Reading feed labels is often overlooked, but experts say understanding the details can make a significant difference in livestock nutrition, productivity and overall farm margins.

Nutrition expert at East Coast Viners Animal Nutrition, Steven Eddie, emphasises the importance of interpreting feed labels correctly.

“Understanding the nutrient content and ingredient balance in the feed you are buying can make a significant difference to output and margins,” he explains.

According to Steven, the ingredients in animal feed and their proportions impact how livestock digest and absorb nutrients, which directly affects productivity and health.

“It may seem obvious but when you are looking at feed labels, you’re not always comparing apples with apples. Not all 18% ewe rolls, for example, are made equal. They could have different quality proteins or mineral balance,” he says.

One common mistake is overfeeding, which happens when protein levels are incorrectly chosen.

“Animals can only metabolise so much protein, and if you get it wrong, it results in wasted energy and unnecessary expense,” Steven points out.

He advises farmers to go beyond just price and protein content and instead focus on the overall composition to ensure the feed matches the specific needs of their livestock at that stage.

All manufactured feeds come with labels that list ingredients and provide an analysis of the nutrients in the feed. Ingredients, including raw materials, vitamins, minerals and additives, are listed in descending order, with the ingredients at the top making up the highest percentage of the ration.

“Ensure that high-quality protein and energy sources are in the top five ingredients: barley, wheat, sugar beet, distillers’ maize, or hi-pro soya bean meal,” advises Steven.

“Not all crude proteins are the same. Soya, for example, is a more meaningful protein for colostrum quality than rapeseed meal. Sunflower and rapeseed meal are often included for protein content and have their place, but it’s important that the levels of these are in the right proportions to retain palatability and ensure effective nutrient absorption.”

Farmers should also avoid high levels of fibre and ash, as well as cheaper fillers such as oat feed, soya hulls, and palm kernel. “These can sometimes make up to 40% of the ingredients,” says Steven, stressing the need for careful attention to the ingredients list.

At East Coast Viners, nutritionists dedicate significant time to balancing minerals and vitamins based on different livestock needs. They also take regional and farm factors, such as breed and weather conditions, into account.

These factors may require higher than standard levels of the recommended daily amount (RDA) to optimise livestock health and growth.

Steven offers additional advice: “As well as checking the name of the product, check the instructions for use to ensure you are using the right product for the right stock and stage.

“This can help balance your budget as well, as there are times when you need targeted feeds for specific outcomes and other times when a less expensive general purpose feed will do the job. Also, make sure it’s still in date, as old feed can cause issues.”

Farmers increasingly recognise the value of fully reading and understanding feed labels. “We are finding that farmers used to take feed labels for granted, but they are now more aware that it’s important to read them thoroughly,” says Steven.

He adds that while it may be tempting to purchase feed based on price alone, the initial savings may not outweigh the benefits of higher-quality feed.

“It can be tempting to buy what seems to be better-priced feed, but the initial price difference for a better-quality composition is undoubtedly paid back with having healthy, productive livestock. Farmers see consistent weight gain and spend less time on interventions and managing stock if they are doing well. It’s focusing on the bigger picture and return,” concludes Steven.

Key takeaways for farmers:

1. Check feed composition to ensure it meets your livestock's nutritional needs.

2. Look for high-quality proteins and energy sources among the first ingredients listed.

3. Be cautious about fillers and cheaper ingredients that may reduce feed quality.

4. Consider your farm’s specific needs, including breed and climate, when selecting feed.

5. Read labels carefully, including instructions for use, to ensure the feed matches your stock’s needs.