Animal Feed

FEED CORN

Cattle and other animals are fed ‘feed’ grade grain that is not intended for human consumption. Either the crop was grown specifically as feed grain or is a variety meant for human consumption, such as malting barley, that did not make the specifications for the human food system.

Feed grains such as barley and corn are an excellent source of energy, a good source of protein and a fair source of all minerals except calcium. There are only small differences in the mineral and vitamin content of these different types of grains.

Occasionally fats and oils are added to the grains to make them more palatable and appealing. While this addition makes the cattle enjoy the taste of their feed more, the fats and oils also decrease the dustiness of rations and thus help to reduce respiratory health problems. The fats and oils are also a very concentrated source of energy and may include oilseeds – including whole canola seed, flax and sunflower – and feed grade vegetable fat, including vegetable oil.