The farmer tracked 3 separate groups of birds throughout the trial, with monthly weights recorded using digital scales. The farmer recorded feed consumption and costs throughout the trial.

All chicks started on Blue Mountain 20% Chick Starter Crumble for the first 6 weeks. Then, Blue Mountain 20% Grower pellets mixed gradually with the starter crumbles, with the transition of the chicks made from BM Grower pellet completed by 8 weeks of age. Gradually, at the age of 3-4 months, the farmer introduced the chicks to the Blue Mountain 32% Feedlot Supplement mixed according to Blue Mountain recommendations for the Grower diet. The recommended ingredients to be mixed with the 32% Feedlot Supplement are 17% Crude Protein Alfalfa pellets and whole yellow Corn (maize). By month 5, the chick’s diet was 50% Blue Mountain Grower pellet and 50% Blue Mountain Feedlot Supplement mix.

GROUP ONE:
This is a small group of birds that have tremendous genetic potential for slaughter birds. With proper nutrition, the genetic potential of these birds should be impressive. They are Blues and were hatched 06/02/96.

GROUP TWO:
This group is average Blues with a mix of males and females. They were hatched 07/04/96.

GROUP THREE:
This group is average Blues with a mix of males and females. They were hatched 07/22/96.

Wagoner Test Birds	Wagoner Test Birds

Wagoner Test Birds	Wagoner Test Birds

Wagoner Test Birds	Wagoner Test Birds

The above test weight period from 12/20/96 through 01/30/97 included extreme cold weather at the ranch. Out of the 42 days in this period, only 10 days were above 25 degrees F. according to the ranchers record. Weather extremes reached a maximum of -50 degrees below zero F.

Wagoner Test Farm	Wagoner Test Farm

The above test weight period from 01/30/97 through 03/04/97 included extreme cold weather at the ranch. There was also a considerable amount of snow with lots of ice on the ground.

Weighing Test Birds	Weighing Test Birds

Comments:

No legs problems or feed consumptions problems are apparent in any of the groups. One chick was lost from group 2 at one month of age because of a cat chasing chicks--its neck was broken from being trampled.