POULTRY

North Canterbury Gazette, Volume 6, Issue 66, 9 April 1937, Page 6

POULTRY

Soaked Wheat for Fowls

NEW SYSTEM OF FEEDING One of the main topics of interest in the poultry industry at the present time is the soaked wheat system of feeding, and large numbers of poultry farmers have either entirely or partly changed to this system, with varying results. On the whole it appears that where this method has been carried out on satisfactory lines the results have been favourable and a considerable saving is claimed compared with ordinary rations. In this connexion, however, it is necessary to sound a warning, as a number of poultry farmers, either in an attempt further to cheapen the cost of feeding, or with the mistaken idea that the birds can be fed by a definite measure, are not giving them sufficient food, with the result that egg production has suffered. Instances have come under notice where other factors have been blamed for a sharp fall in production, and upon investigation it has been found that the birds would have eaten considerably more than had been given to them. It should be understood that no matter what system of feeding is adopted, the birds must be given as much as they will consume at each feed, otherwise they may be receiving only sufficient to keep up body energy without having any surplus to provide for egg production. In other cases excessive meat meal is being used, and this is having the effect of causing blood spots in the eggs. It must be realised that the quantity of meat meal or other concentrates should be regulated according to the protein content. Whether this system of feeding is likely to become a permanent feature as a poultry ration will depend upon the cost of wheat compared with pollard or bran, and also whether soaked wheat feeding will give results throughout the year comparable with other systems. With a view to obtaining data on the subject, properly controlled experiments are being carried out at Hawkesbury Agricultural College, New South Wales. These tests were commenced at the beginning of May, when three different groups of birds, comprising three pens each of ten White Leghorn pullets, were selected, and two of the groups were gradually accustomed to the change from the ordinary method of feeding to soaked wh eat. The third group was fed on the College ration and used as a check'. The two groups receiving soaked wheat are being m fed oil two different classes of meat meal.

Another group of 150 White Leglltrns is also being fed on soaked wheat, with a check pen of the same number fed on the College ration. It is proposed to issue progress reports as soon as any results showing the trend of the experiments arc available, but it is intended to continue the tests, if necessary, over a number of years.