Feed Livestock (Page 2)

What It Is, What It Isn’t, & How to Ferment Safely

What Is Fermented Chicken Feed?

Fermented chicken feed is simply regular feed (pellets, crumbles, or grains) soaked in non-chlorinated water and allowed to sit at room temperature for a few days, until it reaches a pH of 4.5. This process allows beneficial bacteria—primarily Lactobacillus—to break down some of the feed’s components in a controlled, anaerobic environment. It’s similar to how foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are made.

Why Ferment?

Improved Digestibility:
Fermentation helps break down anti-nutrients like phytic acid found in grains, which can interfere with mineral absorption. This means chickens may get more usable nutrition out of the same volume of feed. It also softens hard grains like corn for easier digestion.

Gut Health Support:
Fermented feed is rich in probiotics. These beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome in chickens, which supports overall immunity and better digestion.

Reduced Feed Waste:
Fermented feed has a wet, mash-like texture, which tends to reduce the amount of feed chickens scatter and waste. Many keepers report a 10–30% reduction in overall feed usage with no drop in egg production or weight gain.

Hydration Boost:
Especially in hot weather, fermented feed provides an extra source of hydration.

Myth-Busting: Does Fermenting Feed Make It More Nutritious?

This is a key point that often gets misunderstood. Fermentation does not magically add nutrients to the feed. It can make some existing nutrients more bioavailable, which can feel like an increase in nutritional value because chickens are better able to absorb what’s already there, but it can also result in a degradation of other nutrients.

Remember: fermenting does not create ‘more feed’. The water increases the feed volume. This means your chickens will consume less nutrients even if they are eating the same volume in fermented feed.

Safe Fermenting Steps:

1. Add feed to bucket or container. Add enough fresh, clean water to cover the grains a few inches. Stir to eliminate air pockets.
2. Cover container with cheesecloth to allow gas exchange and keep out contaminants. If you must cover with a solid lid, do not seal completely.
3. Let ferment at room temperature for 1-3 days, stirring daily. Add water as necessary to keep grains covered.
4. Check the smell. It should smell sweet and yeasty – like beer or yogurt. Not rotten.
5. Check for mold. White non-fuzzy growth is yeast, this is healthy and normal. Any colorful mold is bad, and the soaked grains need to be discarded.
6. Feed grains when bubbly, after about 3-4 days of fermenting.

Tips for Success:

• Start with clean containers and utensils to avoid contamination
• Feeds containing whole grains ferment the best and provide the most benefits. Poor quality grains can be dangerous to ferment!
• Avoid metal containers, which can react with acids in fermented feed
• Use non-chlorinated water
• Try to ferment in an area where the temperature stays 60-75° F
• Don’t feed too much at once, only what your chickens will eat in a day or two
• Don’t ferment too long, or you could begin creating alcohol
• You can use test strips to see if you are reaching the ideal pH of 4.5 for a true ferment. If you don’t reach this pH you are simply soaking feed.

Conclusion?

Consider the risks versus the reward in fermenting chicken feed. Feed producers put a lot of work into keeping feeds dry for a reason – moisture encourages the growth of molds, mycotoxins, and other contaminants. If you are going to ferment your poultry feed, use clean tools, a proper technique and don’t feed your chickens an exclusively fermented diet.

When it comes to animal health and performance, what you feed matters just as much as how you care for them. We source quality, non-GMO ingredients that make a big difference in the well-being, growth, and productivity of your livestock.

Here’s why these key ingredients are so valuable:

🌽 Corn – A rich source of energy, corn provides essential carbohydrates that fuel growth and weight gain. Non-GMO corn does not stand up to chemical treatments, supporting healthier digestion and long-term animal health.

 Soybeans – Packed with high-quality protein and essential amino acids, soybeans promote muscle development and milk production. Non-GMO soybeans also reduce the risk of pesticide exposure, benefiting both animals and consumers.

 Peas – Peas are an excellent alternative protein source, easily digestible and rich in fiber. They help support gut health and maintain balanced energy levels, making them a great option in diversified, non-GMO rations.

 Wheat – Wheat offers highly digestible energy and supports steady growth. It’s a versatile grain that also contributes to improved feed efficiency when sourced from non-GMO, high-quality harvests.

🌾 Oats – Oats are known for their digestibility and soothing effect on the digestive system. They provide a balanced mix of energy, fiber, and protein, making them especially beneficial for young or sensitive animals.

🌻Flax Seed – Flax seed is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to healthy skin, shiny coats, and improved immune function. Quality, whole flax ensures animals get the purest form of these essential nutrients.

 Sesame Meal – Rich in protein and calcium, sesame meal supports bone health and overall development. It’s a valuable addition to balanced feed rations, and an important component in corn and soy-free feeds, especially when sourced from trusted suppliers.

Why Non-GMO?
The long term effects of genetically modified organisms are still not fully understood, but the short term effects have already proven to be catastrophic to the resiliency and self-sufficiency of agriculture. We are not interested in supporting that model. Non-GMO ingredients promote natural growth and align with our values for cleaner, more transparent food sources. Non-GMO products are not sprayed with the same chemicals as their GMO counterparts (such as glyphosate), because if they were, they would simply die. So while a non-GMO label does not necessarily guarantee it is free from chemicals, it is well understood that a non-GMO product would not withstand treatment from those chemicals anyway.

Our products and the ingredients in them are non-GMO Project Verified and undergo annual testing to ensure they are free from the harmful chemicals often used on GMO crops. This means you can trust that our feeds are filled with the good stuff and none of the bad; healthy ingredients for healthy animals. Healthier animals lead to healthier products—whether it’s meat, milk, or eggs—and that leads to a healthier world.

Whether you’re raising healthy livestock or nurturing fertile soil, kelp meal is a powerhouse natural supplement with a long list of benefits — and it’s all from the ocean!

For Livestock

Kelp meal is a mineral-rich feed additive made from dried and ground seaweed, typically Ascophyllum nodosum. It’s 100% natural, non-GMO, organic, and packed with over 60 trace minerals, vitamins, and beneficial growth compounds.

Benefits of feeding kelp meal:

Supports immune function and overall animal health

Promotes reproductive performance in breeding stock

Enhances hoof and coat condition

Aids in thyroid regulation thanks to its natural iodine content

Can improve feed efficiency and digestion

It’s especially helpful for animals on limited pasture or hay-based diets that may lack diverse minerals.

For Fertilizer & Soil Health

Kelp meal is also a phenomenal soil amendment and plant fertilizer. Its slow-release nutrients and natural growth hormones (like cytokinin and auxins) help improve soil structure and stimulate strong, healthy plant growth.

Benefits of using kelp meal in the garden or pasture:

Boosts soil microbial activity and fertility

Encourages strong root development and drought resilience

Enhances flowering, fruiting, and overall plant vigor

Improves organic matter content in depleted soils

It’s safe for use on everything from pastures to veggie gardens, and even compost piles.

Sustainably Sourced

Not all kelp is harvested in a way that preserves and maintains the vital ocean ecosystem. That’s why we only source kelp from companies that do it right.

Did you know – North Atlantic Organics still harvests kelp by hand and with horses instead of machines?

The Way Nature Intended

Kelp meal fits right into holistic, regenerative, and organic systems. It’s free of synthetic chemicals and safe for people, animals, and the planet.

If you’re looking for a natural boost for your livestock or land, kelp meal is a tried-and-true solution straight from the sea

Ask us how to incorporate it into your feeding or soil health program!