Nutritious animal feed comes in many different forms, catering to all the different kinds of farm animals and their specific dietary needs.
Finding the right type of feed for your animals is crucial for ensuring their health, growth, and well-being. Different types of feed cater to different nutritional needs and choosing the right one depends on the animal’s species, age, activity level, and health condition. In this article, we look into all the various kinds of animal feed available while understanding their benefits and applications.
- Compound Feed
Compound feeds are any single or multiple materials, whether processed, semi-processed or raw, which are intended to be fed directly to food producing animals.
Compounds normally consist of a precise combination of grains, protein sources, vitamins, and minerals, formulated to meet the specific dietary requirements of various animal species at various life stages.
- Blended Feed
Blended feeds can be defined as mingling or combining two or more ingredients or feeds, and achieve even dispersion for a homogenous mix. The process of creating blended feed can involve the mechanical mixing of various feed ingredients to ensure a balanced diet.
- Grains
Grains such as corn, oats, and barley are a common food source for livestock such as pigs, cattle and chickens. A strong source of carbohydrates, they are energy-rich and provide the necessary fuel for animals’ activities and growth.
- Pellets
Pelleted feed can be a convenient option combining various nutrients into small, easily digestible pellets. These are commonly used for rabbits and poultry and can be tailored for specific nutritional requirements, ensuring animals receive a well-rounded diet.
- Silage
Silage is a type of feed made from crops like corn, grass, or lucerne, which is then fermented. Silage is typically used to feed ruminant species such as cows and goats. The fermentation process keeps nutrients preserved and makes for a palatable feed option.
- Supplements
Sometimes, animals may need more nutrients not present in their regular feed. Supplements include the essential minerals, vitamins and amino acids that animals may need to help with any specific deficiencies or health concerns. These supplements can be mixed in with their regular feed intake or provided separately.
- Milk Replacers
Young animals that are nursing or weaning may need milk replacers, especially if they have been separated from their mothers. These formulations mimic the nutritional profile of mother’s milk and ensure proper growth and development.
By providing appropriate nutrition, you’re not only contributing to their health but also to their happiness and overall quality of life. If you’re looking to buy animal feed, have a look at this guide on where you can purchase animal feed in New Zealand, or visit Our Brands page for a list of FeedSafeNZ-accredited quality animal feed suppliers.
