Animal feed researchers from the Spanish institute IRTA (Research, Technology, Food, & Agriculture) in Catalonia have discovered pellet feed to be a far more effective form of nutrition than meal. The study also analysed how animals’ growth was affected when feeding from single or collective feeders.
The research was based on a sample of 294 fattening Holstein bulls on high-concentrate diets, which found the following highlighted facts:
- Bulls fed pellets in collective feeders performed better than those on meal diets.
- Pellet form sustained better growth in calves around 200kg of body weight.
- During the growing period [98 days; from 220 to 360 kg], bulls feeding with pellets in collective feeders had improved feed efficiency.
- During the finishing period [56 days; from 360 to 430 kg], pellet form reduced consumption and improved efficiency
During the finishing period [56 days; from 360 to 430 kg], feeding meal in a single
Speaking on their research, animal husbandry specialists, Magda Verdu (Agronomy Engineer at the University of Lleida), Alex Bach (Head of Ruminant Production Research at IRTA), & Maria Devant PhD. gave greater detail on the results and methodology to the scientific review journal, ScienceDirect. They stated that, “During the receiving period [28 days; from 175 to 220 kg], calves fed pellet exhibited greater growth than those fed meal. Throughout the growing period [98 days; from 220 to 360 kg], concentrate efficiency tended to be greater in animals fed pellets in a collective feeder, followed by those fed pellets in a single feeder, and, lastly, by those fed meal regardless of the feeder design.”
The report further added that, “During the finishing period [56 days; from 360 to 430 kg], concentrate intake was lesser and concentrate efficiency tended to be greater in bulls fed pellets compared with those fed meal. Bulls fed pellets in collective feeders also tended to have greater hot carcass weight.”
The researchers have now published their findings in the feed industry journal, Animal Feed Science and Technology, where they conclude that, “… the best strategy to improve performance and concentrate efficiency is to feed animals in a collective feeder and present the concentrate in pellet form. Moreover, a single-space feeder with lateral protections was not a good strategy to diminish concentrate wastage, observed in a reduction of total concentrate intake, and improved concentrate efficiency during the finishing period when feeding meal.”
While the study has only recently been published (Oct 2017), and so has yet to be fully peer reviewed, the results will have many farmers and feed manufacturers reconsidering the effectiveness of their feed products. For despite a small sample of less than 300 bulls, the relatively simple nature of the research resulted in a significant increase in feed efficiency. With livestock farming profit margins becoming ever smaller, it is likely to take little time before the impact of this study is felt.
If you would like to know more about efficient animal feed additives, then please take a look at the AG CHEMI GROUP catalogue. Here you can read more about effective feed additives such as potassium chloride or monocalcium phosphate.
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Timur Khafizov, potassium chloride on +420 777 227 387 or timur.khafizov@agchemigroup.eu
Alexandra Chepak, monocalcium phosphate on +420 777 996 157 or alexandra.chepak@agchemigroup.eu
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