Animal feed additives are substances, micro-organisms, or preparations purposely added to animal feed or water. Vitamins and probiotics are two well-known examples of additives.
Animal feed additives meet the nutritional needs of animals and/or have a positive influence on (several options are possible):
- The properties of an animal feed
- The properties of animal products
- The colors of decorative fish and birds
- The environmental impact of animal production
- Animal production, performance, or welfare (e.g., by acting on gastrointestinal flora or digestibility of animal feeds)
Additives are non-nutritive substances usually added to basal feed in small quantities to improve feed efficiency and the productive performance of animals. Some commonly used feed additives include:
- Antibiotics, e.g., Terramycin, Zinc bacitracin, Flavomycin, etc.
- Enzymes, e.g., Amylase, lipase, protease, pepsin, etc.
- Hormones, e.g., Estrogen, progesterone, hexosterol, etc.
- Thyroprotein, e.g., Iodinated casein
- Probiotics, e.g., Microbial species like Lactobacillus
- Biostimulators, e.g., Extracts of organs like spleen, liver, ovary, chick embryo, etc.
- Antioxidants, e.g., Vitamin E (Tocopherols), BHT (Butylated hydroxy toluene)
- Mold inhibitors, e.g., Propionic acid, acetic acid
- Pellet binders, e.g., Gur, meal, molasses, sodium bentonite
- Coccidiostats, e.g., Amprolsol powder, Furasol powder
Animal feed additives may also be used for their coccidiostatic or histomonostatic effects (antibiotics other than coccidiostats or histomonostats are not allowed as additives).
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Animal Feed Supplements
Animal feed supplements consist of essential nutrients that are widely used to maintain good health in animals. These supplements are rich in minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients. They are safe for use and free from side effects. These supplements stimulate the appetite and help improve the diet and growth of animals.
Animal feed supplements are easy to consume and digest, leading to gradual improvement in animal health. They also enhance immunity levels and protect animals from various diseases.
A. Benefits of Animal Feed Supplements
- Free from contaminants
- Provide essential nutrients to animals
- Free from side effects
- Available at cost-effective prices
- Contribute to a healthy environment for workers
B. Protein Supplements
Protein supplements are feeds containing more than 20% protein or protein equivalent. These are high in nitrogen content and are highly digestible. Examples include soybean meal, cottonseed meal, linseed meal, peanut meal, meat meal, fish meal, feather meal, urea, and brewer’s grains.
1. Bloodmeal: Dried blood from animal processing plants. Spray or ring-dried bloodmeal is superior due to reduced heat damage. It is high in true protein and the amino acid lysine.
2. Brewer’s grain: A by-product of the beer industry available dry or wet. Wet brewer’s grains contain 70-80% water.
3. Canola meal: A high-protein supplement from crushing canola seeds for oil.
4. Corn gluten meal: Produced from wet milling of corn for starch and syrup.
5. Cottonseed meal: A high-protein by-product of cottonseed oil extraction.
6. Distillers dried grains: A by-product of grain fermented for alcohol production.
7. Feather meal: Hydrolyzed poultry feathers high in protein.
8. Fishmeal: A by-product of the fish industry.
9. Linseed meal: A product of the flax industry, high in protein.
10. Meat and bone meal: A rendered and dried product from animal tissue, rich in protein and minerals.
11. Soybean meal: The most common and economical vegetable protein supplement.
12. Sunflower meal: A protein supplement ranging from 28-45% protein.
13. Urea: A non-protein nitrogen compound with a protein equivalent of 287%.
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C. Minerals
Minerals are essential for optimum health in animals. While mineral requirements vary by species, adequate intake is necessary for healthy bodily functions. Mineral deficiencies can lead to diseases, while excesses can also cause health problems. Providing balanced mineral supplements is crucial for optimal animal health.
Minerals are divided into two groups:
1. Macro minerals: Required in large quantities for structural roles and electrolyte balance (e.g., calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus).
2. Trace minerals: Required in small amounts, playing a catalytic role in enzymes (e.g., cobalt, copper, manganese, iron).
Common minerals added to livestock rations include NaCl, Ca, and P, while trace minerals like Cu, Fe, I, Mn, Zn, and Se are often deficient.
D. Vitamins
Vitamins are essential nutrients required in small quantities for good health. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to diseases such as goitre, scurvy, osteoporosis, and impaired immune function. Excessive intake of certain vitamins, like vitamin A, can be harmful.
In ruminants, rumen microorganisms synthesize vitamins K, C, and the B vitamins. Swine diets often require vitamins A, D, E, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, B12, and choline. Horses require vitamin A, D, E, C, and K, with additional B vitamins suggested for those under stress or heavy work.
Additives
Additives are ingredients added to basic feed mixes to meet specific needs. These are usually used in small quantities and require careful handling. Additives can improve feed efficiency and animal production. Examples include ionophores, bloat control agents, anthelmintics, antibiotics, hormones, and flavoring agents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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