The main difference between roughage and concentrate is that roughage is high in fibre and low in energy, whereas concentrate is low in fibre and high in energy.
Animal feed is any substance or combination of substances given to animals to provide them with nutrients necessary for growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Based on factors such as origin, nutrient content, and processing methods, these feeds can be classified into different types. Roughage and concentrate are two types of feed that are commonly used in animal nutrition.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Roughage
– Definition, Sources, Features
2. What is Concentrate
– Definition, Sources, Features
3. Difference Between Roughage and Concentrate
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Roughage, Concentrate
What is Roughage
Roughage is a type of feed that is high in fibre and low in energy. Other names for roughage are fibre or forage. It is an essential component of the diet of many animals, including cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. Roughage contains plant parts that are not digestible, such as hemicellulose, lignin, and cellulose.
Moreover, sources of roughage include pasture, straw, hay, and silage. Pasture is the most natural and cost-effective source of roughage for many animals. This is because pasture provides a diverse range of grasses and other plants rich in fibre and other nutrients. Hay is dried grass or legume harvested and baled for storage. Silage is fermented feed made by packing fresh grass or other forage into a storage container and allowing it to ferment. Straw is dried stalks of cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and oats.
There are many effects of roughage on animal health. Roughage promotes healthy digestion by providing bulk and stimulating food movement through the digestive tract. Hence, the intake of roughage prevents digestive problems such as constipation, bloating, and colic. It also acts as a nutrient source for beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome. Roughage helps in the weight management of animals too. In addition, it is helpful in the milk production of dairy cows. However, roughage is lower in nutritional value than concentrate.
What is Concentrate
Concentrate feeds are a type of animal feed that is high in energy and low in fibre. These feeds are used as diets for animals such as horses, dairy cows, and meat animals. Concentrate is a rich source of energy. It is also a good source of protein, making it essential for growth, repair, and reproduction.
Concentrate feed also helps to feed animals during periods of low forage availability, such as winter and drought. It helps to maintain animal health and productivity even in adverse conditions.
There are many sources of concentrate. One such source is grains. Common grains that are used to feed animals are oats, barley, corn, and wheat. Another source is oil seeds such as soybeans, canola, and sunflower. By-products of food processing are also a good source of concentrate. Examples include soybean meal and distillers grains. Manufacture feeds such as pelleted or extruded feeds are also sources of concentrates.
Difference Between Roughage and Concentrate
Definition
Roughage is a type of feed that is high in fibre and low in energy, while concentrate is a type of animal feed that is high in energy and low in fibre.
Sources
Sources of roughage include pasture, hay, straw, and silage, while sources of concentrate are grains, oil seeds, by-products of food processing, and manufactured feeds.
Nutritional Value
Roughage is usually lower in nutritional value than concentrate.
Conclusion
Roughage and concentrate are two types of feed that are important for animal nutrition. The main difference between roughage and concentrate is that roughage is high in fibre and low in energy, whereas concentrate is low in fibre and high in energy.
Reference:
1. “Roughage: What it is? Types, Benefits & Food List.” De Body Wise.
2. “Basic Types of Feeds.” Encyclopedia Britannica.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Animal Feed” (CC0) via Pxhere
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