Animal Source Protein and Forage Types

A type of animal protein derived from processing fish into a meal.

Includes components like Egyptian clover (legumes) and corn silage (grasses).

Roughages are plant materials, mostly from crop residues, high in fiber. Think: wheat straw, rice straw.

A supplement that provides essential minerals to animals in a concentrated form. It often contains sodium, chloride, calcium, and phosphorus.

Used as a standard way to name feed ingredients. It breaks down the name into six parts: origin, part of the parent material, processes, stage of growth, cutting, and grade.

Dry matter, which represents the total solid content of a substance, is 89% in corn. Other key components include protein (CP), fiber (NDF & ADF), ether extract, calcium, and phosphorus.

A type of carbohydrate that is a primary energy source for animals. Found in corn, wheat, and other grains.

A natural process where microorganisms break down sugars and convert them into alcohols and/or acids. It's a key process in the digestion of certain feedstuffs.

Substances that can be harmful to animal health, like mycotoxins, phytate, pentosans, and xylans.

A phosphorus-containing compound found in plants that can interfere with the absorption of phosphorus and other minerals.

A type of fiber found in wheat and barley. Fish can't digest these fibers, so they're not good for their diet.

The process of breaking down the cell walls of plants, releasing the sugars inside.

A type of fiber that is more easily digested. It is found in plants like alfalfa and other forages.

A type of fiber that is not easily digested by animals. It is found in plants like wheat straw and rice straw.

A type of fiber found in grass, legumes, and other forages. It is the main source of energy for ruminants.

A type of fiber found in the cell walls of plants, but it is not easily digested by animals.

The breakdown of starch into glucose, a simple sugar that is easily digestible by animals.

A metabolic process that converts glucose into energy (ATP), a key process in animal metabolism.

Short-chain fatty acids (VFAs), such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, produced during fermentation. VFAs are a source of energy for animals.

The process of converting VFAs into a usable form of energy (ATP).

The breakdown of protein in the digestive tract of animals. This process requires enzymes, and the efficiency of digestion depends on the quality of the protein.

A complete feed that contains all the nutrients that animals need for growth, maintenance, and production.

A type of feed that is low in protein and high in carbohydrates. These feeds are often used to provide energy for animals.

A type of feed that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. These feeds are often used to supplement diets of animals that need more protein.

A type of feed that can be readily consumed by animals. It might include forages, grains, or other feedstuffs.

A type of feed that is not readily consumed by animals. It is often the case that the feed is not palatable, or it is not easy to access for the animal.

An animal that has a stomach that can digest cellulose and other complex carbohydrates. This process is made possible by the presence of microbes in the rumen which aid in the digestion process.

A type of feed that is stored for long periods of time. It is commonly used for animals in the winter or during times when fresh feed is difficult to obtain.

A type of feed that is fresh and available for immediate consumption. It is usually available during the spring, summer, or fall.