Could someone please explain the ‘Guaranteed Analysis’ on chicken feed so that I know what each percentage means?

[StefneyRSA]

I am new to chickens, I have a flock of 8 Orpingtons (2 x full size pullets, 1 x bantam cockerel, the rest are all bantam POL hens and younger pullets).

I’ve done some research on the nutritional values of the feed I need to be giving my flock. Members on this forum prefer protein levels of 20% (and upwards) and calcium levels below 1% with oyster shells on the side.

But what do the rest of the values in the ‘guaranteed analysis’ table mean to a clueless chicken mom?

What are the ideal values, and why?

I’ve managed to find a large variety of feeds (all from the same brand) with protein higher than 20% and calcium lower than 1%. But now I need to decipher what the rest of the values mean so that I can make an informed decision.

I’m in South Africa, the brand I’d like to buy is Epol, here is link with all their poultry feed and each feed’s nutritional values: https://epol.co.za/poultry/

I have narrowed it down to the “broiler” category, and then further narrowed it down to the “free range” range of feed. I like the Pre-Starter and Starter because of the protein levels (21% and 20%)

I don’t know what the ideal levels of fat, fibre, Lysine, Methionine and Phosphorus are though?

To calculate the percentages, I divide the value in grams by 1000 and then multiply by 100.

 

[Kiki]

Can you view this?
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1upDVFXEQPK8PUIF6Sj3Bt5CUQfX1PlTEhg799sDT-qM/edit#gid=0

Notice the tabs at the bottom.

 

[Kiki]

These two links are both good resources full of information:

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poul...#Energy-Requirements-and-Feed-Intake_v3344204

Set up a free account and download this free PDF book. It's the book feed companies use to formulate their feeds.

https://nap.nationalacademies.org/c...rements-of-poultry-ninth-revised-edition-1994

 

[Kiki]

I prefer feeding a layer type feed and not giving them a choice to eat oyster shell on the side. There are a ton of threads here with complications because they don't eat the oyster shell. There are no threads about roosters having problems eating layer feed.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I differ with @Kiki as to feed method - I'm one of those free choice oyster shell folks - but agree as to the other resources Kiki has linked. And looking at that feed tag, that's a fine feed suitable for any age of bird. Its more Lys and Met than is typically found in feeds here in the US, even in "Starter" and "Grower" formulations, higher levels than adult layers or dual purpose birds require for optimum health. The rest of the feed lable shows inclusion rates in the expected range.

What each ingredient is, and why it matters, is a much longer post. Start w/ Kiki's links, then expand your reading from there.