Home mixing with the Feedtek range of concentrates

By producing a large fraction of feed ingredients on farm and adding a specialist premix from the Feedtek range, a farmer can boost nutrition and bring feed costs down substantially.

The most important factors determining the profitability of a livestock operation are animal fertility and growth of the offspring, and both are directly dependent on the nutritional status of the animal.

Modern high-producing animals require a wide range of macro- and micronutrients at the correct and balanced levels to produce and reproduce optimally. Macronutrients include energy, protein and macrominerals such as phosphate, while micronutrients include a wide range of trace minerals and certain vitamins.

Feed cost can contribute up to 75% of the total operating expenses of an intensive livestock operation. It is therefore critical for a farmer to consider ways to cut back on feed expenses without compromising feed quality.

One of the simplest solutions is to produce the largest possible fraction of the feed ingredients on farm, as this will always work out cheaper than buying in feed. It is thus common practice among stock farmers to produce their own roughage/ hay and grains, and purchase the remaining essential nutrients in the form of concentrates.

Put another way, the larger the fraction of nutrients that is self-produced, the smaller the portion to be purchased and the cheaper the feed cost per unit of nutrient.

the feedtek approach

The Feedtek range of concentrates was developed according to this principle. In contrast to other concentrate ranges, which include carriers and a large proportion natural protein, Feedtek contains no carriers or natural protein, and is thus highly concentrated.

Carriers increase the transport cost per unit of critical nutrients, and natural protein can be produced or purchased more cheaply from local co-operatives or commodity traders. The Feedtek range also contains low moisture levels, saving on transport costs and increasing shelf life. Feedtek is produced by SA Premix, a specialist premix manufacturer, under strict quality assurance standards, including FAMI-QS. The composition of each bag can therefore be guaranteed. The range has been used successfully since 2001 by numerous stock farmers throughout South Africa.

The Feedtek technical team comprises 10 professionally registered animal nutritionists, including specialists in the nutrition of dairy cows, beef cattle, smallstock, pigs, ostriches and rabbits.

Feedtek customers also have access to a comprehensive technical support service.

• Phone Feedtek on 086 111 5362 or email info@feedtek.co.za. Visit feedtek.co.za for more information.