Farm animal feed is a mixture of different ingredients that provide the nutrients that farm animals need to survive and grow. The proportions of each nutrient in the feed vary, as do the ingredients themselves, depending on the type of animal being fed and the purpose of the feed. Proper storage is also important, as some ingredients can spoil quickly. Understanding animal feeds ingredients and why they matter is critical for anyone raising animals for meat or dairy production.
In this article, we will discuss the main ingredients and nutrients in farm animal feed
The main ingredients in farm animal feed
The main ingredients in farm animal feed are often grouped into key groups necessary to prepare a complete portion. This is to ensure that your animals get the nutrients they need in each food group. Note that these are just some of the most frequently used feed ingredients by many livestock farmers.
Energy sources
These are high-carbohydrate feeds that provide energy to your animals.
Corn is usually one of the main components used in farm animal feed, comprising approximately half of the total feed mixture. Corn provides a dependable source of carbohydrates, and is also packed with other nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In recent years, farmers have been feeding their poultry genetically modified corn grits which provide even more nutrients than regular corn does.
However, some farmers are searching for alternatives like cassava grits, which have a double disadvantage of low protein and the requirement for processing to remove antinutritional components.
Other energy sources used in farm animal feed include wheat, barley, oats, and sorghum. These grains are also high in carbohydrates and provide a good source of energy for animals. In some cases, these grains may be processed into flour or meal form before being added to the feed mixture.
Protein sources
These feeds provide the nitrogen necessary for muscle growth and repair as well as other body functions. Legumes like soybeans and field peas are common protein sources used in animal feed mixtures because they contain a high amount of degradable protein. The animal’s digestive system can then break down the proteins into amino acids and use them for energy.
Other protein sources used in farm animal feed include cottonseed meal, canola meal, and sunflower meal. These meals are made by grinding up the seeds of these plants and then removing the oil. What’s left behind is a high-protein meal that’s perfect for farm animals. Sometimes, meat and bone meals are used in animal feed as protein sources. These meals are made by grinding up meat and bones from slaughterhouses and rendering plants.
Fat sources
Fats are a concentrated source of energy and are essential for many body functions. They also help improve the taste, smell, and appearance of finished products like meat and milk. The most common fat sources used in animal feed are rendered animal fats, vegetable oils, and soybean oil.
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential for many body functions, including metabolism, growth, reproduction, and immunity. They’re often added to farm animal feed to ensure that animals get the nutrients they need. The most common vitamins and minerals used in animal feed include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, and phosphorus.
Farm animal feed can also contain other ingredients like antibiotics, growth hormones, and mycotoxins. These are added to the feed to prevent disease or promote growth. However, many people argue about the safety of these additives and if they should be used at all.
Before you give your animals any supplement, it’s crucial to know what each ingredient is for and why it’s used. This will help you make sure that your animals are getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and produce high-quality meat and milk products.
