Category: Livestock feed

Over 100 years ago, the TDN system was developed as a metric for estimating the energy value of feedstuffs, and it remains a commonly used tool in livestock nutrition today. Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) represents the sum of all digestible nutrients within a feed, providing a valuable estimate of the energy an animal can derive from its diet.

Approximately 60-70% of a typical dairy cow's diet is comprised of carbohydrates. Basal energy feed, often referred to as a carbohydrate concentrate, is a high-energy animal feed that provides the necessary sugars and starches to power the vital functions of livestock and other animals. These feeds are low in crude fiber, low in protein, and are highly digestible to provide an efficient source of calories.

Did you know that beet pulp is a fibrous byproduct left over after sugar is extracted from sugar beets? Contrary to its name, the resulting pulp is very low in sugar and serves as an excellent, highly digestible fiber source for many animals, including horses, cattle, and dogs.

Bakery meal, a feed ingredient derived from surplus bakery products, exhibits significant variability in nutrient content, with average dry matter showing approximately 45% starch and 9-10% fat. This article explores what is the nutritional value of bakery meal and its practical use in animal diets.

Carbohydrates are the primary and most affordable energy source in most animal feed, often making up between 60% and 75% of the total dry feed weight in livestock rations. Understanding the different sources of these compounds is vital for formulating balanced diets that meet the specific energy and digestive needs of various animal species.

According to Feedipedia, sugarcane molasses on a dry matter basis has an average metabolizable energy (ME) of 9.6 MJ/kg for ruminants. This makes understanding what is the metabolic energy of molasses crucial for formulating livestock diets and maximizing feed efficiency.

Studies show that dried azolla can contain a crude protein content ranging from 19% to over 30% by dry weight, comparable to some conventional feeds like soybean meal. So, is azolla a good source of protein for various applications, or are there hidden limitations to consider before use?

Mycotoxin contamination is a widespread problem in agriculture, threatening the health and productivity of livestock worldwide. A **toxin binder** is a critical feed additive designed to mitigate these risks by trapping harmful compounds within the animal's digestive tract.

Around 50% of an animal's diet can come from roughages, including dry forms. So, what are dry roughages usually high in? Primarily, they are known for their high fiber and cellulose content.

While soybean meal is a valuable source of protein in animal feed, containing all essential amino acids, it naturally contains several anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) that can hinder nutrient utilization. These compounds are a natural defense mechanism for the plant, but if not properly managed, they can negatively impact animal health and growth performance.