Animal Feeds in livestock nutrition. An introduction

Animal feeds, also known as livestock feeds, are materials that are consumed by animals to provide them with the necessary nutrients for their growth, maintenance, and overall health. Animal feeds are essential for the proper nutrition and well-being of livestock, such as cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, and other farm animals.

1. ANIMAL FEEDS BY FAITH V CHISADZA

2. WHAT ARE ANIMAL FEEDS Animal feeds, also known as livestock feeds, are materials that are consumed by animals to provide them with the necessary nutrients for their growth, maintenance, and overall health. Animal feeds are essential for the proper nutrition and well-being of livestock, such as cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, and other farm animals.

3. RANGELAND PLANTS The following are examples of sources of animal feeds are; Grasses and Grasslike Plants e.g. Sedges and rushes Herbaceous Broadleaf Plants e.g. Legumes Shrubs and Woody Plants e.g. Bitterbrush Succulents and Cact e.g. Prickly pear cactus  

4. PASTURE PLANTS - Grasses: Perennial grasses like timothy, orchardgrass , fescue, and bluegrass provide high-quality grazing for livestock. - Legumes: Clovers (red, white, alsike), alfalfa, and birdsfoot trefoil are legumes that fix nitrogen, improve soil fertility, and provide protein-rich forage. - Mixed Pastures: Combining grasses and legumes creates a balanced, nutrient-dense pasture

5. FODDER CROPS refer to the plants or plant parts that are grown specifically to be used as food for livestock, such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and other animals.   Types of Fodder Crops: Common fodder crops include grasses (e.g., alfalfa, clover, timothy, ryegrass), legumes (e.g., soybeans, peas, vetch), and cereal crops (e.g., corn, sorghum, oats, barley).

6. FORAGE CROPS - Grasses: Corn, sorghum, sudangrass , and small grains like wheat, oats, and barley can be harvested as forage. - Legumes: Alfalfa, clovers, and soybeans are commonly grown as forage crops. - Brassicas: Turnips, rape, and kale provide high-energy, high-protein forage, especially in fall/winter. - Root Crops: Carrots, beets, and turnips can be used as supplemental forage.

7. CEREALS are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for livestock. They also contain varying amounts of protein, fiber, and other nutrients depending on the specific crop. The nutritional value of cereal grains can be enhanced through processing, such as grinding, rolling, or steam-flaking . Cereal grains are often blended with other feed ingredients, such as protein sources, to create balanced livestock rations e.g. corn

8. OILSEEDS Oilseeds like soybean, rapeseed/canola, sunflower, and peanut are rich in protein, making them a valuable protein supplement in animal diets. The protein in oilseeds is highly digestible and provides essential amino acids required by animals. Oilseeds also contain fiber, which is important for maintaining gut health and proper digestion in animals. Sunflower meal and peanut meal are other oilseed-based feed ingredients used in animal diets.

9. ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS Animal by-products refer to the parts of slaughtered animals that are not intended for human consumption, such as offal, bones, blood, and fats . These by-products can be processed and included as ingredients in animal feed for livestock, pets, and other animals. Using animal by-products in feed can be an efficient way to utilize the whole animal and reduce food waste . The use of animal by-products in feed is regulated to ensure food and feed safety. Regulations vary by region and country. Proper processing and treatment of animal by-products is required to inactivate potential pathogens and contaminants before inclusion in feed. Feed manufacturers must follow strict safety and quality control protocols when incorporating animal by-products.  Using animal by-products in feed can be a cost-effective way to supplement animal diets with protein, fats, and other nutrients. However , there are some concerns over potential disease transmission and consumer perceptions about "animal cannibalism" in feed.

10. FEED ADDITIVES Feed additives are substances added to animal feed to improve the quality, performance, or characteristics of the feed or the animals consuming it. Some common types of feed additives include : Vitamins and Minerals:Vitamins A, D, E, and B-complex Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and trace minerals Live microorganisms (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) that promote gut healthAntioxidants:Compounds that prevent oxidation and spoilage of feed Acidifiers:Organic acids that help maintain a healthy gut Ph Flavors and Attractants:Compounds that make feed more palatable to animals The use of feed additives is regulated by government agencies to ensure their safety and efficacy. Farmers and feed manufacturers must follow guidelines and obtain the necessary approvals before using these products. The specific additives used can vary depending on the animal species, production goals, and local regulations.

11. Picture of cows feeding on forage feed

12. Image of livestock feeding on legumes

13. Image of livestock feeding on feed additives