The feed industry plays a major role in the production of animal-based food, providing farm animals with the nutrients they need for proper growth, health, and performance. Modern feeds consist of many components that provide protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Knowledge of available feed raw materials and their properties is extremely important for both feed producers and farmers who want to ensure optimal feed quality.
Types of feed materials
Feed raw materials can be divided into plant and animal ingredients, as well as functional additives that improve the palatability and digestibility of feed. The selection of appropriate feed components is the basis for the final quality of the mixture, as well as the health and productivity of the animals.
The feed industry uses both traditional ingredients, such as cereals, vegetable meal, and dairy products, as well as modern components, such as legume proteins, maltodextrin, and specialized vitamins and minerals. Their proper use allows for the creation of mixtures tailored to the species of animal, age, growth stage, and breeding purpose, e.g., meat, milk, or egg production.
Lactose
Lactose powder is a natural milk sugar obtained from cow’s milk. The product available on the FDCM platform comes in the form of a fine white or slightly yellowish powder, with no foreign smell or taste. It is characterized by very high purity – the lactose content is at least 99%.
In the feed industry, lactose is mainly used as a source of easily digestible energy, especially in mixtures for young animals such as piglets and calves, which need readily available sugar for proper growth and development. Lactose also increases the palatability of feed and supports the development of intestinal microflora.
Pea protein
Pea protein is increasingly used as an alternative source of vegetable protein in feed. It is highly digestible and has an adequate content of amino acids essential for animal growth. It is used in feed mixtures for poultry, pigs, and cattle, especially where the use of soy products is restricted. Pea protein supports muscle mass development, improves animal condition, and can contribute to increased production efficiency.
Corn starch
Corn starch is a feed ingredient used primarily as a source of easily digestible carbohydrates. It provides the energy needed for proper animal function, supports their activity and production efficiency. In the form of flour or granules, corn starch is chemically stable, easy to store, and mixes well with other feed components, which facilitates the production of feed mixtures. It is also used as a carrier for vitamin and mineral additives.
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is another feed ingredient that is a source of rapidly digestible carbohydrates. It is highly soluble in water and has a neutral taste, which means it can be added to pellet feed and energy supplements for animals. In the feed industry, maltodextrin is used to improve the energy value of feed and support the growth of young animals, as well as in the production of preparations that strengthen the condition of adult animals.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an essential component of feed, performing antioxidant functions. It protects cells from oxidative stress, supports the immune system, and improves the quality of meat and eggs. Vitamin E is particularly important in feed for poultry, pigs, and dairy cattle. Adequate supplementation affects the reproductive health of animals and increases the shelf life of animal products.
Use of feed components
Feed components are used in the production of both ready-made mixtures and vitamin and mineral premixes. Feed raw materials are used to:
- supplementing protein and amino acids in feed for various animal species,
- providing energy in the form of simple and complex carbohydrates,
- strengthening immunity and antioxidant protection of the body,
- improving the palatability and acceptance of feed by animals.
The feed industry uses high-quality feed components to create mixtures tailored to the individual needs of animals depending on their species, age, growth stage, and breeding purpose.
Where to buy high-quality feed components?
Purchasing high-quality feed ingredients requires access to reliable suppliers offering products with the appropriate certifications. The FDCM platform makes it easy to find a wide range of feed raw materials, including pea protein, lactose, corn starch, maltodextrin, and vitamins. Choosing the right feed components allows you to create feed mixtures tailored to the specific needs of your animals, improving their health, growth, and productivity.
How do feed ingredients affect animal health?
Feed raw materials are the basis of the modern feed industry. Each ingredient has its own properties and applications in the production of feed for different animal species. Knowledge of raw materials, their functions, and how they are used allows for the creation of mixtures optimally tailored to the needs of animals, which supports their health, productivity, and the development of the feed industry.
