One of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of raising livestock is feed. Walk into any feed store and you'll find dozens of bags claiming to be the perfect choice. High performance, premium, complete nutrition, growth formula…the marketing can make every feed sound like the best option.

The truth is, there is no perfect feed for everyone.

The right feed depends on your species, your goals, your location, and even the individual animal. Feeding a market goat is very different from feeding a dairy doe, just as feeding breeding stock differs from feeding growing youngsters. Before you can choose the right feed, you need to know what you're feeding for.

Understanding the Feed Tag:

Every feed tag has two sections that deserve your attention: the ingredient list and the guaranteed analysis. Both tell an important part of the story, and understanding both will help you make better decisions.

The Ingredient List:

The ingredient list tells you what the feed is made from. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, meaning the ingredients at the top make up a larger portion of the feed than those near the bottom.

For example, if corn is the first ingredient, you can expect corn to make up a significant portion of the ration. If corn appears tenth on the list, much less of the feed is made from corn.

As you read the ingredient list, look for ingredients that provide the three nutritional building blocks:

• Protein

• Energy (carbohydrates and fats)

• Fiber

Different manufacturers use different ingredients to supply these nutrients. Alfalfa is a common protein source, corn is a common energy source, and cotton seed hulls is a commonly used fiber source. There are many acceptable ingredients. The important part is understanding what role each ingredient plays rather than simply recognizing its name.

The ingredient list tells you what went into making the feed. The guaranteed analysis tells you what nutrition comes out of it.

Reading the Guaranteed Analysis:

The guaranteed analysis is the manufacturer's tested nutritional breakdown of the feed. This is where you'll find values such as crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and various minerals and vitamins.

These numbers don't mean much unless you understand the nutritional requirements of your species and the purpose of the animal you're feeding.

A growing market goat, for example, generally has different nutritional needs than a mature dairy doe. Likewise, breeding animals, pets, and show animals often require different nutritional approaches.

Rather than looking for one "perfect" number, look for balance. Compare feeds that are intended for the same species and stage of production. If something appears unusually high or unusually low compared to similar feeds, ask yourself why. There may be a good reason—or it may simply not be the right feed for your situation.

Wash Rack Tip:

Save your feed tags.

Every time you finish a bag, keep the tag or take a picture of it. Manufacturers occasionally adjust formulations. If your animals suddenly go off feed or performance changes unexpectedly, comparing the new tag to an older one may reveal that the recipe has changed.

Don't Forget the Minerals:

Minerals are just as important as protein and energy.

Every complete feed should contain essential minerals, but the amount needed can vary by species and even by geographic region. Some areas have naturally low levels of certain minerals, making supplementation necessary.

Always know the nutritional requirements for your species before adding supplements.

One of the best examples is copper. Goats generally require considerably more copper than sheep, while sheep are much more sensitive to excess copper. A goat feed may be perfectly appropriate for goats but potentially dangerous for sheep.

Knowing your species' nutritional needs is just as important as reading the feed tag itself.

Evaluating the Feed:

Once you've chosen a feed, it's time to evaluate the product itself.

Above all else, buy feed that you can keep fresh.

When you open a new bag, it should smell pleasant and fresh. Every feed has its own scent, but it should never smell moldy, sour, musty, or stale.

The texture should also tell you something. Most quality pelleted feeds feel firm but slightly pliable. Depending on the ingredients, some may even feel slightly tacky. Feed should never feel excessively dry, crumbly, damp, or moldy.

If something seems off, trust your instincts. It's better to replace one bag of feed than risk the health of your animals.

Proper Feed Storage:

Fresh feed starts with proper storage.

Avoid buying more feed than you can reasonably use before it begins to lose quality. Old feed becomes stale, attracts pests, and, if stored improperly, may mold or spoil.

Store unopened bags in a cool, dry, dark location away from moisture, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures.

Once opened, transfer feed into a tightly sealed container. A metal trash can with a secure lid works exceptionally well because it helps protect feed from rodents, insects, moisture, and air.

Also remember to keep feed where livestock cannot reach it. One of the quickest ways to create an emergency is allowing animals unrestricted access to a feed supply.

Let Your Animals Help You Decide:

Finding the right feed often involves a little trial and error.

Choose a feed that is readily available, fits your goals, stays fresh, and contains ingredients and nutrient levels that make sense for your animals.

Then watch the animals.

Healthy livestock should generally approach feeding time with enthusiasm. While everyone has an occasional picky eater, a sudden lack of interest in feed should prompt you to investigate. The feed may have gone stale, the formulation may have changed, or it may simply not be the best fit for that particular animal.

Final Thoughts:

Remember that feed is only one tool in livestock management.

No feed is a magic wand, but the right feed, combined with good management, can help animals reach their potential. Learn to read your animals just as carefully as you read a feed tag. Their body condition, growth, production, and overall health will tell you whether your feeding program is working.

Feed doesn't replace good stockmanship—but when used correctly, it is one of the most powerful tools a good stockman has.

What are your thoughts on reading feed tags? Do you have a go-to feed or an ingredient you always look for? Let us know in the comments below.