Assessing Quality and Safety of Animal Feeds

Description

Animal feed is the food given to animals which are domestic often refers to fodder in course of care and management of farm animals by humans for profit. Supply of quality feed ensures the health of animals. Various feeds include poultry feed, sheep husbandry, cat food, pet food, pig farming, cattle feeding, dog food, equine nutrition and bird food. Recent advances in ration balancing include manipulation of feed to increase the quantity and quality of protein and energy delivered to the small intestine. The limited supply of protein post-ruminally under most feeding systems in developing countries is an important limiting factor which prevents an increase in animal productivity. Feeds and forages are variable in composition. Feed analysis provides information for farmers to optimize nutrient utilization in animal feeds; for feed compounders to prepare feed mixtures suitable for different animal production systems; for researchers to relate animal performance to feed characteristics; and for plant breeders to optimize the nutritive value of new varieties. Also of concern are the undesirable contaminants of animal feeds which may have a direct bearing on the safety of foods of animal origin. This book provides the most recent information on the impact of animal feeds on food quality, food safety and the environment and thus improves the basis for managing such risks, which are increasingly at the centre of public and individual consumer attention.