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Last Updated on June 15, 2021
Just as the name directly alludes to, animal feed is the food given to domestic animals. At all times, quality animal feed is important for keeping the health of animals in pristine condition. Some examples of the most common types of feeds are pet food, dog food, pig farming, poultry feed, cattle feeding, sheep husbandry, bird food, cat food, and equine nutrition.
In general, the classifications of animal feed fall under the following groupings.
Forage
Forage is a plant grown specifically for grazing livestock in an enclosed place. This process of grazing directly on the plants is usually known as foraging. Forage is different from fodder which is first harvested and fed to the animals in bales and bunches. The most common compositions of forage include alfalfa, corn, legumes, oats, and grasses, etc.
Compound feed
Compound feed, which is an assortment of different raw materials and additives made to suit the needs of a specific animal is a favorite for a lot of commercial farmers. Compound feed is also referred to as feedstuffs and comes in the form of crumbles and pellets. While they can be depended fully to reach the nutritional requirements of specific animals, they can also be used to supplement some diets with additional minerals and vitamins.
Fodder
Fodder is mainly made up of grains, hay, and straw, and is often fed to horses, cattle, goats, pigs, and sheep. While animals can forage plants for themselves, that which is cut and fed to them is also referred to as fodder. So while it is confused with forage, it differs because the plants are already harvested before the animals feed on them.
Importance of animal feed
Each animal feed is formulated differently, which is why the benefits of each of them differ. Here are two major importance of animal feeds.
Nutrients
This is the biggest benefit of animal feed since they are primarily made to provide a certain nutritional value to animals. The market is filled with different animal feeds with different nutrient contents because every animal has different requirements. While animal feeds keep animal health in check, they also help to improve the quality of products you get from them.
Medicine
Some types of animal feeds are specially made to work as medicine for the animals. Instead of administering medicine directly to animals, the medicine is digested together with the animal feed hence giving faster results.
Take home
Each type of animal feed has its own nutritional value and other benefits. Make it your responsibility to do due diligence on your end before buying any animal feed for your animals to ensure that you are feeding them what they need. If you are looking for a reliable seller, you can conveniently shop for animal feed on https://www.newheritagefeedco.com/. It is vital to check if the animal feed you intend to buy is approved by your local regulatory body. This guarantees the safety and quality of the feeds, and it is also important to consult with your vet before making a purchase.
