FAQ's - Beef Feed
Ask Us Anything
Send us your questions using the form or email info@agrifoods.co.zw.
What type of feed is best for my cattle?
The best feed for cattle depends on factors like age, breed, production stage and local availability. Common feeds available at Agrifoods include: All-in feed, Drought Survival, Bull and Heifer meal, Calf Grower Meal, Calf Starter Meal and Maize Saver Concentrate among other feeds
Agrimol All-In Feed (Features)
- Soft, loose texture in nature due to good quality fibre
- Golden brown, with a sweet aroma
- Rich in molasses content
- High fiber content promoting rumen pH balance, good motility as well as microbial growth
- High Crude Protein 12.1%
- Energy 11.6Mj/Kg
Benefits
- Fortified with molasses which reduces dust, enhances feed intake and rich in minerals
- Provides the extra energy and high average daily gain of 1.3 -1.8kg/day
- Shorter fattening periods of 90 daysor less
- Promotes good rumination
- Reduced risk of bloat and acidosis
- High voluntary feed intake due to excellent palatability which results in high daily weight gain
- Good quality marbling
- Super grade easily achieved with the right cattle
NB// The feed contains UREA and care must be taken when feeding the cattle to avoid urea toxicity
Drought Survival Meal (Features)
- The feed is friable in nature
- Rich in molasses
- Free energy in the feed
- Fresh and smells good
- Does not contain urea
- High fibre content
Benefits
- Helps the cattle maintain weightduring winter
- Highly appetizing and palatable feed to the cattle
- No risk of urea toxicity
- Suitable for all types of ruminants
- Can be used where grazing is inadequate or completely unavailable
NB: This feed is not for fattening
Bull and Heifer Meal (Features)
- The feed is meal and loose in nature
- Rich in molasses
- Fresh and smells good
- Crude Protein 14.5%
- Energy 9 MJ/Kg
- Does not contain urea
Benefits
- Benefits the beef cattle during winter / dry period as they will gain weight as they grow
- Conditions the heifers for bullying
- No urea toxicity fears to the farmer and can be fed to high value livestock
- Suitable for working bulls
- Restores the energy during the bulling season
- Ensures good quality semen production
- This feed is meant for bulls and heifers
Kattle Kandy (Features)
- Highly compressed and compact
- Cylindrical and hollow to allow the animals to lick
- Weight: 25kg Net
- High in major minerals
- High molasses and protein content
- 30% Crude Protein
- Exudes a sweet aroma
Benefits
- Compact & it doesn’t disintegrate easily
- Easy licking for cattle
- Highly palatable feed
- Easy to handle, compact 25kg
- Average adult animal (LSU) consumes for approximately 40 to 50days
- Molasses gives the extra energy
- Easy to administer
- Reduced risk of animal deaths due to urea toxicity because the block is hard to discourage munching
- Encourages utilization of poor quality roughage such as winter grazing and stover
- Counteracts the poor body conditionofcattle especially during the dry season
NB// Always provide good quality roughage such as grass, hay as well as clean and fresh water
How much feed should I give my cattle?
Feed quantity depends on factors like cattle weight, age, production level, and activity:
- Calves (0-6 months): 2-4% body weight/day
- Growing cattle (6-12 months): 1.5-3% body weight/day
- Mature cattle: 3% body weight/day
- Lactating cows: 3-4% body weight/day
NB: Adjust according to individual cattle needs.
How do I balance the diet for my cattle?
A balanced cattle diet requires:
- Protein (8-12% of diet)
- Energy (1.2-1.4 Mcal/kg)
- Fiber (20-30% of diet)
- Vitamins (A, D, E)
- Minerals (Ca, P, K)
- Water (Up to 50 litres/adult animal/day)
Word of advice: Consult Agrifoods about livestock balanced diet
What are the benefits of mineral supplements?
Mineral supplements provide essential nutrients, supporting:
- Good growth and development
- Good reproductive health
- Good immune function
- Good bone health
- Overall good well-being of the animal
Common mineral supplements include salt, calcium, phosphorus among others
How can I reduce my feed costs without sacrificing performance?
To reduce feed costs:
- Use locally sourced feeds
- Implement efficient feeding systems
- Reduce wastage
- Consider by-product feeds
- Negotiate with suppliers
Word of advice: Consult Agrifoods for cost-effective solutions.
What are the signs of nutritional deficiencies in cattle?
Common signs of nutritional deficiencies:
- Weight loss / low body condition score
- Poor coat condition
- Reduced milk production
- Poor reproductive performance
- Increased disease susceptibility
- Abnormal behavior such as Pica
Advice: Monitor cattle health and adjust nutrition accordingly.
How can I prevent overfeeding or underfeeding my cattle?
To prevent over/underfeeding:
- Monitor cattle weight and body condition
- Adjust feed quantity/quality
- Implement feeding schedules
- Provide adequate water
- Regularly assess cattle health
Advice: Consult Agrifoods for guidance.
How do seasonal changes affect cattle feeding?
Seasonal changes impact cattle feeding:
- Summer: increased water intake, heat stress management. Grazing usually sustains the animals but Phosphorus supplementation may be necessary
- Winter: increased energy needs, cold stress management. Protein and energy supplements are ideal as grazing often becomes poor in both quality and quantity
- Spring/Fall: transitional feeding strategies
How should I store cattle feed?
Proper feed storage:
- Cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Rodent/pest control
- Regular cleaning
- First-in, first-out inventory management
- Do not place feed directly on the floor or ground
- Prevent feed spoilage and contamination
- Do not store agriculture chemicals close to stock feed
What should I consider when buying feed?
When buying feed, one should look at:
- Quality and nutrient content
- Price and cost-effectiveness
- Local availability and transportation
- Supplier reputation
- Feed for purpose or objective
- Feed formulation and customization options
Consult with Agrifoods to ensure optimal feed selection.