Alternative feeds

GrannyCarol · #1 01/22/10, 10:44 AM

That question about rabbit pellets reminded me I've been meaning to ask...

I can get a general livestock feed pellet at about 16% protein and also pelleted peas, which, if I remember rightly, are a higher protein. Would either of these be suitable for part of my duck's diet? I can get them in the half ton sacks for really reasonable prices. I pay way too much for my hobby and I'm not happy with the results of the commercial feeds I'm using - seems I get less eggs and worse shells than I would expect (they do have free choice oyster shell too).

wofarm · #2 01/22/10, 12:50 PM

I've been lucky to have friends who have been associated with livestock of different species who are grads of Agricultural colleges. one is a cornell grad in poultry sciences w. a specialty on feeds; another is a geneticist; a couple others with degrees in animal sciences. I have an extensive background in breeding purebred animals of different species.

I am truly amazed at the number of animal klkeepers who are willing to live with less than optimum results from their livestock. I dont mean the subsistance types who thrive on doing things all for them selves. I mean those who claim to be good husbandsmen of their stock yet always are on the lookout for feeds formulated for one species whci may have good performance results on other specoies. Good examples are avian feeds for hoof stock or rabbits???

I get a chuckle from some who make claims of great results from poor or inappropriate feeds. Read the results of helter skelter management practices on any animal related forums. They are rife with nutritional problems, diseases, and many types of stress related poor results.

Some people do get away with some pretty poor management , at least for the short term. Maybe they study ingredients and know which animals may be poisoned by certain ingredients such as salt or copper, maybe they are just having a string of luck?? Its a false economy many times to not feed the proper feeds formulated by scientific data for each species. its certainly no skin off my nose how anyone takes care of their animals, it just seems there are a whole lot of problems being created by those who defy science and proven performance.??

GrannyCarol · #3 01/22/10, 01:10 PM

I do understand that, but am frustrated that the feeds I can get that are for poultry just don't seem to be doing a good job. So, if I'm going to get sub-par results maybe I should just feed something cheaper. In the last couple of years, feeding the same feeds, my eggs have gone down in quantity and quality and I've got problems with the health of my ducks that I shouldn't (quite possibly related to toxins in the environment - I have to wonder if something changed in the feed when corn prices went through the roof).

So, if adding a percentage of peas won't hurt them, then I'd like to know that. I actually researched the food value vs the ideal duck diet and it didn't seem way out of line. I was wondering if anyone had any experience before I try anything. A half ton is a lot to get if there are any problems that I haven't been able to find researching.

Good livestock management includes constant research too.

wofarm · #4 01/22/10, 03:30 PM

Your right Carol, and i have seen other posts by you to suggest you do know a thing or two. I guess I generally generalize !

The feeds sold here as a catchall feed(usually called utility feed) are pretty much safe to feed to anything. I have used them as a grain source with pretty good results on sheep, goats, cattle and horses; never on small stock not hogs. I dont know about peas but would think they should make some decent poultry feeds??

You know, a lot of corn last year is kind of iffy, especially from 1 of our neighboring states. National brands seem, in my experiences over the years, to be pretty good at quality control. regional brands have a more difficult time with things as their sources are a bit more limited.