Feed is any food given to animals to supply nutrients necessary for growth, maintenance, reproduction, and production of meat, milk, eggs, or wool.

Feeds provide energy, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber for proper animal functioning.

Animal feeds are classified according to nutrient content and purpose.

A. Energy-Yielding Feeds

Provide energy for growth, maintenance, and production. Mostly rich in carbohydrates and fats.

Examples: maize, millet, sorghum, cassava, yam, rice bran, wheat bran

B. Protein-Yielding Feeds

Provide proteins necessary for tissue repair, growth, and production.

• Plant-based: soybean, groundnut cake, cowpea, cottonseed cake


• Animal-based: fish meal, blood meal, bone meal

C. Mineral and Vitamin Feeds

Supply essential minerals (e.g., calcium, phosphorus, sodium) and vitamins (e.g., A, D, E, K).

Examples: salt, limestone, bone meal, vitamin supplements

D. Roughages and Fodders

Rich in fiber; aids digestion, especially for ruminants.

Examples: hay, silage, pasture grass, leguminous plants

E. By-products as Feeds

Leftover products from agriculture or industry used as feed.

Examples: brewery waste, rice husk, molasses

Tools used for feeding animals efficiently and hygienically.

A. Troughs

Containers to hold feed for animals.

Types: wooden, concrete, and metal troughs

B. Feeders

Prevent feed wastage and ensure controlled feeding.

Examples: hanging feeders, floor feeders

C. Drinkers

Provide clean water to animals.

Types: manual (bowls, buckets) and automatic drinkers

D. Feeding Management Tools

Examples: measuring cups, feeding schedules, silos for storing feed

Different techniques depending on the type of feed and animal.

A. Ad libitum (Free Access) Feeding

Feed is available all the time, animals eat as desired.

B. Restricted Feeding

Animals are given measured feed at specific times.

C. Grazing

Animals feed directly on pasture or natural vegetation.

D. Cut-and-Carry

Feed is harvested and delivered to animals; common where pasture is limited.

E. Mixed Feeding

Combination of different feed types to meet nutritional needs.

F. Supplementary Feeding

Additional feeds provided during scarcity or for high-yielding animals.

1. Age and size of the animal


2. Type of animal (ruminant or non-ruminant)


3. Quality of feed available


4. Season and availability of pasture


5. Health and productivity level of the animal

1. Healthy growth and weight gain


2. Shiny coat and alert behavior


3. High milk, meat, or egg production


4. Proper digestion and normal feces

1. It Promotes growth and development


2. It Increases production of meat, milk, eggs, and wool


3. It Ensures healthy, disease-free animals


4. It Improves fertility and reproductive performance


5. It Reduces feed wastage and production costs

---

Conclusion

Proper feeding of animals is a key factor in successful animal husbandry. It ensures that animals remain healthy, productive, and capable of providing high-quality meat, milk, eggs, and other products. By understanding the types of feeds, using appropriate feeding methods, and employing proper feeding tools, farmers can maximize animal performance, reduce wastage, and enhance overall farm profitability. Feeding is not only about providing food but also about meeting the nutritional needs of each animal for optimal growth and production.