Transcript Nutrition and Feeds: Feed Preparation

Nutrition and Feeds
Feed Preparation
Is it profitable to grind, crush, or
soak feed?

When animals fail to chew the grain
thoroughly some of the nutritive value of
the feed is lost because of the reduction of
surface area.
Fineness of Grain - Why?




It should be ground to medium fine.
For swine, it should be ground more finely
(Aver. particle size of 700-800 microns)
Extremely fine grinding takes more power,
time, and the process can make grains less
palatable.
Wheat and barley which is ground too fine
could be wasted (lost as dust) and/or cause
digestive problems.
Rolling vs. Grinding Grain
For monogastrics, rolling grain results in a
more uniform particle size which improves
digestibility.
 Rolling grain is more energy efficient than
using a hammer mill or grinder.

Advantage of Pellets
Less waste
 Less space needed for storage
 Animals may eat more feed in pellet form

Chopped or Ground Hay

Advisable only if it encourages animals to
eat coarse, stemmy portions that might
otherwise be left.
100% Concentrate

Not advisable because of digestive troubles
in animals, especially ruminants
Cooked Feed
Advantageous when feeding potatoes, field
beans, and soybeans. These feedstuffs must
be cooked to remove factors which cause
poor performance in swine.
 Cooking does not increase the digestibility
or feeding value of other feeds.

Soaking Feeds
Advantageous when grain with small or
hard kernels cannot be ground or crushed
 If soaked too long, fermentation may take
place or mold will grow which produce
toxins.

Fermenting of Feeds

Experiments show these methods of feed
preparation do not cause any saving in feed
or result in greater production.