A high protein chicken feed is one that contains more than 22% crude protein. The term “high protein” has been used for a long time, and has been applied to a variety of diets. For example, Milne (1932) observed adverse effects in chickens fed 38% protein, Heller and Penquite found poor growth in chickens fed diets with 35 to 40% protein, and Almquist and Asmundson reported satisfactory growth of chicks on diets with up to 30% protein. Furthermore, Donaldson et al. observed that a higher calorie/protein ratio in chicken feed produced lower requirements for protein per unit of gain in weight for chicks.
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Eggs
You can find high protein eggs in chicken feed, but you should know that these types of products are high in cholesterol and do not have the same nutritional value as egg whites. In fact, if you were to compare chicken eggs to egg whites, you would be surprised to see that chickens contain twice the amount of protein and half the cholesterol. This is because proteins build our tissues and cells. The more protein we consume, the stronger we become.
Providing too much protein to your chicken’s diet will cause them to grow too quickly and may lead to health problems. Moreover, your flock may not produce as many eggs as it once did. High protein chicken feed is not a substitute for good quality chicken feed. It should be given to your hens only when they are moulting or during hard winters. It’s also crucial to limit the amount of treats you give your hens to a couple of times a week to prevent obesity and to avoid feeding them with too much protein.
Soybeans
Soybeans are a good source of protein for chickens. Using high-protein soybean meal in chicken feed can increase the productivity of livestock and improve the utilization of nutrients. In one study, the live weight of broilers increased by 135 g when fed high-protein soybean meal compared to control broilers fed a standard diet. Additionally, the use of high-protein soybean meal significantly reduced feed costs and reduced the use of synthetic amino acids.
Soybeans are an excellent source of protein and energy, but the nutritional value of soybeans is influenced by the processing conditions. Soybeans should be thoroughly cooked before feeding them to poultry or game birds. Soybeans are a great source of protein for poultry, and the majority of commercially produced soy meal is cooked. However, raw soybeans should never be given to poultry or game birds.
Black soldier fly larvae
If incorporated into high-protein chicken feed, black soldier fly larvae can reduce the cost of production and help the environment. Currently, very little fly meal is available commercially in East Africa, but a little research may persuade poultry feed manufacturers to use this natural protein source. It also provides environmental benefits and job opportunities in the region. Hence, commercial production of black soldier fly larvae can be an economic and environmental boon for Kenya.
Black soldier fly larvae can provide chickens with amino acids that are essential for proper functioning, producing eggs, and laying meat. Since these insects have diverse amino acid profiles, they provide chickens with optimal protein content and a diversified amino acid profile, increasing positive outcomes associated with protein. The black soldier fly larvae can also help farmers to reduce their cost of production of poultry feed. Therefore, these insects are an excellent choice for backyard poultry producers.
Seeds
You can add hemp seeds to your chicken diet to provide a high protein source. These small black seeds can be sprouted or simply fed as they are. Sprouting them will produce a cake with a high protein content and makes an excellent animal feed. Chia seeds come from a desert-dwelling plant and are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Sunflower seeds are high in protein and are great for chickens. They contain about 25% of their daily requirement. Pumpkin seeds, on the other hand, contain 33% of protein. Only available during the fall and Halloween seasons, these seeds have a spicy flavor but are safe to use around chickens. Lastly, pumpkin seeds have a high protein content, making them a great treat for chickens. Although these seeds may seem a bit odd to eat, chickens enjoy them and they will eat them.
Soybean meal
Soybean meal is high in protein. Providing this source of protein to poultry is not detrimental to their health, but if provided in excessive amounts it can be damaging. It is important to know that soybean meal should be included in a chicken’s diet at less than 35% of the total ration. For optimum results, soybean meal should be supplemented with grain or other protein-containing ingredient.
In the last several years, the poultry industry has grown tremendously, leading to an increased demand for more proteins. Unfortunately, the high cost of high-protein commercial feeds has prevented most farmers from maintaining them without affecting their profits. Therefore, most chicken farmers are actively seeking other sources of protein for their poultry. Soybean meal is an excellent source of protein, containing a wide range of essential amino acids and minerals. The amount of protein in soybean meal for chicken feed is typically thirty to forty percent. The percentage of soybean meal used in poultry feeds ranges from 25 to 40% for broilers and breeders, and forty percent for laying hens.
