Which feed would you pick. Ingredient list only

[lukkyseven]

Based solely on the below ingredient list, which feed would you prefer. I picked 16% proteins from both companies. FWIW, one is 53c per pound and one is 40c per pound. I can reveal that if needed, but I didn't want to put biased into the question.

 

[LaFleche]

I would not buy any of these products as I consider 16% crude protein too low and:

The list of ingredients in the first product shows corn as main ingredient, followed by soy beans and - a very cheap filler that adds a lot of weight and bulk to the product - oyster shells in third place.
Feeding mainly corn will lead to fat chickens with corresponding health and laying issues. Soy is not my choice of plant protein. Oyster shells are cheap and best bought separately, so their weight and volume does not take up the space of other nutrient rich and valuable ingredients.


The second is even worse as the list does not even specify the exact ingredients or their percentage at all.
'Processed grain products' can be anything, for instance just the spelt or corn husks or similar waste. Same goes for 'plant protein products', so you can fill in whatever pleases or eases your mind.

ETA:

If it had to be one of the two, then the first would be much better even though I consider the addition of the oyster shell rather some kind of bucket trade.

 

[Weeg]

I agree, 16% is to low. I like Purina flock raiser, just feed OS on the side. It has 20% protein and is an overall great feed.

 

[lukkyseven]

You highlight some of my same concerns about label #2. You also shed some light on label #1 that I was not aware of. The 1st batch has a higher protein product as well. Im curious if corn is the main ingredient. I will find a label and report back.

 

[LaFleche]

You highlight some of my same concerns about label #2. You also shed some light on label #1 that I was not aware of. The 1st batch has a higher protein product as well. Im curious if corn is the main ingredient. I will find a label and report back.

Try to find one without oyster shells and buy them separately.

 

[lukkyseven]

Fwiw i do buy them separately. I didnt think about them taking up a lot of weight, but you're right. They are listed very high on the list. I do not care for a lot of the pellet and crumble feeds out there as I find them very old by the time I buy them. This kills nutrient value by the time I feed my birds. These are local options I'm sourcing which is why I'm looking at these.

 

[LaFleche]

Fwiw i do buy them separately. I didnt think about them taking up a lot of weight, but you're right. They are listed very high on the list. I do not care for a lot of the pellet and crumble feeds out there as I find them very old by the time I buy them. This kills nutrient but by the time I feed my birds. These are local options I'm sourcing which is why I'm looking at these.

If they are local products, the producers might be inclined to produce according to their clients needs? Just let them know what you want and don't want in your feed bag

It's worth a try.

 

[lukkyseven]

Here is the higher % protein from the same source as #1

 

[LaFleche]

Maybe you can find some other interested local poultry keepers to join in as some kind of buying syndicate.

 

[lukkyseven]

If they are local products, the producers might be inclined to produce according to their clients needs? Just let them know what you want and don't want in your feed bag

It's worth a try.

I'm pretty sure I can get label #2 to adjust protein levels if I asked. What concerns me is the lack of discretion on the first two ingredients.