Category: Feed science

Gross energy, also known as the heat of combustion, is the total chemical energy released when a feedstuff is completely burned. It is the foundational measurement in feed energy evaluation for livestock and other animals, providing a starting point for assessing nutritional value. Understanding how this measurement is performed is crucial for animal nutritionists and producers.

According to animal nutrition experts, selecting nutrient-rich ingredients without considering their digestibility can lead to animal weight loss and deficiencies. Knowing what is the digestibility of a feed is therefore essential for maximizing nutrient uptake and ensuring animal welfare.

Carbohydrates are the most abundant component of most animal diets, comprising up to 70% or more of the dry matter in many feedstuffs like grains and forages. In essence, what are carbohydrates in feeds is a fundamental question for anyone involved in animal husbandry, as these organic compounds are the primary and most cost-effective source of energy for livestock. Without proper carbohydrate intake, animals can suffer from health issues and reduced productivity.

True digestibility provides a more accurate assessment of a feedstuff's nutrient value compared to apparent digestibility because it accounts for an animal's unavoidable endogenous losses. Mastering this calculation is critical for precise nutritional evaluation and effective feed formulation.

Net energy (NE) provides the most accurate measure of a feed's usable energy for productive purposes, according to research from Kansas State University. Understanding precisely **how to calculate net energy in feed** is essential for balancing livestock diets to optimize growth, lactation, and maintenance without wasting expensive resources.

Over 65% of the cost of raising livestock is attributed to feed, making energy the most expensive component in an animal's diet. This is why understanding exactly how we measure the amount of energy in feed is crucial for formulating cost-effective rations and optimizing animal health and productivity.

In feed analysis, the value for NFE carbs, or Nitrogen-Free Extract, is not measured directly but is calculated by subtracting the percentages of other nutrients from 100%. This means that NFE is an indirect estimation of the soluble, highly digestible carbohydrates, such as starches and sugars, present in an animal's diet.

Over 65% of livestock production costs come from feed. Knowing the true energy value of feedstuffs is critical for efficient animal production, making the question of how do we measure the amount of energy in a feed fundamental to modern animal nutrition science and cost management.

Over 65% of the cost associated with raising livestock is attributed to feed, making energy a critical component of the diet. Understanding the energy content of feed, particularly the metric known as metabolizable energy (ME), is crucial for animal nutritionists and producers to formulate balanced, cost-effective diets that optimize animal performance and health.

With feed costs representing a significant portion of total livestock production costs, understanding what is the difference between feed additives and feed supplements is vital for producers. This distinction helps optimize nutrition, enhance performance, and address specific animal health needs efficiently.