Livestock and poultry feed on cooked feed

Among the various feed ingredients used for livestock and poultry, some should be fed raw, while others need to be cooked. It's crucial not to mix them up, as doing so can significantly reduce the nutritional value of the feed and even harm the animals.

Yisheng recommends feeding cooked feed

1. Silage: This type of feed is produced through microbial anaerobic fermentation, which helps preserve a wide range of nutrients. It remains green, tender, juicy, and highly palatable. Silage also contains large amounts of lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid, which aid digestion and support disease prevention. Therefore, it should never be cooked.

2. Leek (granules) and beet leaves: These are leafy feeds rich in vitamins and are most nutritious when fed raw. Cooking them can lead to the loss of many essential nutrients and may even produce harmful substances like nitrites.

Some feeds must be cooked before feeding

1. Cottonseed cake and rapeseed cake: The former contains free gossypol, and the latter contains glucosinolates—both are toxic compounds that can harm livestock if not properly processed. These feeds should undergo high-temperature detoxification before being given to animals to prevent poisoning.

2. Cassava and potatoes: These contain toxic compounds such as hydrocyanic acid in cassava and solanine in potatoes. Fortunately, these toxins can be broken down at high temperatures, making cooking an essential step before feeding them to animals.

In summary, understanding which feed ingredients should be cooked and which should be fed raw is vital for maintaining the health and well-being of livestock and poultry. Proper preparation not only maximizes nutrient intake but also prevents potential health risks. Always follow recommended feeding guidelines and ensure that feed is prepared correctly according to its type.