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Feed Prices, Tho'... Can we share feed make and grow tips?

 
pollinator
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Location: Barre, MA and Silistra, Bulgaria
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A lot of us with livestock have noticed a wicked increase in pre-mixed and pelleted feeds.  And there has been some mumbling about a suspected formulation change in certain commercial brands that is making them less than satisfactory.  So... The obvious answer is to see if buying separate ingredients and mixing our own feeds can be less expensive.

Right now, we are feeding a commercial organic pellet and for 15 dairy goats (none in milk, none bred), we're spending $600/mo (!!!)  between the feed and hay.  They can browse.  We need an LGD, though.  The predator pressure has increased unbelievably in the last two years.  Prior to that, we had NO issues (for 10 years).

So if you have a mix you like, can you start with what critter/s you're feeding, whether they are dairy or meat or egg layers, and maybe where you are located?  Some feed crops grow better and are better suited for animals living in that area.

Not all of the folks here can grow all of their own feeds right now for one reason or another.  But it would be good to have that info to come back to, if you'd care to share.  Sometimes we permies can get a little 'pie in the sky'.  Let's try to keep this one really practical so that the info can be used today, if needed.  

Thanks heaps,
 
master steward
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Location: USDA Zone 8a
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Since it is winter here I like to suggest growing microgreens for animals.

Since you mentioned that you have goats, what do the goats like to eat that would be good for microgreens?

Actually, any seeds for veggies that you have might be loved by goats and other livestock.

Here are some threads that might give you or others some suggestions:

https://permies.com/t/126944/Selecting-Sprouts-Feed

https://permies.com/t/178017/Saving-money-chicken-feed

https://permies.com/t/202855/Growing-chicken-feed
 
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If you find a farmer or grain cleaner that might have screenings or scrap grain for cheap. I got lucky and have that which I use in a fermenting tub(thats not big enough) mixing everything in;  lots of water, store bought pellets, kitchen scraps, garden leftovers could even use hay or other plant material. Works well even the wild oats seem to be digested by the pigs and goats. Without cheap grain I was paying $400/month now 50$.
 
steward
Posts: 14039
Location: Northern WI (zone 4)
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I buy organic whole grains and mix my own chicken food.  I wish I could grow it but I don't have enough space, though I may try with the flax.  I also wish I could get organic field peas to replace the roasted soybeans...

5# oats
5# corn
5# wheat/barley
4# roasted soybeans
1# flax
some mineral additives as well
 
Posts: 653
Location: Northern Maine, USA (zone 3b-4a)
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ive replaced chicken feed with my own concoctions and they are laying more with it. i mixed beans , brown rice, pasta , cat food, oatmeal with some herbs and some honey for taste. filled a 3gal  pot with water added ingredients and simmered for 1 hr. once cooled i added some sourdough starter. i feed 25 hens a qt. of that a day. i still have layer pellets available but they havent touched them. i get my food from expired stuff at a local salvage store for free or little money. takes me 10min. to put a batch together and they eat off that pot all week.
birds look great and are really laying well for this time of year. even the goats like it. if you hit up the grocery store managers they can get you expired stuff with little effort.
 
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I dont have goats. However what about growing mulberry trees as coppiced green feed in summer and "hay" in winter
In my area they grow like weeds.  
I get whole grains for my chickens from a local organic mill. They sell a " livestock" grade at a reasonable price, so we stock up.
 
steve bossie
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Location: Northern Maine, USA (zone 3b-4a)
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i have 3 mulberry but theyre young still. the closest whole grain mill is 200 mi. from here.
 
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