Crude Protein, Minimum ........................ 32.0%
(this includes not more than 11.3% equivalent crude protein from non
protein nitrogen.)
Well - yes, it is a joke - of SORTS! But the analysis is VERY real.
The point here is that reading a feed tag can be an enlightening experience.
And-just because you read the tag today does not mean you are free to ignore it next week. Rations change - even from the same company they can change.
In fact if the ingredients label is written 'in a specific way' the ration can change and you will NEVER know it!
Are you wondering how this can be possible?
If it does your feed can contain a variety of ingredient:
These ingredients can change from batch to batch WITHOUT you knowing it. This is known as 'least cost formulations'. It allows the mill to change the ration without changing the label and to mix the ration so that they can use the least costly ingredients.
Not all of the possible products that can be included are inferior ingredients. However, the problem is not only in the possible quality (or lack thereof) of the ingredients - BUT rather in the FACT that they change from batch to batch.
Within the gut of the animal is a balance of digestive enzymes and microbials. A feed with a certain balance of 'corn , oats, alfalfa' would need a specific balance of digestive flora to fully utilize the ingredients ingested. When the balance of the ingredients change or the LIST of the ingredients changes the animal must RE ADJUST the digestive flora in the gut.
This change takes time to happen. While the change is taking place the animal can, at best, loose digestive efficiency. It is entirely possible that the digestive upset from changing the 'mixture' of ingredients in the feed can be severe enough to create digestive havoc to the extent of death.
The more control the herdsman has over his feed mixture the better job he can do with controlling the health and growth of his herd.
By having a custom ration designed for your herd and taking this ration recipe to your mill and having them mix your feed according to the ingredients specification in your own 'custom' mix you will be assured of having the same feed every time.