The most common grains fed to cattle in Australian feedlots are wheat, barley and sorghum. Less frequently fed, due to their availability, are lupins, millet, rice, rye, triticale, corn and oats. Grains are either rolled or steam-flaked, fresh every day in a mill, in order to provide maximum nutrition in an easily digestible format.
All commodities that enter a feedlot are quality tested before being accepted for cattle consumption. This ensures that all feedstuffs meet the high food safety standards dictated by the bodies that regulate ingredients that go into Australian livestock feeds.
There are several bodies that regulate the standards of ingredients that go into livestock feeds, to ensure the safety and quality of all ingredients for livestock, and for humans consuming meat:
– Grain Trade Australia
– Australian Fodder Industry Association
– Australian Oilseeds Federation Incorporation
– Pulse Australia
Consuming grain is a nutritious option for cattle. Cattle feed needs to include adequate protein, high energy and fibre for natural cattle growth and development. To meet these requirements, seeds or plant products, energy foods such as molasses and fibre such as hay, are included in the diet of grain fed cattle. No animal by-products are fed to cattle in Australian feedlots – this is guaranteed and is a strict industry regulation.
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