What If You Can’t Rely on Processed Feed for Raising Poultry?

By Daniela Gonzalez

In the last couple of weeks before writing this report, we have seen increases in food prices. Yes, it’s scary: salaries (and pensions) are not going up, and much less with the oil revenues being cut.

These revenues were injected into the Venezuelan economy for laundering, but they worked as a buffer to keep the public’s confidence in “the system”.

Now, the “system” is belly up.

Let’s begin.

Setting the scene

Most of the egg and poultry production is in charge of semi-industrial farms, which have to use industrially-produced foods, loaded with growing synthetic hormones and God knows what else.

The family farms are few and scattered; most of them prefer to run their operations at a small scale to avoid unwanted attention. The lapse between 2017 and 2021 with trespassers stealing farm animals was a hard lesson, still fresh in our minds, and with so many armed and masked groups, we don’t know what could happen. Sure, they are brave, as they’re the only ones toting AKs.

But let’s give it a less tragic approach to the topic. In the realm of sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry, the practice of raising chickens and laying hens with a minimum of dependence on commercially processed feed is the sort of resilience we want. While the convenience of ready-made formulations might seem “appealing”, a deeper examination reveals compelling reasons – like nutritional superiority, economic prudence, and ethical considerations – to champion a more autonomous approach to poultry nutrition.

But don’t get me wrong: this principle became particularly important after we saw how the supply chain for processed feed was compromised in that lapse: the supply was short and unreliable, and the transport was taken over by the military, as was the case in Venezuela. Of course, the prices skyrocketed because of the bribes everybody had to pay to smooth the arrival of the products.

What is needed for feed?

For those new to the topic: the nutritional requirements of poultry are complex, demanding a balanced intake of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to ensure optimal growth, health, and egg production. Commercially processed feeds, while formulated to meet these basic needs, often fall short of providing the diverse array of nutrients that a natural, varied diet can offer. These feeds frequently rely on a limited number of primary ingredients, such as corn and soybean meal, which, while providing essential macronutrients, may lack the full spectrum of micronutrients and beneficial phytochemicals found in a more diverse range of feedstuffs. The counterpart is that you need equipment and time to prepare everything.

Furthermore, the quality and sourcing of ingredients in processed feed can be opaque and potentially compromised. The addition of by-products, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and synthetic additives raises concerns about the long-term health of the birds and the quality of the eggs and meat produced. An autonomous feeding strategy, conversely, empowers us to have complete control over what our poultry consume, allowing the incorporation of locally sourced, organic, and diverse feed ingredients. The same it was before the “Green Revolution”…

This might include a combination of grains (like locally grown sorghum or rice bran), legumes, fresh greens, fruits, vegetables, insect larvae, and even carefully managed kitchen scraps. Such a varied diet not only enhances the nutritional profile of the poultry products but also contributes to the overall well-being and vitality of the birds, potentially reducing their susceptibility to disease and the need for antibiotic interventions. This translates into additional advantages: less money spent, and healthier birds.

The investment in things like grain mills pays back in a short time. In the most isolated and poor family farms, grain is still ground manually using a stone or a hollow wooden stump and a heavy wooden mace, both for arepas and to feed the chickens.

The feed industry

Economically, the reliance on commercially processed feed creates a significant vulnerability, but particularly in volatile economic climates (like ours) or regions with disrupted supply chains. Fluctuations in commodity prices, transportation costs, and the profit margins of feed manufacturers can directly impact the operational costs of poultry farming, often squeezing the profitability of small and medium-scale producers. By cultivating the capacity to produce or source feed ingredients independently, people can mitigate risks, reduce overhead costs, and establish a more stable and sustainable economic model. This self-sufficiency protects us from external market pressures and contributes to greater food security at a local level.

Reports arising in some “underground” information networks, so to speak, paint a disturbing picture of the processed feed industry, alleging control by illicit networks with ties to the government. If these allegations are accurate, relying on such feed sources is supporting these corrupt and harmful entities. That was one of the reasons for the new sanctions package! Someone who is NOT the President, trying to keep in power using repression against the citizens and paying hired guns to spread terror, CAN’T MANAGE CITIZENS’ MONEY or resources. This is mainly the origin of the imperative need for Venezuelan poultry farmers to seek alternative, independent means of feeding flocks. By doing so, they can actively disengage from these compromised supply chains.

Detailing Alternatives to Processed Feed in Poultry Farming

In order to bypass those illicit networks, we need a strategy shift. While achieving “complete” independence (which may not be so technically ideal) might be a long-term goal, implementing cost-effective alternatives can significantly reduce dependence and mitigate the economic and other burdens, even if it entails a recalibration of production scales.

This might involve cultivating specific crops, establishing insect farms, forging partnerships with local producers of agricultural by-products or even resourcing to free-range raising. While the initial investment of time and resources might seem substantial, the long-term benefits like improved poultry health, enhanced product quality, economic stability, and keeping up with policies of stealthy, low profile, are undeniable. Let’s explore some of these solutions:

Embracing Locally Sourced and Cultivated Grains and Forages:

One of the most direct routes to reducing dependence on processed feed is to leverage locally available resources. Venezuela possesses an enormous agricultural potential to cultivate key feed ingredients:

1. Sorghum and Corn Cultivation: Where feasible, farmers can dedicate land to growing sorghum and corn, which serve as primary sources of carbohydrates and energy for poultry. Even small-scale cultivation can contribute significantly to the overall feed requirements. Implementing sustainable farming practices can further enhance the long-term viability of this approach.
2. Utilizing Agricultural By-products: Exploring partnerships with local farmers cultivating rice, plantains, or other crops can provide access to nutrient-rich by-products like rice bran, banana peels, and vegetable scraps. These can be incorporated into poultry diets to supplement commercial grains. Proper processing and storage are crucial to ensure their nutritional value and prevent spoilage.
3. Fodder Systems: Establishing small-scale hydroponic or soil-based fodder systems can provide a consistent supply of fresh, highly nutritious greens for poultry. Sprouted grains and legumes offer a readily digestible source of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, reducing the need for synthetic supplements often found in processed feed. This was an awesome and pleasant discovery, indeed.
4. Foraging and Pasture Management: Allowing chickens and laying hens access to well-managed pasture can significantly reduce feed costs. Birds naturally forage for insects, worms, seeds, and greens, supplementing their diet with high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Implementing rotational grazing systems can optimize pasture utilization and prevent overgrazing.
5. Fish protein and calcium incorporation: With the incorporation of an aquaponics system, the produced fish waste byproduct of human consumption, like fishbones and such, can become a calcium and protein source for the birds, adding to other sources like bonemeal from cattle.

Integrating Legumes and Protein-Rich Alternatives:

Protein is a critical component of poultry diets, and processed feed relies heavily on soybean meal, frequently. Exploring local and cost-effective protein sources is essential for self-sufficiency.

1. Cultivation of Local Legumes: Beans, peas, and other legumes that grow locally offer a valuable source of plant-based protein. Do a good research and start practicing.
2. Insect Farming: Raising insects like black soldier fly larvae or mealworms presents a highly efficient and sustainable way to produce protein-rich feed. These insects can be fed on agricultural by-products and kitchen waste, closing the nutrient loop and reducing reliance on external inputs. Many family farms practice free-range poultry.
3. Duckweed Cultivation: Duckweed is a fast-growing aquatic plant with a high protein content and excellent nutritional profile for poultry. It can be cultivated in small ponds or controlled water systems with minimal inputs. This was a wonderful addition, indeed. In the place where our BOL is located, most water sources produce this plant in high volumes: still waters, lots of shadows, and good sun most of the day. Harvesting it to feed the poultry from time to time will work to clean the water reservoir, and at the same time feed the flocks.

Implementing Fermentation and Feed Processing Techniques:

Simple on-farm processing techniques can enhance the nutritional value and digestibility of locally sourced feed ingredients, reducing waste and improving feed efficiency.

1. Fermented Feeds: Fermenting grains and other feedstuffs can increase their nutrient availability, improve gut health in poultry, and reduce the need for expensive probiotics or supplements. Simple fermentation methods can be implemented at the farm level. This was another superb byproduct of my research. Once I get some poultry to take care of, this will become a priority.
2. Grinding and Mixing: Investing in small-scale grinders and mixers allows the creation of custom feed blends using locally sourced ingredients, tailoring the diet to the needs of their flocks at different stages of production.

Strategic Reduction in Production Scale:

The strategic reduction of the flock can align with the availability of locally sourced feed and the farm’s capacity to manage a more autonomous feeding system. Fewer birds require less feed, making self-sufficiency more attainable and reducing overall costs. This approach prioritizes quality and sustainability over sheer volume.

Community Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:

Establishing networks and sharing knowledge among poultry raisers is important: collaboration is the only means that took our different civilizations through hard times. Collaborative efforts in sourcing ingredients, sharing best practices in cultivation and processing, and even collectively investing in small-scale feed processing equipment can reduce individual burdens and augment the community’s resilience. Farmers can be a tough bone to convince to try new methods, but it’s worth it.

Navigating the Transition

We need a disclaimer; this material must be taken as a primer. It is not exactly “technical advice.” The transition towards greater feed autonomy requires a phased approach.

People interested in this process can begin by running their own research first, to see what works in their climate conditions; and incorporating small percentages of locally sourced ingredients into their existing feed regimens for later increasing the proportion gradually, as their knowledge and infrastructure develop. Careful monitoring of poultry health and production is essential during this transition to ensure the birds’ nutritional needs are being met.

Maybe you’re asking yourselves why we have so many problems if our agricultural conditions are so wonderful. It’s not easy to explain though. One of the factors, maybe the major one, is that our industry doesn’t have the gov subsidies they once enjoyed. The tap is closed, so to speak. Most of the lands are in the hands of a few wealthy guys; those smaller producers with some land can’t have access to funds to develop their crops. Cleaning the forest needs machinery and diesel; plowing needs money. Agricultural endeavors at the scale we are used to in this country are not easy if you are a lousy manager.

For Venezuelan poultry farmers facing the challenges of unreliable, expensive, and questionable processed feed supplies, the solution seems to be clear: embracing a path toward greater self-sufficiency. It became a necessity for the long-term sustainability of our meager food supply.

This report is based on observation about what we are seeing around us, and field research on what countermeasures people have used.

For additional info, check out these articles:

1. Raising chickens is not difficult.
2. What Did People Feed Their Chickens Before Commercial Chicken Feed?
3. 7 Surprising Facts About Chickens Not Found in Books

Be safe out there.

Love, Dani.

What about you?

If you have chickens, do you rely strictly on commercial feed? What strategies do you use to nourish your poultry? Do you have any advice on feeding chickens if commercial feed is not available?

Let’s discuss it in the comments section.

About Daniela

Daniela Gonzalez is a student of history at the Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas.