Classification of Livestock Feeds – JSS2 Agricultural Science Lesson Note (Second Term)

Classification of feeds

Animals feed can be classified according to the nutrients they supply into the following:

1.   Carbohydrates:  these provide energy to farm animals for their activities such as growth, reproduction, and milk production.  Examples include maize, rice, and millet.
2.    Protein:  This is needed for the growth and repair of worn-out tissues and the production of antibodies.  Examples of protein are fishmeal, bone meal, poultry offal, soya bean meal, groundnut cake, palm kernel cake, and others.

       3. Fats and oil:  This supplies energy and keeps the body temperature under control.   Fats include palm oil, coconut meal, lard, cotton meal cake, and so on.

       4. Minerals:  These help to carry out vital body functions such as bone and teeth formation, blood clotting, eggshell formation, and so on.  Minerals include calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, potassium, and others.

        6. Vitamins:  These are required for the proper growth and development of animals.   They help to keep the animal healthy.  Examples are vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K.

        7.  Water:  This is a constituent of body fluid.  It helps to regulate body temperature, digest (break down) food, and lubricate joints.

 FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE DECIDING ANIMAL FEEDS

1.    The physiological state of the animals whether for pregnant, dry or lactating, or young animals.
2.     The availability of the feedstuff
3.    The composition of the nutrients
4.    The age of the animals
5.   The familiarity of the feed to animal
6.   Palability of the feed.
7.    The cost of feedstuff.