Is there a place to go to see this information on paper? Like amino levels and percentages. Would like to see it so that I can see if I can get something better for my show birds. Great information though. It’s hard to find someone talking about these things especially in show birds. Trying to get my barred rocks as quality as possible.
I agree all feeds are not created equal but I disagree that by-products are bad...distillers' grains, soybean meal and corn gluten meal are all by-products and have from good to excellent nutritive value. Meet the animals' nutrient requirements for your target production level with feeds that provide the digestible nutrients at the cheapest level - by-product or not.
Kathy I don't know what brands of feed you have available in your area so here's my suggestion. Several different manufacturer produce waterfowl feeds, so look to see if you have one available in your area. If you can't find a feed specifically made for waterfowl look for a feed made for mixed flocks. These are typically suitable for a variety of species like chickens, turkeys, waterfowl, etc. and names like "All Flock" or something similar. Since you plan on breed your ducks I would suggest you consider a feed supplement that provides supplemental vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The one I use and recommend is Fertrell's Show Bird and Breeder Supplement. It really helps with fertility and hatchability and helps produce strong vigorous chicks. You can oder it online directly from the Fertrell Company at www.Fertrell.com.