Industry Components / Raw Materials
What are raw materials in animal feed?
Raw materials are the building blocks of all compound feeds, supplying energy, protein, fibre, and micro-nutrients to support livestock growth and performance. Their availability, price, and quality directly influence the cost and quality of animal feed. Raw materials can include both primary agricultural commodities and by-products from the milling, oilseed, or food processing industries. The selection of raw materials is guided by their nutrient profile, safety, digestibility, and cost-efficiency, and plays a critical role in formulating species-specific and production-stage appropriate diets.
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Types of raw materials used in South Africa
Energy sources:
- Yellow maize (primary energy source in SA feed).
- Wheaten bran and other milling by-products such as maize meal and screenings.
- Hominy chop (by-product of maize milling).
- Molasses (energy-rich and enhances feed palatability).
Protein sources:
- Soybean oilcake (most widely used; both local and imported).
- Sunflower oilcake & canola oilcake (by-products of oilseed crushing).
- Fullfat soybean.
- Poultry by-product meal, and fish meal (as legislation allows).
Fibre sources:
- Lucerne hay and meal (key forage components).
- Groundnut hay (ruminant rations).
- Sunflower and soybean hulls (valuable sources of digestible fibre).
- Wheaten bran (major milling by-product providing both fibre and energy).
Micro-ingredients:
- Minerals such as limestone (powder and grit), phosphate (mono- and dicalcium), and salt.
- Vitamins and premixes (essential for balanced nutrition and optimal animal performance).
Sourcing & quality control
Feed manufacturers source ingredients both locally and internationally, depending on crop yields, logistics, price, and registration conditions. All materials are tested for nutrient content, and contaminants (mycotoxins, heavy metals) to protect animal and consumer health.
Why it matters
Quality raw materials are the foundation of good nutrition. Strategic sourcing and consistent testing ensure nutritional balance, safety, and cost-efficiency. In a country like South Africa -where climate conditions and global markets impact raw material flow, feed companies must be agile, knowledgeable, and responsive in procurement.