POULTRY FEEDS AND FEEDING 



protein content, which should be comparatively high, and 

 the fiber content which should be low. 



Commercial poultry feeds are stamped on the bag with 

 a general statement of contents which is supposed to 

 tell what constituents are in the feeds but does not give 

 the proportions of the various grains. The bag also has 

 an analysis of the feed usually given in the terms of 

 protein, fiber, carbohydrates and fat, the carbohydrates 

 representing the sum of the nitrogen-free extract plus 

 the fiber. 



The protein in the mash should be largely of an animal 

 source and not be derived in any great percentage from a 

 vegetable source, other than that ordinarily furnished 

 through the common grains such as com, wheat and oats 

 and their by-products. 



The fiber content is also given and the amount of this 

 is quite an important factor in poultry feeds as hens do 

 not utilize fiber to advantage. While the analysis of 

 commercial feeds varies considerably a protein content 

 of 15 to 20 per cent, carbohydrates of 50 to 60 per cent, 

 and fat of 4 to 6 per cent with crude fiber not exceeding 

 6 to 10 per cent indicates a good general mash. A good 

 general scratch mixture should have the following 

 analysis; protein 8 to 10 per cent, carbohydrates 60 to 

 70 per cent, fat 2 to 4 per cent, fiber not exceeding 5 per 

 cent. It should always be remembered that the analysis 

 is not the only consideration as the kind and quality of 

 feed should also be carefully considered and unless feeds 

 are used that are well relished and palatable to the fowls 



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