https://pasturedpoultrytalk.com/2016/06/14/ppt044-understanding-the-nutritional-benefits-of-black-soldier-fly-as-poultry-feed/Confused about the difference between feed values expressed in as-fed or dry matter percentages?
The difference between as-fed nutrition and dry-matter nutrition in poultry feeds is water. The dried feed removes the water, giving us a dry matter calculation. Using the mealworm protein example provided by Cheryl Powers in episode 91 of Pastured Poultry Talk, the live mealie has a 19% protein level. Dry the meal worm by removing the water and the protein jumps to 55%.
As a producer, you need to know the nutrition of your feed if you purposefully give that feed to your flock. In the podcast episode, I talk through an example where this knowledge would be beneficial. If you wanted to increase the protein of a chick starter from a 21% protein to a 26%, you could use the Pearson Square to create a new ration from the chick starter and the mealworms.
But which type of mealworm should you use?
The as-fed protein level of a live mealworm will not work in our example because the protein is too low. You’d need to use the dried mealworm to increase the protein level of the chick starter to a turkey starter.
Resources about Dry Matter and As-Fed
- Feedstuff Comparisons – As Fed versus Dry Matter (PDF)
- Dry Matter and As Fed Conversions (PDF)
- Formulating Rations with Pearson Square
Farming mealworms for chicken feed with Cheryl Powers: PPT091
PPT044: Understanding the Nutritional Benefits of Black Soldier Fly As Poultry Feed
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