Need help with feed in NW IL

Sandridge Whitetails · May 7, 2010

Recently I have had Doc Shipley up for a visit to my deer farm in an attempt to find any problem that might be causing my adult deer to die occassionally as well as way too much of my fawn crop. Doc tested my feed (corn mixed with a 38% protein pellet for dairy cattle to make 16% protein feed), and I found I needed to change my feed. My question is: Who or what would anyone recommend near me in my area (NW Illinois) to use as a feed for my deer. I have a 3 ton hopper so I of course would prefer bulk in place of bags in order to be cost effective. Will appreciate any and all advice on what to do as well as what not to do. Thanks in advance!

Would also like to thank whoever it was who recommended Dr. Shipley to me. He is quick to respond, extremely thorough in what he does, and genuinely cares for you and your deer. I recommend him highly!

Mark

Predator3 · May 7, 2010

Mark keep in mind that no all proteins are created equal. Lets say you have a 32% protein cattle pellet and a high end horse pellet that is only 22% percent protein. Your 22% pellet could have more usable protein than the 32% pellet. Your local feed mill should be able to explain this in a little more detail. I would stick with a pellet manufacture who has pellets designed for deer. You could try Form A Feed 1-800-422-3649 they make specialty whitetail feeds and ship them to your door step. You might be surprised how cheap they are.

Sandridge Whitetails · May 7, 2010

Thank you Paul for your adivce and the phone number you provided. I called Form A Feed and left a message.

Pertaining to my feed analysis, it was suppose to be 16%, yet tested only 12.35%. I hope my feed guy wasn't shorting me on protein pellets, but I have been paying for a 16% mix. I realize that the low % could just be a portion that didn't get mixed but then that would mean that somewhere else in the mix it would have to test 20% protein to balance out to 16%. That much difference would apt to be detected visually in the absence and/or over abundance of pellets. I am suspect.

Predator3 · May 8, 2010

Mark keep in mind there are two ratings for your protein, fat and fiber. First one is a dry %. That is what is advertised but actually there is a percentage of moisture in all feeds. The second one is called As Is. That is what the deer are eating. When you get a test on your feed you should see two levels Dry and As Is. Hope this helps if you still need some help give me a call 636-398-4403.

Need help with feed in NW IL

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