How to Read a Livestock Feed Tag
Every bag of livestock feed tells a story. The feed tag contains important information about what is in the feed, which animals it is intended for, and how it should be used. Learning to read a feed tag will help you purchase the right feed, compare products confidently, and avoid costly feeding mistakes.
Commercial livestock feeds are carefully formulated to provide balanced nutrition for specific species and stages of production. However, not all feeds are the same. A feed designed for growing calves is very different from one intended for laying hens or lactating dairy cows. Understanding the information printed on a feed tag allows you to make informed decisions and provide your animals with the nutrition they need.
What is a Feed Tag?
A feed tag (sometimes called a feed label) is the information attached to every commercial livestock feed. It identifies the product, lists its nutritional guarantees, provides feeding instructions, and includes details about the manufacturer.
Producer Tip: Never purchase livestock feed without reading the feed tag. The information on the label is your best guide to choosing the right product.
Typical Information Found on a Feed Tag
| Section |
Purpose |
| Product Name |
Identifies the feed and its intended purpose. |
| Species |
Indicates which animals should receive the feed. |
| Guaranteed Analysis |
Lists the minimum or maximum nutrient levels. |
| Ingredients |
Lists the ingredients used in the feed. |
| Feeding Directions |
Explains how to feed the product correctly. |
| Manufacturer Information |
Provides contact information and product identification. |
| Storage Instructions |
Explains how to keep the feed fresh and safe. |
1. Product Name
The product name usually tells you the intended use of the feed.
Examples
- Calf Starter
- Beef Grower Pellet
- Dairy Lactation Ration
- Layer Mash
- Broiler Grower Feed
- Sow Gestation Feed
- Sheep Maintenance Pellet
Always ensure the feed matches your livestock species and stage of production.
2. Intended Species
The feed tag clearly states which animals should receive the feed.
Important: Never assume one livestock feed is suitable for every species. Nutrient requirements vary greatly, and some ingredients or mineral levels that are safe for one species may be harmful to another.
For example, sheep require special mineral formulations because excessive copper can be toxic. Likewise, poultry, pigs, cattle, goats, horses, and rabbits all have different nutritional requirements.
3. Guaranteed Analysis
The Guaranteed Analysis is one of the most important sections of the feed tag. It tells you the minimum or maximum amounts of key nutrients contained in the feed.
Common Nutrients Listed
- Crude Protein (minimum)
- Crude Fat (minimum)
- Crude Fibre (maximum)
- Moisture (maximum)
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Salt
- Vitamins A, D and E
These values help producers compare different feeds and determine whether the feed meets the nutritional needs of their animals.
What Does Crude Protein Mean?
Crude protein estimates the amount of protein available in the feed. Growing animals, breeding stock, lactating females, and poultry generally require higher protein levels than mature maintenance animals.
Remember: Higher protein is not always better. Choose a feed that matches your animals' stage of production rather than simply selecting the highest protein percentage.
Understanding Crude Fat
Fat provides concentrated energy and improves feed palatability. Animals with high energy demands, such as dairy cows during lactation or rapidly growing livestock, may benefit from feeds containing higher fat levels.
Understanding Crude Fibre
Crude fibre represents the indigestible portion of the feed.
- Ruminants require adequate fibre to maintain healthy rumen function.
- Pigs and poultry require much lower fibre levels because excessive fibre reduces nutrient digestibility.
4. Ingredient List
The ingredient list identifies the raw materials used to manufacture the feed.
Common Ingredients You May See
- Corn (maize)
- Barley
- Wheat
- Oats
- Soybean meal
- Canola meal
- Molasses
- Mineral premix
- Vitamin premix
- Salt
Understanding these ingredients will help you compare different commercial feeds and recognise their nutritional purpose.
5. Feeding Directions
Every commercial feed should include instructions explaining how the product should be used.
Feeding Directions May Include
- Recommended feeding rate.
- Suitable age or production stage.
- Whether additional forage should be supplied.
- Transition recommendations.
- Fresh water requirements.
Following the manufacturer's feeding directions helps ensure animals receive balanced nutrition and reduces the risk of digestive problems.
6. Transitioning to a New Feed
Changing diets suddenly can upset the digestive system, especially in ruminants.
Producer Tip: Introduce new feeds gradually over 7–10 days. Slowly increase the proportion of the new feed while reducing the old feed to allow the digestive system to adapt.
7. Storage Instructions
Even high-quality feed loses nutritional value if stored improperly.
- Store feed in a cool, dry location.
- Protect feed from rain and moisture.
- Keep bags sealed after opening.
- Prevent access by rodents, birds, and wildlife.
- Use older feed before newly purchased feed.
Comparing Two Feed Tags
When comparing feeds, don't focus on a single nutrient. Consider the complete nutritional profile and whether it matches your production goals.
Compare the Following:
- Protein level
- Energy content
- Fibre level
- Mineral content
- Ingredient quality
- Feeding recommendations
- Price per kilogram of feed
- Expected animal performance
Common Mistakes When Buying Feed
- Buying feed based only on price.
- Ignoring the intended species.
- Not reading the Guaranteed Analysis.
- Choosing the highest protein feed unnecessarily.
- Using feed beyond its recommended storage period.
- Changing feeds too quickly.
- Buying damaged or mouldy feed bags.
Practical Tips for Producers
- Read every feed tag before making a purchase.
- Match the feed to the animal's age and production stage.
- Compare nutrient values, not just the price.
- Introduce new feeds gradually.
- Store feed correctly to maintain quality.
- Keep records of which feeds produce the best results.
- Ask your feed supplier or nutritionist if you have questions about a product.
Producer Checklist
- ✔ I know how to identify the intended species.
- ✔ I understand the Guaranteed Analysis.
- ✔ I compare feeds using nutrient values, not price alone.
- ✔ I follow the recommended feeding directions.
- ✔ I store feed properly.
- ✔ I introduce new feeds gradually.
- ✔ I read the ingredient list before purchasing.
Producer Take-Home Message: A livestock feed tag is much more than a label—it is a valuable source of information that helps you choose the right feed, avoid costly mistakes, and provide balanced nutrition for your animals. By learning to interpret feed tags, producers can make smarter purchasing decisions and improve the health, productivity, and profitability of their livestock operations.