High-Energy Cattle Feed Making: A Complete Guide

Energy feed are defined as those with crude fiber content below 18% and crude protein content below 20%. They are the main source of energy for cattle, directly influencing weight gain, milk yield, and reproductive efficiency. This article will provide a systematic analysis of high-energy cattle feed making — covering raw material selection, formula design, processing technology, and application strategies — to offer practical reference for actual feed production operations.

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Making Process Technology of High-Energy Cattle Feed

Cattle growth, lactation, and reproduction all rely on energy feed, while the feed processing method directly determines how much effective energy the animals can absorb. For example, corn is high in starch, but if it is not finely ground or properly flaked, dairy cows may show feed refusal or incomplete digestion, resulting in lower milk production.

Overview of Energy Livestock Feed Processing Flow

Although the processing flow of high-energy feed appears simple, every step has practical impact:

Crushing → Mixing → Conditioning → Pelleting/Extrusion → Cooling → Packaging

Different feed formulas and ingredients lead to variations in the feed production line, so if you need a customized solution, we can design it for your specific requirements.

• 1. Raw Material Cleaning & Initial Treatment

​Upon entering the plant, raw materials must be cleaned of impurities. Grains and tubers are crushed or cut according to size and moisture. Corn is best suited for flaking or light grinding, while sweet potatoes require steaming and peeling. This stage directly impacts starch absorption efficiency.

• 2. Formulation & Mixing

When grains, bran, and tubers are mixed, attention must be paid to proportion and uniformity. Bran is lower in energy but rich in protein and minerals; when combined with grains, it makes feed more balanced. Uneven mixing can reduce milk yield or slow weight gain.  You may refer to the feed formulation examples below, or simply click the button on the right to contact our experts.

• 3. Extrusion or Pelleting

These processes improve feed palatability and increase feed intake. Extrusion also helps destroy anti-nutritional factors, enhancing starch and protein digestibility.

For instance, feeding dairy cows flaked corn increases milk yield by 5%–8% compared with whole corn, while reducing selective feeding issues. Pellet size and density also affect feed intake speed and digestive balance, so adjustments should be made according to cattle breeds and production targets.

• 4. Drying, Cooling & Packaging

Feed moisture is ideally maintained at 12%–14%. Proper cooling prevents pellet clumping, while packaging and storage must remain dry and ventilated to reduce nutrient loss. For investors, this means allocating budget for dryers and feed  packaging machinery; otherwise, even premium raw materials will be wasted.

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Advanced Tips for Cattle Feed Processing Technologies

Beyond conventional methods, several technologies significantly enhance feed value and cattle performance:

1. Rumen-protected fat: Oils processed into protected forms(Common products include hydrogenated palm fat and calcium salts of fatty acids.) avoid premature rumen breakdown, increasing milk fat rate and beef fat quality. Case studies show milk fat levels rise by about 0.5% and beef fat by 2–3 percentage points after use.
2. Steam Flaking: For corn, barley, and similar grains, steam treatment destroys anti-nutritional factors, improving starch digestibility. Extruded feeds also absorb water better, reducing selective feeding.
3. Compound Pellet Feed Technology: Combining raw materials of different particle sizes creates slow nutrient release, improving rumen digestion efficiency. Ideal for high-yield dairy cattle or fast-growing beef cattle. While this requires advanced livestock feed manufacturing equipment, it delivers higher economic returns.

Although these technologies add equipment cost and operational expenses, farms aiming for high productivity and stable income see clear long-term benefits.

Classification of Energy Feed Ingredients and Formulation Strategies

Energy feeds play a central role in cattle diets. Main categories include cereal grains and their by-products, as well as root and tuber feeds.

Beef Cattle Feed Energy Sources Raw Materials

Cereal Grains: The “Core Powerhouse” of Cattle Diets

Corn, barley, wheat, sorghum, oats, and rice are the most common energy sources in cattle feed production. They are rich in nitrogen-free extracts (mainly starch), accounting for 66%–80% of dry matter, with crude fiber usually below 10%, making them highly efficient in energy utilization.

• Corn: Known as the “king of feed,” it offers the highest energy level and is widely used for both beef fattening and lactating cows. Yellow corn contains carotene but is low in lysine and tryptophan, with unbalanced calcium-phosphorus ratio. Processing methods matter: flaked or ground corn is more digestible than whole kernels. Adult cattle thrive on ground corn, while younger cattle (below 150 kg) can consume whole kernels.
• Sorghum: Slightly lower in energy than corn but higher in protein. However, tannins reduce palatability and can cause constipation, so use should be limited.
• Barley: Higher quality protein than corn, with more lysine and tryptophan. Improves flavor of milk and beef. Energy is slightly lower due to higher crude fiber.
• Wheat: Provides more protein and vitamins than corn, but its rumen bypass starch ratio is low. Should not exceed 50% of diet. Best fed as coarsely ground or flaked, not whole or finely ground.

Bran By-Product Feeds: Economical Alternatives

By-products of grain processing, such as wheat bran, barley bran, rice bran, and corn bran, are widely available. While slightly lower in energy than grains, they are richer in protein and minerals.

• Wheat & Barley Bran: High fiber, low energy feeds. Soft in texture, palatable, with mild laxative effect. Feeding wheat bran porridge post-calving helps restore digestive function.
• Rice Bran: High in crude fat. Moderate use improves beef carcass quality, but overuse leads to soft or yellow fat. Poor storage risks rancidity.
• Other Bran Types: Such as sorghum bran and millet bran. Millet bran is high in nutrients, while sorghum bran has decent energy but poor palatability due to tannins.

Root & Tuber Feeds (Sweet Potato, Potato, Cassava)

In many regions, roots and tubers serve as affordable and abundant cattle feed materials.

• Sweet Potato: High starch, low fiber, highly palatable. Can be fed raw or cooked, though protein and calcium levels are low.
• Potato: Similar to sweet potato. Works best when mixed with grains or protein feed. Storage is critical: sprouted potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic to cattle.
• Cassava: Starch-rich with energy comparable to corn. Requires detoxification or steaming to avoid health risks.

While cost-effective and locally available, these feeds are high in moisture and prone to spoilage, requiring silage, chopping, or steaming equipment for proper storage.

Example Rations for Beef & Dairy Cattle (as % of Dry Matter)

Interpretation:

• Beef Cattle: Focused on fast weight gain with high energy from grains, balanced by by-products for cost efficiency.
• Dairy Cattle: Require more protein and minerals during lactation, hence higher soybean meal and additive proportions.
• Flexible Adjustment: These are reference formulations. Local raw material availability and price determine the final mix.

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