Feed grain: what does it mean and how does it differ from food grain, what does it look like

All grain that is grown for subsequent sale is divided into several categories. One is intended for processing into flour, from which bakery products are subsequently baked. The other, of lower quality, is fed to farm animals, it is commonly called fodder grain. It is worth understanding how it differs from the usual one, and what are the requirements for wheat, which is used as livestock feed.

What is feed wheat

Grain of cereal crops used to feed livestock is called fodder.The name comes from the French word "fourrage", which means "feed". It is almost never grown on purpose, most often it is products that do not meet certain standards and have not passed quality control for use in the food industry.

However, this does not mean that such grain is completely unsuitable for use - it has sufficient characteristics and nutritional value to be used as feed for farm animals. Before purchasing such food, you should find out what it looks like and its features.

Feed grain is not only wheat; corn is considered the most nutritious and popular among livestock breeders. Barley and oats are also used as food for animals. Use forage for feeding:

• horses;
• cows;
• pigs;
• sheep;
• ducks and geese;
• rabbits;
• hen.

Feed grain is popular not only among livestock breeders who raise livestock for later sale, but also among owners of small household plots.

Main Features

The main distinguishing feature of cereal grains, called fodder, is its low quality compared to that supplied to the food market and used after processing for human consumption. Also, fodder is not used as seed for sowing fields, as the sprouts are weak and often die.

Feed grain is suitable for use as feed for farm animals, but you should pay attention to its quality before purchasing.

Fodder grains are characterized by the following features:

• high percentage of damaged beans;
• high concentration of starch;
• low amount of fats and carbohydrates;
• high energy value and essential vitamins.

However, it must be remembered that not only grains of cereal crops are called fodder, but also other types of feed that are usually used to feed livestock. They are used both fresh and dried (in winter).

Forage demand

Because feed grain is the basis of the diet of farm animals, the demand for it is always at a high level.Moreover, during dry seasons or in certain regions where the harvest is low due to climatic conditions, the cost of forage, which belongs to the 5th or 6th class, is at the level of the 4th class, which is used in the food industry.

Product requirements

There are international requirements for feed grain - this is the absence of foreign odors, the integrity of the grains and the absence of dangerous infections. In this case, the type and grade can be any.

As for the domestic GOST (R 54078-2010), it more specifically indicates the parameters that grain must comply with, which will be used as feed for farm animals.

The list includes the following points:

• he althy appearance of grains and their characteristic color;
• no stains on the grain, traces of mold and decay, musty smell;
• litter percentage does not exceed 5;
• percentage of mineral impurities - no more than 1;
• percentage of grain impurities - no more than 15;
• percentage of specimens affected by head fungus - no more than 10;
• percentage of specimens showing signs of Fusarium infection - no more than 1;
• at least 87% dry grain per kilogram of product.

According to the definition of GOST, weed impurities include particles of soil and pebbles, weed seeds, husks from grains, particles of stems and leaves, grains and seeds of legumes and other crops.

As for the grain impurity, it can be sprouted or unripe grain, as well as broken, wrinkled and deformed specimens.

In addition, there are requirements for the energy value of forage, which differs depending on which animals they plan to feed. So, for cattle, this indicator should be at least 12 MJ per kilogram of product, for pigs - at least 14 MJ, and for poultry - about 13 MJ.

When buying fodder, which is planned to feed livestock, be sure to take a handful of goods and sniff; the presence of a musty smell indicates that the forage is of poor quality and was stored in violation of the requirements. It is not recommended to purchase such a product, as it can cause livestock poisoning and death.

Classification

Fodder grain is divided into three categories, depending on its quality, the price of the product is set.First-class products are considered the best - they contain a sufficient amount of proteins and vitamins, they are characterized by high energy value and contain a minimum amount of weed and grain impurities. The cheapest grain is the third class, it is rarely used in its pure form, as a rule, such fodder is added when preparing animal feed.

In addition, the classification of forage is carried out according to the following criteria:

1. According to the growing season. There is a winter and spring crop, as a rule, this parameter does not affect the quality of the product. Spring varieties are sown in April or May, and harvesting begins in August, depending on the region, these terms may vary slightly. Winter grain is sown in late August or early September, and harvested the next year in August.
2. According to the structure of the endosperm. The grain is either hard or soft.Among livestock breeders, the first option is especially popular, since hard varieties have the following characteristics - they contain a high percentage of protein, hard grains are of the same small size, have strong stems, and have a glassy mealy texture. This variety is used for feeding cattle and pigs, and soft varieties are fed to birds, rabbits and goats. Flour is also made from the soft version, however, pastries from it become stale very quickly.

There are 5 product classes in total, the forage variety belongs to the 5th, but sometimes livestock breeders also use the 4th class. The fifth grade is characterized by a sufficient content of vitamins E and B, as well as a protein volume of 16%.

Differences from food grains

Feed grain differs from food grains in that it has a lower content of proteins and fiber, and, on the contrary, more carbohydrates. It is not used for food, but it is well suited for feeding farm animals.In addition to this difference, the cost of fodder is significantly lower than grains intended for the food market, and it undergoes less stringent evaluation before sale.

How to use forage to feed livestock

All-purpose feed, which is forage, must be used correctly so that it benefits animals and birds and does not harm their he alth. To do this, adhere to the following norms in the total share of feed:

• 35% for cattle;
• 40% for pigs and small animals;
• 30% for horses;
• 20 to 40% for rabbits;
• up to 60% percent for birds.

Depending on the type of feed grain used, preparation is carried out before it is given as feed:

• if there is a large amount of cellulose in the forage, it is used exclusively for cattle and horses;
• average percentage of pulp allows the use of grains for pigs and birds;
• soft varieties are suitable for poultry, while hard varieties are suitable for large animals. Otherwise, the fodder must be steamed to soften the shell, and you can also pre-sprout the grains or grind them.

Forage is best digested if used as part of animal feed, in this case it is possible to compensate for the harm from a high percentage of starch by adding other components. Also, feed is pre-enriched with vitamin and mineral complexes, fats and fiber and other feed additives.

Pros and cons

Feed grains, like any feed intended for farm animals, have their advantages and disadvantages.

Of the pluses it is worth noting:

1. Optimal composition suitable for feeding animals and birds. With the additional addition of phosphorus and lysine to the feed, it is possible to improve digestion and achieve harmonious development.
2. Because the forage contains a high content of carbohydrates, this has a positive effect on the shelf life of the feed, prolonging it.
3. Affordable cost, slightly different in different regions, allows the use of fodder both for feeding animals on farms and in personal subsidiary plots.

From the minuses are:

1. Low fiber and protein with high concentrations of carbohydrates can lead to obesity in livestock.
2. High percentage of starch causes gastrointestinal upset in animals.
3. Low sugars and fats sometimes cause indigestion and poor digestion.

Terms and conditions of storage

Store fodder, after drying it, in clean and dry rooms, providing protection from rodents. Experienced livestock breeders recommend using plastic bags for storage, they do not let moisture and light through.

Selection rules

Before purchasing fodder, you should pay attention to the color, smell and integrity of the product. If you plan to purchase a large batch, it is better to entrust the analysis to a special laboratory.

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