What are the major functions of animal feed?

Answer 1

The major functions of animal feed, fodder or forage for livestock are:

1. To provide a source of nutrition in terms of energy (in the form of carbohydrates and fat), protein, fibrous material (in the form of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and fibre) vitamins, and minerals as a means to prevent or reduce potential for malnutrition or nutrient deficiency from occuring.
2. To enhance and encourage growth in terms of muscle and bone development in young stock, or improve or maintain an optimum body condition score in mature animals.
3. To provide a source of nutrition that maintains homeostasis, blood/cellular electrolyte balance, (overall positive energy balance, as it is termed in dairy nutrition) and enables maintenance and repair of bodily cells, tissues and organs so that they function properly and normally.
4. (For ruminants): To provide a nutritive source for microbes in order to maintain a healthy ruminal ecosystem, maintain healthy rumen pH, and keeps reticulo-rumen complex functioning normally
5. To enhance and/or maintain health and productivity so that maintenance, productivity and reproductive requirements are met in that order. ("Productivity" refers to growth (beef cattle, broiler, hogs, meat goats/sheep, fish), egg (layers), milk (dairy), or wool (sheep) production).
6. To satiate or satisfy hunger and/or satisfy nutrient cravings.