Feed Finishing Strategies for Livestock Production

TMR loading is not an “NRC rule” — it’s field practice No NRC/NASEM manual regulates ingredient order or mixing minutes. This is a matter of SOPs and discipline on the farm Basic principles (best practice): 1. Forage: longest and heaviest first (long hay, baleage). If already chopped to 3–5 cm, order is less critical. 2. Wet feeds (haylage, corn silage) in the middle — they press down the dry forage. 3. Concentrates and supplements last — fine particles distribute evenly. 4. Water/liquids very last — optimal moisture, less dust, better palatability Recommended mixing times: • after haylage + silage + hay/straw: 5–6 min • after concentrates: 2–3 min • after water: another 2 min Total: 9–11 min of mixing How to know the mix is right: • uniform across the feedbunk, no “mats” of forage; • light sheen, no dust or lumps; • minimal sorting within 2–3 h after feeding; • stable milkfat and rumen pH Mini-SOP for the tractor operator: • check knives/augers; • loading order: haylage → corn silage → hay/straw → concentrates → water; • medium RPM, avoid “boiling” flow; • check uniformity in 3 spots; • logbook: mixing times, liters of water, notes

Most broiler problems don’t start in the shed. They start in the formulation software. The Ross® Broiler Nutrition Specifications 2022 remind us of one critical truth: Modern broilers are genetically ready for extreme efficiency — but only if nutrition is built on digestible amino acids, not crude protein. This guide clearly confirms: * Formulation must be based on SID digestible amino acids — not just CP * Balanced Protein profiles anchored to lysine define performance, not “% protein” * Amino acid density must change depending on final product strategy (live bird vs portioned yield) * Lower crude protein with correct AA balance reduces nitrogen excretion, ammonia, and litter damage * Phase feeding (starter → grower → multi-finisher) is essential for margin optimization Just one example from the specs: • Starter digestible lysine: 1.32% • Finisher digestible lysine drops stepwise to 1.08 → 1.02 → 0.96% depending on market weight targets → This is not “lowering nutrition”. → This is precision matching of genetics to economics. Another critical message: Reducing crude protein while maintaining balanced digestible amino acids improves nitrogen retention, lowers ammonia emissions and protects litter and welfare — without sacrificing growth. This is sustainability that pays for itself. If your feed program still focuses mainly on crude protein and metabolizable energy, you are leaving performance, yield, welfare and margin on the table. Ross® Broiler Nutrition Specifications 2022 – Aviagen What formulation change gave you the biggest improvement in FCR, litter, or carcass yield? #RossBroilers #Aviagen #BalancedProtein #DigestibleAminoAcids #PrecisionNutrition #BroilerFeeding #FeedFormulation #PoultryScience #SustainablePoultry #ModernGenetics #VasiliiUlitin

A recent study comparing traditional, bump, and precision feeding strategies over three reproductive cycles highlights the benefits of precision feeding for gestating sows. Key Insights: - Precision feeding reduces piglet mortality during lactation and stillbirth rates, especially in later cycles. - It significantly decreases nutrient waste, with up to 13% less nitrogen and 9% less phosphorus excretion, promoting sustainability. - Tailored feeding based on parity or individual needs optimizes sow health and performance without increasing costs. Takeaway: Precision feeding aligns with modern farming goals by improving animal outcomes and reducing environmental impacts. As we advance, data-driven nutritional approaches like this help shape the future of sustainable livestock management. Source: https://lnkd.in/eJa4xV3Q

Pelleting animal feeds involves several technical benefits that are crucial for optimizing feed efficiency and nutrient utilization: 1. Enhanced Feed Digestibility: - Pelleting disrupts the physical structure of feed ingredients, breaking down cell walls and reduces particle size. This process improves access to intracellular nutrients, enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis and subsequent digestion in the rumen (Firkins et al., 2015). 2. Improved Nutrient Absorption: - Studies indicate that pelleted diets lead to higher absorption rates of key nutrients like amino acids and minerals, contributing to improved animal growth and production performance (Allen et al., 2017). 3. Reduction in Feed Wastage and Dustiness: - Reduction in dustiness not only enhances feed hygiene and reduces respiratory issues among livestock but also improves feed efficiency by ensuring that a greater proportion of the feed offered is consumed and utilized effectively (Braman et al., 2020). Main Byproducts Pelleted for Cows: 1. **Corn Gluten Feed (CGF):** - CGF is a co-product of corn processing, rich in protein (20-25%), fiber (10-15%), and energy (digestible energy of 85-95% of corn). - Pelleting increases the bulk density of CGF, improving its flowability and reducing segregation during mixing. This enhances its inclusion in ruminant diets while optimizing nutrient availability and minimizing metabolic challenges associated with high grain diets (Shaver, 2018). 2. **Wheat Bran:** - Wheat bran is a milling byproduct containing moderate levels of protein (15-18%) and fiber (10-14%), along with significant amounts of phosphorus and other minerals. - Pelleting enhances the palatability and digestibility of wheat bran, making it an effective source of fiber and nutrients in ruminant diets. The process reduces its particle size, thereby facilitating microbial fermentation in the rumen and improving overall nutrient utilization (NRC, 2001). 3. **Soybean Meal (SBM):** - SBM is a high-protein byproduct of soybean oil extraction, typically containing 44-48% crude protein and a balanced amino acid profile suitable for ruminant nutrition. - Pelleting increases the protein digestibility of SBM by disrupting its protein matrix and reducing antinutritional factors, enhancing its utilization in the rumen. This improves nitrogen retention and supports optimal growth and milk production in dairy cows (Hristov et al., 2013). Data Examples: 1. **Impact on Rumen Fermentation:** - Studies have demonstrated that pelleting can modify rumen fermentation dynamics, leading to a more stable pH environment and increased production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). This enhances energy utilization and microbial protein synthesis, contributing to improved feed efficiency and animal performance (Firkins et al., 2015). What are your thoughts on the pelleting process? What is your experience? #dairyscience #feedAAstoYOURcows