Grains And By-products Used By Animals

Grains and By-Products Used in Animal Feed: A Comprehensive Guide

The animal feed industry relies heavily on grains and their by-products to provide essential nutrients for livestock. Understanding the various grains and by-products used, their nutritional profiles, and their impact on animal health and productivity is crucial for farmers, nutritionists, and anyone interested in the animal agriculture sector. This comprehensive guide explores the diverse range of grains and by-products utilized in animal feed, examining their benefits, limitations, and considerations for optimal animal nutrition.

Major Grains in Animal Feed

Several grains form the cornerstone of animal diets, providing energy, protein, and essential amino acids. Their availability, cost, and nutritional composition influence their widespread adoption.

1. Corn (Maize): The King of Grains

Corn reigns supreme in animal feed, particularly for poultry and swine. Its high energy content, primarily in the form of starch, makes it an excellent energy source. However, corn is relatively low in certain amino acids like lysine, necessitating supplementation in some diets.

• Nutritional Benefits: High energy density, readily digestible starch.
• Limitations: Low in lysine and other essential amino acids, can be susceptible to mycotoxin contamination.
• Applications: Poultry, swine, cattle (especially finishing), aquaculture.

2. Sorghum: A Drought-Tolerant Alternative

Sorghum, a resilient grain, thrives in drier climates, offering a sustainable alternative to corn. Its nutritional profile is similar to corn, but it's often higher in tannins, which can reduce digestibility if not properly processed.

• Nutritional Benefits: Good energy source, relatively drought-tolerant, can be grown in diverse climates.
• Limitations: Can contain tannins that hinder digestibility, lower protein content compared to corn.
• Applications: Poultry, swine, cattle, ruminants.

3. Barley: A Versatile Grain

Barley is a versatile grain used extensively in livestock feed, especially for ruminants. Its high fiber content aids digestion and provides a sustained energy release. However, its lower energy density compared to corn limits its use in high-performance diets.

• Nutritional Benefits: Good source of fiber, readily available, relatively inexpensive.
• Limitations: Lower energy density than corn, may contain beta-glucans which can interfere with nutrient absorption unless processed.
• Applications: Cattle, sheep, horses, poultry (often malted).

4. Wheat: A Protein-Rich Option

Wheat, while primarily consumed by humans, finds its place in animal feed, particularly for swine and poultry. Its protein content is higher than corn, but the quality can vary depending on the variety. Wheat also contains significant amounts of starch, providing energy.

• Nutritional Benefits: Higher protein content than corn, good source of energy.
• Limitations: Can contain antinutritional factors, like phytic acid, which reduce nutrient availability. Gluten content can be problematic for some animals.
• Applications: Swine, poultry, cattle (often as a component of mixed rations).

5. Oats: A Highly Digestible Grain

Oats offer a highly digestible grain option, particularly beneficial for horses and other monogastric animals. Their balanced nutrient profile, including fiber and essential amino acids, makes them a valuable component of complete feed.

• Nutritional Benefits: High digestibility, good source of fiber and protein, lower in starch compared to corn.
• Limitations: Relatively lower energy density than other grains.
• Applications: Horses, poultry, swine (often as a component of balanced rations).

Grain By-Products: Utilizing the Leftovers

Numerous by-products from grain processing offer valuable nutritional components for animal feed, often at a lower cost than whole grains. These by-products contribute significantly to the sustainability of animal agriculture.

1. Corn Gluten Feed (CGF): A Protein Powerhouse

Corn gluten feed (CGF), a byproduct of corn wet-milling, is a rich source of protein and fiber. It's a popular choice for ruminants due to its high fiber content, aiding rumen function.

• Nutritional Benefits: High protein content, good source of fiber, relatively inexpensive.
• Limitations: Lower energy density than whole corn.
• Applications: Cattle, sheep, dairy cows.

2. Corn Gluten Meal (CGM): A Concentrated Protein Source

Corn gluten meal (CGM), another corn wet-milling byproduct, is a more concentrated protein source than CGF, making it ideal for supplementing protein-deficient diets.

• Nutritional Benefits: High protein content, excellent amino acid profile, relatively inexpensive.
• Limitations: Low in fiber, potentially high in fiber depending on the processing method.
• Applications: Poultry, swine, cattle.

3. Wheat Middlings: A Blend of Nutrients

Wheat middlings are a by-product of wheat milling, containing a mixture of bran, germ, and endosperm fragments. They provide a good source of fiber, protein, and energy.

• Nutritional Benefits: Balanced nutrient profile, including fiber, protein, and energy.
• Limitations: Variability in nutrient composition depending on milling process.
• Applications: Cattle, poultry, swine.

4. Brewers' Grains: A Sustainable Feed Source

Brewers' grains, the residue from brewing beer, are a readily available and inexpensive byproduct. They are rich in fiber and protein, providing a sustainable option for animal feed. Dried brewers' grains are frequently used.

• Nutritional Benefits: High fiber content, moderate protein, relatively inexpensive, sustainable option.
• Limitations: Can be high in moisture if not dried properly, potential for variation in nutrient content.
• Applications: Cattle, dairy cows, pigs (often included in complete rations).

5. Rice Bran: A Versatile Byproduct

Rice bran, a by-product of rice milling, is rich in oil, protein, and fiber. The oil content contributes to the energy density, while the fiber aids digestion. It's often used in poultry and swine diets.

• Nutritional Benefits: Good source of energy, protein, and fiber.
• Limitations: Can be prone to rancidity if not properly stored.
• Applications: Poultry, swine, cattle.

6. Distillers' Grains: A Valuable Byproduct of Ethanol Production

Distillers' grains, a by-product of ethanol production, are a valuable source of protein and fiber, particularly for ruminants. They are often categorized as dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) or wet distillers' grains.

• Nutritional Benefits: High protein content, good source of energy and fiber, often available at a competitive price.
• Limitations: Can be high in phosphorus, which could necessitate adjustments in mineral supplementation.
• Applications: Cattle, dairy cows, poultry, swine (especially DDGS).

Factors Influencing Grain and By-Product Selection

Choosing the right grains and by-products involves careful consideration of several factors:

• Animal Species and Life Stage: Nutrient requirements vary considerably based on the species, age, and physiological state of the animal. Young, growing animals generally need higher protein and energy levels than mature animals.
• Cost and Availability: The price and availability of different grains and by-products fluctuate depending on market conditions and geographical location. Farmers need to find a balance between cost and nutritional value.
• Nutrient Composition: The precise nutrient content of grains and by-products can vary depending on factors like variety, growing conditions, and processing methods. Laboratory analysis is crucial for ensuring diet formulation accuracy.
• Digestibility: Not all grains and by-products are equally digestible. Factors influencing digestibility include particle size, processing methods, and the presence of antinutritional factors.
• Palatability: The acceptability of different feedstuffs by animals influences feed intake and overall performance. Palatability can be affected by factors like taste, texture, and smell.
• Environmental Considerations: The sustainability of feed production is becoming increasingly important. Farmers are increasingly considering the environmental impact of different grain and by-product choices.

Conclusion: Optimizing Animal Nutrition Through Grain Selection

The selection of appropriate grains and by-products is paramount for achieving optimal animal health, productivity, and profitability. A balanced diet, formulated with consideration for the specific needs of the animal species and life stage, along with careful evaluation of cost, availability, and environmental impact, is essential for successful animal agriculture. Continuous research and advancements in feed science will further refine our understanding of how to best utilize these resources for sustainable and efficient animal production. By incorporating a diverse range of grains and by-products, while carefully managing nutrient levels and feed quality, farmers can provide animals with the nutrition they need to thrive.