When running a farm, regardless of the size, feeding is one of the most important factors of running it successfully. Animals will perform only if they are well fed. But this does not mean they need to be overfed. It means you should give your animals enough of the correct foods so they can realise their production potential. Overfed your animals on the farm are just uneconomical and wasteful and moreover, it can lead to serious health issues. So if you want to be a successful farmer you will need to feed them only at the optimum level and for this, you need knowledge, skill and practice. If you are new into farming you may get confused by the wide range fo live stock feed options available. So here is some information you may find it useful.
Before dive deeper into the range of live stock feed options take a look at these important terms and definitions you should become familiar.
- Feed stuff - This term is used for any food or fodder. Generally includes naturally occurring animal products, plant and by-products ( maize, grass, brewers' grains). Also, this term refers to mineral or vitamin supplements. Simply said, you will be safe purchasing anything that is fed to an animal as a "feed stuff".
- Ration - This is 24-hour allowance of feed stuff that is given to the animal. Keep in mind that the ration does not necessarily mean the given amount is enough or it meets the nutritional needs of the animal. Also, people often get confused by the terms ration and diet so here is a brief explanation: ration is the daily allowance of food per animal while diet is what the animal usually eats or drinks
- Maintenace ration - This is the minimal amount of food which is only enough to keep the animal in the initial condition, or with other words to support lif without gain, products and loss of body substances.
- Balanced maintenance ration - This definition has two parts. One is "maintenance ration" that refers to a feed mixture that is enough to meet the animal requirements for a period of 24 hours which means the animal with neither gain or lose weight. Additionally, "balanced" means that the proportion of protein, fat and carbohydrate in the ration is correct. Carbohydrates are made up of starches, sugars and fibre. Sugars and starches provide heat and energy while fibre plays an important role in keeping the digestive system working smoothly. Proteins also provide heat and energy but they are also used to maintain the body and to grow and repair tissues. Last but not least, fats renew fat tissue and provide energy and heat.
As a farmer, your obligation is to learn more about animal care and nutrition. You should be able to look after your livestock better which means you need to understand how using optimal nutrition can help you boost your animals immune system and improve their health in general.
