases.