Feed Ingredients & Additives Category Guide

What Are Feed Ingredients & Additives?

Feed ingredients and additives encompass all the components that make up dairy rations beyond home-grown forages. This includes commodity feeds (corn, soybeans), byproducts (distillers grain, soy hulls), protein sources, energy supplements, and specialty additives designed to improve health, production, or feed efficiency.

Why Ingredient Selection Matters

Feed typically represents 50-60% of dairy operating costs. Choosing the right ingredients—balancing nutrient density, availability, cost, and cow response—directly impacts profitability and cow performance.

Key Benefits of Proper Selection

• Optimized nutrition: Match nutrients to cow requirements efficiently
• Cost management: Select economical ingredients that deliver results
• Health support: Certain additives improve gut health, immunity, or metabolism
• Production enhancement: Targeted supplements can boost milk or components

Categories of Ingredients

Energy Sources

Corn grain, barley, wheat, and fats provide energy for milk production and body condition. Corn is the dominant energy source in most U.S. rations. Fat supplements boost energy density but must be limited to avoid rumen upset.

Protein Sources

Soybean meal, canola meal, distillers grains, and specialty proteins balance amino acid needs. The mix of rumen-degradable and rumen-undegradable protein affects milk production and efficiency.

Byproducts

Distillers grains, soy hulls, citrus pulp, cottonseed, and other byproducts can be economical nutrient sources. Availability and price vary by region and season.

Feed Additives

Specialty products including ionophores (Rumensin), direct-fed microbials (probiotics), enzymes, yeast cultures, buffers, and protected nutrients. Each targets specific outcomes.

Common Additive Categories

• Ionophores: Improve feed efficiency and reduce ketosis risk
• Yeast cultures: Support rumen function and fiber digestion
• Buffers: Stabilize rumen pH, especially in high-grain rations
• Protected amino acids: Deliver specific amino acids past the rumen
• Organic trace minerals: Improved bioavailability of copper, zinc, etc.

Evaluating Ingredients

Work with your nutritionist to evaluate ingredients based on:

• Nutrient value: What does it contribute per unit of cost?
• Palatability: Will cows eat it readily?
• Consistency: Is quality reliable over time?
• Handling: Can you store and mix it properly?
• Research support: For additives, is there peer-reviewed evidence?

Do You Need Specialty Additives?

Consider specialty additives if:

• You're targeting specific performance improvements
• Transition cow health needs support
• Feed efficiency is a priority for profitability
• Your nutritionist recommends based on ration analysis

Additives may not be necessary if:

• Basic nutrition needs aren't met yet
• Budget constraints limit investment
• No clear performance gap exists to address

Cost Considerations

Commodity prices fluctuate significantly. Work with suppliers who provide consistent quality and competitive pricing. Additives range from pennies to dollars per cow per day—evaluate ROI carefully with your nutritionist.