Soy Free Feed/Goat Milk Trial Batch - Week 7 Update

[dancingbear]

Probably as much from the raw milk and kefir, as anything. It would be interesting to hear if anybody has done this with soy and raw milk and kefir, or soy-free W/O raw milk and kefir. I know the faster growing meaties don't digest the food all that well, that's why they have the gross, watery poops. If yours are having more normal poops, they're probably absorbing the food better, and I think you could see an improved FCR.

Good job, I'll be watching to see how they turn out.

 

[bigredfeather]

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It could be the milk/Kefir. That was my first thought. Or, it could be that the soy is not as digestable as the protein sources that i have used as a substitution. The smell that is usually associated with these guys could be a byproduct of the soy based feed. I can tell you the few times that I have tried products composed mostly of soy, it made for some stinky gas and exitting. LOL I know, TMI.

I forgot to turn the heat lamp in the brooder back on last night, but they where all alive and running around this morning when I checked on them. I guess they will be ready for the pasture next week.

 

[bigredfeather]

Sorry I haven't updated, as I have been very busy w/ work and the farm.

They are almost a month old and doing great. This is the most active group of meaties I have ever raised. They are in constant motion. I moved them out to the pasture last week and do they ever love it. Last night I moved the tractor ahead about 6", and instantly all of them where at the front of the tractor fighting for the fresh pasture. I have been giving them 15 pounds of feed per day mixed with 1 1/2 quarts of milk or Kefir. I give them the Kefir every third day. I think they are growing at about the same rate as other batches, but their activity level is miles above the others. Week 5 is coming, so it will be interesting to see if they have a growth spirt like other batched usually do. Still very little smell from their poo. I'm pretty certain the lack of smell is from the non-soy feed.

I took some pics last night, I will try and get them posted tonight.

 

[bigredfeather]

I have noticed they are hardly drinking any water. It has been in the 80'2-90's, and they drinking less than a gallon a day. Hmmm?

I received 150 new chicks on Thursday. I am not doing these on a soy free feed, but I am giving them Kefir. I have using a similar amount per pound as the soy-free, so it will interesting to see the comparision. I have upped the amount of kefir I am making per day. I have plenty of milk, so I may as well use it up.

 

[bigredfeather]

Week 7 Update: These guys are not growing nearly as fast as I would have liked. I would guess most of them would dress out at 3-4 pounds if I processed them today. These things are the most active bunch I have ever seen. A few of them have actually escaped from the tractor. When they get out, they are really hard to catch. Regardless of their size, they're heading to freezer camp Labor Day. I bought 800 pounds of feed, and it should all be used up by then. I will post the results when they are done. I am so excited to see if they have a different flavor than other chicken.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

good reading, keep on keeping us posted - very informative.

hey, you don't say in your post; are these CX?

 

[Germaine_11.20]

This is a great thread, thank you for sharing your experiences with us. They aren't as big as usual--most likely due to the fact that they move around!

How interesting. So they are healthier and more energenic, there is less smell but they are smaller. Would you say that is a good swap or would you stick with the original method?

 

[OSUman]

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Yea they are he put them on one of his posts in the middle.

 

[bigredfeather]

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I'll let you know after I see how they taste.

 

[bigredfeather]

Labor Day is going to be processing day for these guys. The 800 pounds of feed I bought is almost gone, so it's time. Some of them are a little small, they be 2 1/2lbs (dressed), but I would guess the rest of them to be between 4-5 lbs dressed. I need the tractor space they are in for my batch of 150 that are 3 weeks old. I going to take some pics of the before and after, and my processing set-up. I'll post pictures.