Post

Understanding Feed Ingredients and What They Do

Tosed Farms

Nov 03, 2026

Every bag of feed is a blend of ingredients, each included for a reason. Whether you buy finished feed or mix your own, knowing what each group of ingredients does helps you judge quality and understand what your animals are getting.

Energy sources

Energy drives growth, movement and production. Maize is the main energy ingredient in most poultry and fish feeds, with sorghum, wheat offal and cassava products also used. Fats and oils are added where more energy is needed in a smaller volume.

Protein sources

Protein builds muscle, feathers and eggs. Soybean meal is the most widely used plant protein, alongside groundnut cake. Fish meal supplies high quality animal protein and is especially important in fish feeds and in starter diets.

Minerals

Limestone and oyster shell supply calcium for bones and eggshells. Bone meal and dicalcium phosphate supply phosphorus. Salt provides sodium. Too little of these shows up as weak legs, thin shells and poor growth.

Amino acids

Lysine and methionine are the amino acids most often lacking in grain based diets. Adding them in small amounts allows the animal to make full use of the protein in the feed.

Vitamin and mineral premix

A premix supplies the vitamins and trace minerals animals need in tiny quantities. It is a small part of the formula by weight but one of the most important. Use a premix made for the animal and stage you are feeding.

Other additives

Toxin binders help reduce the effect of mould toxins in grains. Enzymes improve how well the animal digests the feed. These are included at low rates according to the manufacturer's directions.

The balance matters

Good ingredients in the wrong proportions still make a poor feed. If you mix your own, work from a proven formula for the species and age you are feeding, weigh every ingredient and mix thoroughly.

We supply feed ingredients and additives as well as finished feeds. Ask our team if you need help choosing what is right for your farm.