Livestock feed importers are businesses that bring in single ingredient feeds (SIFs) and mixed feeds for regulated livestock species to Canada, both domestically and internationally. These companies can be divided into two categories: domestic and international importers.
Imported products such as hay, fodder, bran, sharps (residues from cereals or leguminous plants), oilcake and other solid residues, brewing dregs and all types of pet or animal food may all be imported.
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Feed ingredients
Livestock feed importers use a range of ingredients to provide animals with the ideal diet. This may include plants, seeds and other plant-based products as well as animal protein sources.
Raw ingredients are carefully measured and analyzed to determine the proper ration for a particular animal species or life stage, then mixed together to form complete compound feed.
Cattle feed, for instance, can be composed of poultry meal, meat and bone meal, soybean meal and corn or rice. Once the recipe has been developed, it’s put into a package before being shipped off to customers.
Aside from nutrients, other essential ingredients for livestock health and welfare include energy sources, vitamins, minerals, and antibiotics. Some of these substances are classified as speciality feed ingredients since they perform specific tasks to enhance animal wellbeing.
Feed additives
Specialty feed ingredients are an integral part of reducing animal farming’s environmental impact. These additives are created to enhance animal performance while also decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and eutrophication.
Ionophores such as Rumensin and Bovatec can increase feed efficiency by 3% to 10%, while also decreasing the risk of acidosis and bloat in cattle.
Cattle feed additives are an integral part of the livestock production process, helping to meet specific feeding objectives for different species and life stages.
These additives are governed by EU Regulation 2017/1017 (Opens in a new window) and the Register of Feed Materials, where they are published. Market withdrawals may occur if an application is not received, safety issues arise or the product is superseded by another one.
Flavors and aromas are often added to feed diets to enhance flavor. Unfortunately, many of these compounds have been removed from the market due to a lack of scientific proof for their effectiveness.
Feed supplements
Feed supplements are an excellent way to supplement livestock’s diets. They can supply additional protein, vitamins, and minerals for ruminants.
Animal feed supplements are used around the world, having a significant effect on animal health and productivity. Dairy farmers often utilize feed supplements to increase their milk production.
Beef farmers can benefit from using supplements to enhance their cattle’s performance. They may enhance weight gain, feed efficiency, and prevent diseases in the herd.
Supplements come in both liquid and dry form. Liquid supplements typically consist of molasses that has been fortified with salt, urea, and other essential nutrients that can be blended or suspended in water solutions.
Feed premixes
Feed premixes are specialized animal feed that contain vitamins, trace minerals and additives. Although they may only make up a small part of the total diet, they can significantly improve performance for animals.
The global feed premixes market is anticipated to experience substantial growth over the coming years due to an increasing demand for meat, dairy products and eggs around the world.
Premixes are used as a feed supplement in poultry, ruminants and swine to provide essential vitamins, amino acids and trace elements for animals’ nutritional needs.
Some premixes contain antibiotics, which are used to treat certain infections in livestock. Unfortunately, if not taken as prescribed, these antibiotics can pose health risks to humans as well.
Premixes are produced through a number of steps, such as quality assurance, good manufacturing practices (cGMP), and current good manufacturing practices (cGMP). To guarantee high-quality results and meet manufacturer specifications, raw materials must be processed, mixed, and stored correctly.
