The energetic feed evaluation in Germany.

The article investigates the methods currently employed in Germany to determine the energy content of feed for various animals, including ruminants, pigs, poultry, and horses. It reveals that while the energy requirements for lactating cows are expressed in Net Energy Lactation (NEL), other species’ demands are given in metabolizable energy (ME), with the exception of horses, which is still expressed as digestible energy (DE). The paper also offers equations and table references for calculating the energy content of feedstuffs for various species.

Energy Evaluation Systems

• The research delves into the energetic feed evaluation systems currently being used in Germany for different animals like ruminants, pigs, poultry, and horses.
• Over the last decade, the Committee of Nutrient Requirements has implemented new suggestions for the energy needs of domestic animals, referencing both national and international standards.
• The energy necessity calculations are based on variety of performance demands and energy efficiency, known as ‘k-values’.

Energy Requirements for Different Animals

• With the exception of lactating cows, whose energy needs are expressed as Net Energy Lactation (NEL), energy requirements for other ruminants, pigs, and poultry are given in terms of metabolizable energy (ME), which is the portion of consumed energy that the animal’s body can actually use.
• However, horses are different in that at present, their energy requirement is still expressed as Digestible Energy (DE), which is the amount of energy that is digested and absorbed by the horse from the feed.

Calculation Methods and Feed Content

• The article also provides different equations and corresponding tables that give the nutritive values of different feedstuffs for various species.
• These methods enable a more accurate determination of feed energy content, which plays a crucial role in the efficiency of animal farming by allowing farmers to optimize feeding strategies for maximum animal performance and health.
• Aside from providing data on various energy necessities, the research also mentions that the energy content of mixed feeds can be estimated using specific equations, which could offer a helpful tool for farms with mixed-feed systems.