Tag: Forage

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), concentrates made up about a quarter of all animal feed globally in the mid-1980s. While all concentrates are a type of feed, not all feeds are concentrates. Understanding the difference between feed and concentrate is crucial for balancing livestock diets for optimal health and productivity.

According to the National Research Council, a feed is classified as roughage if its crude fiber content is a minimum of 18% on a dry matter basis. This fundamental measurement of fibrous, slowly-degradable material is what distinguishes a feed as roughage and sets it apart from more nutrient-dense concentrate feeds.

According to USDA research, cows fed red clover silage achieved a 10% increase in feed efficiency and greater energy value compared to those fed alfalfa. For many farmers, deciding which of these two powerhouse legumes to plant is a critical choice that hinges on specific environmental factors and livestock needs.

Feeding costs can account for over 50% of the total expenses on a dairy farm, making ration formulation a critical factor for profitability. A typical dairy ration is a precisely balanced blend of forages, grains, protein supplements, minerals, and vitamins, carefully managed to meet the cow's specific nutritional needs at different stages of her life cycle.

Roughages are defined as feeds with high crude fiber content, typically over 18%. This high fiber concentration directly impacts their nutritional value, raising the crucial question: are roughages higher fiber lower digestibility?

Overlooking the water content in animal feed can lead to significant miscalculations in nutrient intake, impacting animal health and performance. Converting 'as fed' nutrient values to a 'dry matter' basis removes the diluting effect of water, allowing for accurate nutritional comparisons across different types of feed.

In many arid regions, edible cactus species are a traditional source of food, prized for their hydrating and nutritious properties. The prickly pear cactus, in particular, offers both edible pads (nopales) and sweet fruits (tunas). So, is it good to eat cactus raw? The answer depends heavily on identification, preparation, and consuming the correct parts of the plant.

Across different species, dietary fibre is a crucial component of a healthy diet, with studies showing that optimal fiber intake can improve overall digestive health and performance. So, what feeds have a high amount of fibre, and how can these ingredients benefit your animals?

Over 1.2 billion tons of compound feed are produced annually for the global animal feed trade, illustrating the massive scale of animal nutrition. Yet, this diverse market relies on specific terminology beyond the simple phrase "animal food," with names varying significantly based on context and species.

Roughages are an essential component of most herbivore diets, providing the necessary fiber for proper digestion, with some sources containing over 90% dry matter while others remain high in moisture. Understanding the distinct types is crucial for optimizing animal nutrition, as each form offers different nutritional and physical characteristics depending on how it is harvested and preserved. The three main forms are dry roughages, silages, and pastures.