Tag: Feed ingredients

Historically, protein was considered the most expensive nutrient in feed rations, often dominating the total cost of ingredients. However, modern feed formulation, market dynamics, and the inclusion of concentrated additives have created a more complex picture for determining which nutrient truly holds the title of most costly.

According to the FAO, world production of oilseed cakes and meals exceeded 400 million metric tons in 2021/22, a vast supply of agricultural byproduct. This indicates a significant and accessible protein source, but are oil cakes a good source of protein for consumption, and what are their limitations?

Soybean meal represents two-thirds of the total world output of protein feedstuffs, making it a critical global commodity. For this reason, understanding how and why is soybean meal classified is crucial for producers, traders, and animal nutritionists. Its classification depends mainly on its protein and fiber content, which are direct results of its manufacturing process.

Proper classification of feedstuffs is essential for efficient nutrition management, ensuring a balanced diet that meets the specific needs of different livestock species. In animal husbandry, understanding the core classifications is the first step toward formulating balanced and cost-effective diets. What are the three types of feed ingredients? They are broadly categorized as roughages, concentrates, and supplements/additives.

According to a 2025 report, China’s food ingredients market is on a robust growth trajectory, expected to reach approximately $54.12 billion by 2034, underscoring its pivotal role in the global supply chain. This market dominance confirms that a vast array of the world's micro ingredients, essential for various industries, are indeed made in China.

Concentrate feeds are known to have a nutrient density exceeding 60% total digestible nutrients, a key reason why farmers rely on them to provide essential energy, protein, and micro-nutrients, explaining precisely what does feed concentrate contain. This potent mix is designed to complement the roughage-based diets of livestock, ensuring animals receive all the necessary building blocks for healthy development and high productivity.

Founded in 1975, Nutra Blend has evolved from a manufacturer of premixes to become one of the largest agricultural feed ingredient suppliers in the U.S.. This comprehensive overview explains the full scope of their operations and contributions to the animal nutrition market.

Good quality fish meal contains between 60% and 72% crude protein, making it one of the most concentrated and digestible protein sources available for animal feed. This makes understanding what is fish meal high in crucial for nutritionists and farmers seeking to maximize livestock health and growth.

Whole cottonseed typically contains around 22–24% protein on a dry matter basis, making it a valuable feedstuff for livestock. However, the exact percentage of cottonseed is protein can fluctuate based on factors like the cotton variety and how the seed is processed.

According to feed manufacturers, feed typically accounts for 60% to 70% of the total cost in animal production, making quality a critical factor. Identifying what are the 4 characteristics of high quality feeds can help ensure a balanced diet, support optimal health, and maximize profitability for livestock operations.