Whole Grain
Poultry Feeds
What's the Scoop?
Organic and Non-GMO Whole Grain Feeds
While visiting many feed stores, I have noticed that “whole grain” poultry feeds seem to attract people due to the fact that they fall under “non-processed” rations. As the President and owner of Bar ALE, Inc., I believe we have a responsibility not only to supply our customer’s demands, but also to meet the nutritional requirements of the animals we feed.
Bar ALE is passionate about making great feed, and we continually strive to be the best feed company we can be. Regarding “whole grain” poultry feeds, I have several concerns about the feed’s ability to do a fair job meeting the nutritional demands of these birds. There are two important terms I would like to address that are either misunderstood or misrepresented when discussing poultry feed and feed utilization.
1. “Processed”
We need to be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water. The truth is that all food is processed, either by your ability to chew it, or your body role in digesting it using bacteria in the GI tract. During digestion, these bacteria, also called “gut flora” or “microbiome", help with digestion. Parts of the nervous and circulatory systems also play roles in the digestive process. Together, a combination of nerves, hormones, bacteria, blood, and the organs of the digestive system complete the complex task of digesting the foods and liquids a person consumes each day.
2. Particle Size
This is a huge problem in the poultry feed industry. Whole grains in poultry feed, due to their size, will separate from each other, giving your birds an inconsistent diet, as well as letting birds select the certain grains they prefer: This results in an unbalanced protein/carbohydrate ratio. Even more importantly, vitamins and minerals in the feed need to be very well distributed in order to be consumed by the animal in a safe and nutritious manner. These minerals are often very concentrated and are added to a ration at only 3-5 pounds per ton. The best means of evenly distributing feed ingredients, as well as ensuring consistency and traceability, is to use a piece of equipment called a “ribbon mixer” during the manufacturing process.
A whole grain poultry diet can, and will lead to less intake; small birds, especially, can suffer a jeopardized immune system, causing the need for antibiotics. This is 
something we would like to avoid. No one would serve a T-bone steak and whole squash to a newborn baby, simply because their body needs the food to be processed in order to digest it. The processing of poultry feed consists of grinding and pelleting, as well as crumbling. These processes are mechanical processes, and can include heating with steam. These are very basic processes that do not diminish the nutrients in the feed, as some would claim. These processes do, however, require a major cost investment, often in the millions of dollars. This method of manufacturing poultry feed has been deemed valuable to all commercial flocks for the last 60 years.
Some manufacturers state that “a raw, whole grain feed is nutritionally superior to highly processed products.” This is not only an inaccurate statement, but also very misleading. These manufacturers not only admit to the large amount of inedible "fines" in whole grain feeds, but recommend adding oatmeal (a “processed” product) and water to the fines to aid in consumption. By their own admission, these ‘fines’ are “the added protein, probiotics, vitamins and minerals that support an animal’s health and development ”; these particles were formulated to be consumed evenly in the complete ration. Another important factor to consider is the amount of wasted feed, and in turn, the higher feed bill associated with these products.
We understand our customers are looking for the highest nutritional value in their poultry feeds, and we encourage you to compare any marketing information with real-world data. We always recommend getting professional advice from a qualified nutritionist, as well as reviewing the peer reviewed research from the last 60 years of poultry health and nutritional performance.
Bar ALE is well equipped to manufacture whole grain poultry feeds, as we have a segregated whole grain plant that handles certified organic products, wild bird feeds, and scratch products (for birds that are not in meat or egg production). Making just a whole grain poultry feed "alternative" would be considerably less expensive, perhaps even half the price of what other “unprocessed” poultry layer feeds are being sold for. However, in order to stay true to our commitment to optimum animal performance and nutrition, we cannot in good conscience market these products as superior alternatives. We highly recommend poultry feeds that are either pelleted, crumbled, or in a mixed, ground mash.
BAR ALE ORGANIC & NON-GMO INGREDIENTS
WHAT ARE “GMOS” AND WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT THEM?
GMO is short for Genetically Modified Organism. In agriculture, genetic modification is used to increase yields, to strengthen resistance to pests or disease, and to make them unaffected by common herbicides. There are many different reasons people object to the use of GMOs, from general principle to the risk of “genetic drift.”
DOES BAR ALE FEED HAVE GMOS IN IT?
Bar ALE carries a full line of 100% certified organic products, which is the very best way to safeguard against GMOs and GMO contamination. Our ingredients are backed up by certification at every step along the way, from the seeds to the cropland, and even the trucks that transport the ingredients, to ensure that there is no contamination. We also carry a full line of feed products with conventionally grown ingredients that have a track record of performance, success, and nutritional excellence at every level.
WHAT IS “NON-GMO” FEED?
Feed and other products that claim to be non-GMO (but without organic certification) do not have any legal binding to that claim. In addition there is nothing noted in that claim about the use of chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other petroleum-based additives in the soil upkeep and in the feed itself. Many vitamin and mineral supplements are petroleum-derived, but this is strictly prohibited in organics. Bar ALE goes far beyond the industry standard for "Non-GMO" labeled feeds in regards to ingredient testing, vendor qualifications, and NOP compliant equipment cleanouts and material handling.
HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT "ORGANIC" OR "NON-GMO" FEED HAS NOT BEEN CONTAMINATED BY GMOS?
Beyond our organic certification, Bar ALE tests ingredients on a regular basis to ensure that our farmers, suppliers, and transporters are maintaining the highest standards. In addition, our farmers stagger their planting schedules and maintain protective buffer zones to protect their crops from cross-contamination with GMOs and chemicals. Our "GMO Tests" use a computer to compare the proteins of the ingredient with all known strains of genetically modified DNA available on the market. In addition to our National Organic Program Certification, we are the first in the state of California to receive the "Good Manufacturing Practices Certificate" that acknowledges our committment to excellence in feed manufacturing.
ORGANIC 101
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORGANIC AND OTHER LABELS LIKE “NATURAL?”
While “organic” is a label which has strict federal regulations regarding its use, there are no such requirements for the term, “natural.” Products labelled as organic must be made without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetic modification, or irradiation. Special consideration is paid to issues like crop rotation and soil development. There are no such limitations or restrictions placed on products labelled as “natural.” In short, when you buy a product that carries the USDA organic seal, you know what you’re getting. With a “natural” product, your guess is as good as any.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FEED THAT’S CERTIFIED ORGANIC AND ONE THAT’S GMO-FREE?
They are most definitely not the same thing. While all organic feed is GMO-free, not all GMO-free feed is organic. A GMO-free feed that is not certified organic will contain ingredients produced with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The same care given to sustainable soil development, water resource management, and wildlife preservation in organic agriculture is absent in conventional agriculture. While being GMO-free is an important element to the organic certification, it is a part of a holistic practice of agriculture, not the entirety of it.
WHY SHOULD I FEED MY ANIMALS ORGANIC FEED FROM BAR ALE'S FEED MILL?
First of all, the certified organic ingredients we use are of the highest quality and nutritional value. Our feeds are milled fresh and therefore have the highest nutritional content. Each feed is specifically formulated for the nutritional needs of the animal to ensure optimum health, growth, and performance.
Organic 17% Layer Pak Pellet is made from all natural, Certified Organic ingredients.
- with Cracked Corn & Oyster Shells
A COMPLETE FEED FORMULATED FOR LAYING HENS Guaranteed Analysis
- Certified Organic
- 17% Protein
- 2.4% Fat
- 4.8% Fiber
- Organic Corn and Organic Soybean meal based to maximize feed palatability and efficiency
- Balanced amino acid levels to promote optimum performance, including Lysine
- Contains natural Oyster Shell, a great calcium source, and gravel for the gizzard, to help with digestion
- Diatomaceous Earth
- Dry Apex® Poultry is a blend of specific plant extracts formulated to encourage feed intake and improve performance in poultry. Mixed botanical extracts derived from anise, garlic, horseradish, juniper berry, thyme and cayenne pepper.
- Diamond V® XPC GREEN - An OMRI listed yeast culture product proven to maximize feed performance, digestibility, and overall animal health. Click HERE to read more on the benefits of adding Diamond V® yeast to your feeding program.
NET WT. 20 LBS (9.09 kg), 40 LBS (18.14 kg) Manufactured by Bar ALE, Inc. Available in Pellet Form (1175-20,1175-40)
Organic Ground Corn, Organic Soybean Meal, Organic Wheat Millrun, Organic Cracked Corn, Oyster Shells, Calcium Carbonate, hydrated calcium potassium sodium aluminosilicates, Monocalcium Phosphate, Sodium Chloride, Diatomaceous Earth Montmorillonite., Choline Chloride, Phytase from Aspergillus niger,Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Oxide, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Selenium, Vitamin E Oil, Vitamin E Adsorbate, D-CA Pantothenate, Vitamin A 650, Basic Copper Chloride, Vitamin D3 500, Biotin, Riboflavin, Vitamin K MSBC, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Eddi, Vitamin B12, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and the media, DL-Methionine Dry, organic garlic granules, organic horseradish powder, organic star anise oil, organic juniper berry oil. Crude Protein (Min) 17.0% Crude Fat (Min) 2.4% Crude Fiber (Min) 4.8% Lysine (Max) 0.88% Ash (Max) 12.5% Calcium (Min) 3.0% Calcium (Max) 4.0% Phosphorus (Min) 0.65% Sodium (Max) 0.21%
Feed free choice as the sole ration starting at 16 weeks of age. WARNING: DO NOT FEED TO SHEEP. THIS FEED CONTAINS ADDED COPPER. COPPER LEVELS IN THIS FEED ARE UNSAFE FOR SHEEP. Ingredients
Guaranteed Analysis
Feeding Instructions
Be sure to provide adequate feeder space and have fresh, clean water available at all time
Organic 17% Hi-Energy Layer feed is made from all natural, Certified Organic ingredients.
A COMPLETE FEED FORMULATED FOR LAYING HENS
- Certified Organic
- 17% Protein
- 2.5% Fat
- 6.0% Fiber
- Now available in Mini-Pellet
- Organic Corn and Organic Soybean Meal based to maximize feed palatability and efficiency
- Balanced amino acid levels to promote optimum performance, including Lysine
- Contains natural Oyster Shell, a great calcium source, and gravel for the gizzard, to help with digestion
- Diatomaceous Earth
- Dry Apex® Poultry is a blend of specific plant extracts formulated to encourage feed intake and improve performance in poultry. Mixed botanical extracts derived from anise, garlic, horseradish, juniper berry, thyme and cayenne pepper.
- Diamond V® XPC Green - organic yeast product optimizes feed efficiency and overall health
- (NEW!) Organic ORO GLO® - an organically grown marigold product for rich egg yolk color and skin pigmentation, as well as natural antioxidant properties
NET WT. 40 LBS (18.14 kg) Manufactured by Bar ALE, Inc. Available as Crumble (0954-40) and Mini-Pellet (0955-40)
(Mini-Pellet Shown) Organic Ground Corn, Organic Soybean Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Bentonite, Monocalcium Phosphate, Diatomaceous earth, Sodium Chloride, Organic Dried Seaweed Meal, Choline Chloride, Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Ferrous Sulfate, Limestone Ground, Zinc Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Vitamin E Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Copper Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Basic Copper Chloride, Soybean Oil, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Menadione Dimethylpyrimidinol Bisulfite, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Ethylendianmine Dihydroiodide, Folic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Yeast Culture, DL-Methionine, Sodium Bicarbonate, organic garlic granules, organic horseradish powder, organic star anise oil, organic juniper berry oil, Organic Aztec Marigold, Organic Dried Kelp, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Brewers dried yeast, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Bifidobacterium longum fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract. Crude Protein (Min) 17.0% Crude Fat (Min) 2.5% Crude Fiber (Min) 6.0% Lysine (Max) 0.85% Methionine (Min) 0.4% Ash (Max) 13.0% Calcium (Min) 3.0% Calcium (Max) 4.0% Phosphorus (Min) 0.5% Feed free choice as the sole ration starting at 16 weeks of age. WARNING: DO NOT FEED TO SHEEP. THIS FEED CONTAINS ADDED COPPER. COPPER LEVELS IN THIS FEED ARE UNSAFE FOR SHEEP. Ingredients
Guaranteed Analysis
Feeding Instructions
Be sure to provide adequate feeder space and have fresh, clean water available at all time
Organic 22% Chick & Broiler is a Certified Organic, Non-GMO ration. A complete feed formulated for starting and growing chicks
- Certified Organic
- 22% Protein
- 3.0% Fat
- 5.0% Fiber
- Certified Organic and Non-GMO
- Diamond V® XPC GREEN
- Dry Apex® Poultry is a blend of specific plant extracts formulated to encourage feed intake and improve performance in poultry. Mixed botanical extracts derived from anise, garlic, horseradish, juniper berry, thyme and cayenne pepper.
- Comes in 40lbs and 10lbs
0960-10, 0960-40
NET WT. 10 LBS (4.54 kg), 40 LBS (18.14 kg) Manufactured by Bar ALE, Inc.
Organic Ground Corn, Organic Soybean Meal, Organic Wheat Millrun, Crude Protein (Min) 22.0% Crude Fat (Min) 3.0% Crude Fiber (Min) 5.0% Ash (Max) 8.0% Lysine (Min) 1.3% Methionine (Min) 0.5% Calcium (Min) 1.0% Calcium (Max) 1.6% Phosphorus (Min) 0.7% 1. Feed chick Starter Crumbles free choice as the sole ration to growing chickens up to 16 weeks of age. Provide fresh clean water at all times. WARNING: DO NOT FEED TO SHEEP. THIS FEED CONTAINS ADDED COPPER AT 21.49 MG/KG. COPPER LEVELS IN THIS FEED ARE UNSAFE FOR SHEEP. Ingredients
Guaranteed Analysis
Feeding Instructions
Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Sodium Chloride,
Diatomaceous earth, Choline Chloride, Aspergillus Niger Fermentation
Extract, Ferrous Sulfate, Limestone Ground, Zinc Proteinate,
Selenium Yeast, Vitamin E Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Zinc
Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Copper Sulfate, DCalcium
Pantothenate, Basic Copper Chloride, Soybean Oil,
Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Menadione
Dimethylpyrimidinol Bisulfite, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride,
Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Ethylendianmine
Dihydroiodide, Folic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, DL-Methionine,
Yeast Culture, organic garlic granules, organic horseradish powder,
organic star anise oil, organic juniper berry oil, Hydrolyzed yeast,
Yeast extract, Zinc proteinate, Brewers dried yeast, Dried
Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus
casei fermentation product, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation
product, Dried Bifidobacterium longum fermentation product, Dried
Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract, Organic Dried Seaweed Meal.
2. Store Chick Starter Crumbles in a cool, dry area. Never feed moldy or insect-infested feeds.
Bar ALE also offers a Certified Organic and Non-GMO line of products for poultry, beef and a multi-species, all-purpose mix.
BAR ALE ORGANIC & NON-GMO INGREDIENTS
WHAT ARE “GMOS” AND WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT THEM?
GMO is short for Genetically Modified Organism. In agriculture, genetic modification is used to increase yields, to strengthen resistance to pests or disease, and to make them unaffected by common herbicides. There are many different reasons people object to the use of GMOs, from general principle to the risk of “genetic drift.”
Bar ALE poultry feeds are formulated to supply the optimal nutrients and vitamins your flock requires.
Quality Ingredients: At Bar ALE, we understand the importance of quality, optimum nutrition in our animal's life, but we don't stop there. We consider the source and quality of our ingredients to ensure the highest level of consistency, quality, and potency in every bag.
Proven Formulations: We know that great ingredients are not enough. For over 50 years, we have been passionate about developing formulations that would keep your animals in optimum shape, while keeping them coming back for more.
Consistent Manufacturing: We work with some of the best vendors in the industry to ensure that our products provide you with the consistency you need, and the quality you deserve. We carefully sample all of our products regularly to ensure specific standards are met. We are passionate about improving not only our formulations, but the manufacturing of our feed to deliver better results, every time.
All of our poultry feeds are formulated with decades of experience to exceed customer expectations and industry standards. All of our poultry products contain:
- All-Natural Vegetable Protein: Our poultry products are free of all animal proteins and fats, and contain only natural plant proteins. This ensures that your birds are kept in optimal health and performance.
- Superior Nutrition: We use only the highest quality ingredients in our poultry feeds, and avoid fiber by-products and cheap fillers. Quality proteins are digested and absorbed more efficiently, potentially reducing your feeding costs.
- Essential Amino Acids: We guarantee a balanced amino acid profile to ensure proper growth, optimal performance, and overall health.
- Complete Formulations: Our poultry feeds are formulated with complete nutrition in mind. We provide a nutritious, vegetarian diet that needs no supplementation.
- Marigold Extract: We use high levels of xanthophyll, a natural coloring agent derived from marigolds, for brightly-colored beaks, shanks, and yolk color.
- Alltech Bioplex®: Organic chelated minerals for optimum health. Go to http://www.alltech.com/product/bioplex for more information about Alltech's poultry nutrition.
- Lacto-mos®: Contains a source of live (viable) naturally occurring microorganisms to maintain a healthy digestive activity.
- Apex® Botanicals: Our Certified organic poultry feeds contain Dry Apex® Poultry a blend of specific plant extracts formulated to encourage feed intake and improve performance in poultry by boosting digestion, preventing oxidative damage to the intestine and ensuring a healthy microbiota. Mixed botanical extracts derived from anise, garlic, horseradish, juniper berry, thyme and cayenne pepper.
