Feed additives are small quantities of nutrients or non-nutritive substances added to animal feed to meet specific nutritional or functional needs. These can be broadly classified into two main categories: nutritional and non-nutritional additives. Nutritional additives include amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, while non-nutritional ones may consist of growth promoters, insect repellents, flavoring agents, and more.
Nutritional additives play a crucial role in balancing the diet of livestock. For instance, pigs require ten essential amino acids, with lysine, methionine, and tryptophan often being the most deficient in feed. Common raw materials like cereals, bran, and cake are used in compound feeds. Cereals are high in energy but low in protein, making them energy-dense feeds, whereas cakes typically have a crude protein content above 34%, making them a good source of protein. When using cottonseed or rapeseed cake, lysine is usually the first limiting amino acid, so adding synthetic lysine (0.1–0.2%) can significantly improve performance. In contrast, when using soybean meal or fishmeal, which have a balanced amino acid profile, additional amino acids are only needed if the feed quantity is insufficient.
Vitamins are also essential for animal health. There are 14 types of vitamins required by livestock and poultry. While farm pigs that consume a lot of bran and green fodder generally do not suffer from vitamin deficiencies, young pigs, piglets, and those consuming less of these ingredients need multi-vitamin supplements. Always follow the instructions on the package when selecting a vitamin additive, and choose multi-dimensional formulas as recommended.
Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium are commonly lacking in commercial feeds and must be supplemented. Salt, for example, helps improve taste and increase feed intake, but excessive amounts can lead to discomfort or even poisoning. Phosphorus levels are often high in bran, so calcium-rich supplements like limestone or eggshell powder should be added accordingly. The correct balance of calcium and phosphorus is vital, as too much can interfere with the absorption of other trace elements like zinc.
Trace elements such as iron, zinc, copper, and selenium are also important, though they are needed in small amounts. Over-supplementation can be harmful, causing toxicity or reduced growth. Copper and selenium, in particular, require careful monitoring. National standards limit their use, with maximum allowable levels set at 200 grams per ton for copper and 0.1–0.3 grams per ton for selenium.
Non-nutritional additives, including antibiotics, enzymes, and insecticides, are widely used to enhance growth, prevent diseases, and improve feed efficiency. Antibiotics like oxytetracycline and bacitracin are common, as are synthetic antibacterial agents. However, due to concerns over resistance, many countries are phasing out certain antibiotics in favor of alternatives. Growth promoters like olaquindox and zinc are still used in some regions, especially for piglets.
When using feed additives, it's important to follow proper guidelines. First, identify the nutritional gaps in the current feed and select the right type of additive. Second, always adhere to the dosage instructions provided. Third, ensure uniform mixing by gradually blending the additive with a portion of the feed before combining with the rest. Fourth, avoid high-temperature processing, as this can destroy sensitive components like vitamins and enzymes. Finally, store the mixed feed in a cool, dry place to maintain quality and extend shelf life. If stored for long periods, consider adding a mold inhibitor to prevent spoilage.
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