Joined Aug 2009
432 Posts | 0+
Illinois
I would like some feedback on the amount of protein I need in my feed for does. I was considering a 12 0/0 protein pellet feed. Thanks, Eldon
amount of protein
- Thread starter Bruns Island Whitetails
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Joined Apr 2009
1,562 Posts | 0+
cental Pennsylvania
I use a 15% protien mix for my does in he winter so they dont burn off too much fat, but it goes to 18% in March-September along with the bucks, for fawns and antler growing season. they 12 % pellet you are considering would be ok in the winter but i would bump it up a little in the summer months.
Joined Apr 2009
2,617 Posts | 0+
Edgar, WI
We use the exact same feed for our does as we do for our bucks. The last few years we thought we had the protein at 16% and turns out it was at 14% and even lower. Like 12%. But that was NOT what we wanted. We are now back at 16%. At least is BETTER BE! We don't change the feed at all for the seasons either.
We also don't mess with calcium levels or anything else. The only thing I do is run a higher Vit A than most people do.
This plan seems to do just fine for out bucks and does
We also don't mess with calcium levels or anything else. The only thing I do is run a higher Vit A than most people do.
This plan seems to do just fine for out bucks and does
Joined Aug 2009
432 Posts | 0+
Illinois
We were running 18% pellets for does and 20% pellets for bucks during the summer...and then a mix for winter (50% 18% pellets mixed with 25% corn and 25% oats).
We are about to switch to a new feed that a friend has been using year round with really good results and if I recall correctly, it's a 20% pellet.
We are about to switch to a new feed that a friend has been using year round with really good results and if I recall correctly, it's a 20% pellet.
Joined Apr 2009
1,485 Posts | 0+
Vaughn, MT 59487
I really believe we need to feed a 20% pellet. My thinking for this is wild deer are able to pick the best food. The tips of clover, alfalfa and tree leaves. These items could be as high at 30 % protein if not more. Most deer are kept in pens with limited food choices. Grass will not give the deer these high of food protein sources. The better feed should come in the pellet. Then in winter we need to give a grain also to produce a good heat source.
We feed a 20% texted feed to both the bucks and does year round. Jack is right on the forage that wild deer have compared to pen raised deer.
Roger, I wouldn't change a thing if I were you. Except for call Jenny for Updraft....lol
Roger, I wouldn't change a thing if I were you. Except for call Jenny for Updraft....lol
We like to keep the protein around 18% here and keep it the same for bucks and does and the same year round.
Joined Aug 2009
432 Posts | 0+
Illinois
Hey Holly, Glad to see you getting on here. I'm hoping to see your pictures before too long. I know they will be great. Thanks everybody for their input. Just because my tag says 18%, I really wonder if that is a fully digestable protein or not. All 18 %??? Eldon
Eldon- Thanks! Pics will be coming soon if I can talk David into it
You can send a sample to Custom Laboratory Inc. and get an exact breakdown. TRUST me, the label is not always correct! I can fax or email you the submission forms if you are interested, just et me know.
You can send a sample to Custom Laboratory Inc. and get an exact breakdown. TRUST me, the label is not always correct! I can fax or email you the submission forms if you are interested, just et me know.