Introduction  

Fermented feed has become a hot topic among backyard poultry enthusiasts, sparking lively debates and curiosity in chicken coops everywhere. Touted as a natural way to boost bird health, egg production, and overall flock performance, this age-old practice is enjoying a modern revival. With so many poultry keepers eager to give their birds the best, it’s no wonder fermented feed is capturing so much attention in the world of backyard flocks. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting out, fermenting feed is an easy step toward healthier birds and higher yields. Let’s dive into how this process works and why it could be beneficial for your flock.

What Is Fermented Chicken Feed?

Fermented chicken feed is simply regular feed that has been allowed to ferment in a controlled, air-free (anaerobic) environment. During this process, helpful microorganisms-mainly lactic acid bacteria-break down the feed without oxygen. As they work, they produce lactic and acetic acids, which lower the feed’s pH and make it more acidic. This is very different from just soaking feed in water. True fermentation is easy to recognize you’ll see bubbles, notice a sour smell, and observe the pH dropping from about 6.5 to around 4.2, all clear signs that the microbes are actively transforming the feed.

There are two main ways to ferment animal feed:

Solid-State Fermentation (SSF):

This method uses mostly dry ingredients, like grains or bran, and involves very little liquid. It produces dry, fermented feed that can be mixed into regular poultry diets. Because of the low moisture, only certain microbes-mainly fungi and a few bacteria-can thrive in this process.

Submerged Fermentation (SmF):

This approach uses wet ingredients, such as broth, molasses, or food industry by-products, to create a liquid fermented feed. Submerged fermentation is more commonly used when working with probiotics, both in research and in large-scale commercial poultry production

Advantage and Disadvantages of  Using Fermented Poultry Feed

Advantages of Fermented Feed

1. Better Gut Health and Safer Chicken Products

• Fermented feed encourages “good” bacteria in the chicken’s gut, helping keep their digestive system healthy.
• These helpful bacteria can crowd out “bad” bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter, which are known to cause illness.
• The fermentation process makes the feed more acidic, which stops dangerous bacteria (like Salmonella and E. coli) from growing.
• As a result, chickens are healthier and the meat and eggs they produce are safer for people to eat.

2. Easier Digestion and More Nutrition

• Many common chicken feeds ingredients have antinutritional factors that can decrease the digestibility of the feed.
• Fermenting the feed breaks down these antinutritional factors, so chickens can get more nutrition from their feed.
• This process also unlocks important nutrients-like phosphorus, which chickens need for strong bones.

3. Stronger, Healthier Chickens and Better Eggs

• Poultry eating fermented feed often has stronger immune systems and get sick less often.
• They usually grow better and use their feed more efficiently, which can save money for chicken keepers.
• The moist texture of fermented feed means less feed gets wasted compared to dry, dusty feed.
• Hens fed fermented feed can lay bigger eggs with stronger shells and better overall quality.
• Fermented feed may also help chickens produce more antibodies, giving them extra protection against illness.

Disadvantages and Risks of Fermented Feed

1. Mold and mycotoxins.

If the fermentation process is not properly managed particularly if the pH does not drop sufficiently (around 4.5) the moist environment can promote mold growth and the production of mycotoxins. These toxic compounds, produced by certain molds, are often undetectable by sight or smell and can be harmful to poultry even at low levels. Exposure to mycotoxins may lead to reduced feed intake, poor growth, weakened immune function, and in severe cases, organ damage or mortality. The severity of the effects depends on the type and concentration of mycotoxins present. To minimize risk, it is essential to follow proper fermentation practices, store feed in cool, dry conditions, and regularly check feed quality.

2. Nutrient loss.

Fermentation can compromise certain nutrients, such as lysine and threonine, which may degrade during the process, especially if not carefully controlled. This can reduce their availability to poultry and potentially impact growth and overall performance.

3. Spoilage and Storage Challenges

Fermented feed can spoil quickly if not properly managed. After 24 hours, changes in odor and texture, as well as residues from previous batches, can make the feed less appealing to birds. Any feed showing signs of mold, rotten smells, or unusual colors-especially milky or white deposits should be discarded immediately to prevent health risks. Without refrigeration or a cool, dark storage area, fermented feed is more prone to rapid spoilage, increasing the risk of harm to poultry.

4. Attraction of Flies and Insects

The moist nature and strong unpleasant odor of fermented feed can attract flies, ants, and other pests, especially in warm weather. This can create hygiene concerns and increase disease risk.

Steps for Making Fermented Chicken Feed

1. Choose and Prep Your Feed
   Use your regular poultry feed (mash, pellets, or grains). Pour into a clean, food-grade bucket or container, only halfway full to leave room for expansion.
2. Add Non-Chlorinated Water
   Pour filtered or dechlorinated water over the feed, covering it by about 1–2 inches. Avoid using chlorinated water, as it can kill beneficial bacteria.
3. Add a Starter Culture (Optional but Recommended)
   Add about 10% of a previously fermented batch, or whey as a starter to speed up fermentation process.
4. Cover and Stir
   Cover loosely with a towel or lid that allows gases to escape but keeps bugs and debris out. Stir once or twice daily to ensure even fermentation.
5. Let it Ferment
   Leave the feed at room temperature (60–75°F) for 2–3 days. It should develop a sour, yeasty smell like sourdough. If it smells rotten or has visible mold, discard it.
6. Feed Your Flock
   Strain excess water if desired and feed only what your chickens can eat in one day. Remove uneaten portions promptly to prevent spoilage and pests.
7. Storage
   Keep the fermenting container in a cool, dark place. Store any extra feed in the fridge for up to 1–2 days. Do not ferment large quantities unless you can manage storage and cleanliness properly.

   Use fermented feed as a supplement, not a full replacement for a well-balanced poultry diet

Conclusions

Fermentation is a cost-effective way to boost the nutritional value of unconventional feed ingredients for broiler chickens. When managed properly, it can enhance gut health, improve nutrient absorption, and support better overall performance in your flock. However, if the process isn’t done correctly, there’s a higher risk of mold and mycotoxin contamination, which can be harmful to poultry. If you’re unsure about your fermentation technique, it’s often safer to stick with high-quality dry feed and offer healthy treats as supplements.

References

1. Engberg, R. M., Hommershøj, M., Abousekken, M. S., Steenfeldt, S., & Jensen, B. B. (2009). Fermented feed for laying hens: Effects on egg production, egg quality, plumage condition and composition and activity of the intestinal microflora. British Poultry Science, 50(2), 228–239.
2. Guo, W., Xu, L. N., Guo, X. J., Wang, W., Hao, Q. H., Wang, S. Y., & Zhu, B. C. (2022). The impacts of fermented feed on laying performance, egg quality, immune function, intestinal morphology and microbiota of laying hens in the late laying cycle. Animal, 16(12), 100676.
3. Jefferson, N. (2023, August 10). Fermenting chicken feed: What’s the scoop? Backyard Poultry Nutrition Blog. https://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/blogs/chickens/fermenting-chicken-feed-whats-the-scoop
4. Sugiharto, S., & Ranjitkar, S. (2019). Recent advances in fermented feeds towards improved broiler chicken performance, gastrointestinal tract microecology and immune responses: A review. Animal Nutrition, 5(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2018.11.001
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