Ostrich feed making raw materials and formula

The feed for ostriches mainly includes two kinds, green feed and concentrated feed. The combination of the two feeds will have a better breeding effect.　

1. Ostrich feed classification

(1) Green feed　　

The ostrich feed is mainly green feed, which accounts for about 70% of the total diet. Green feed mainly includes a variety of forage grass, and adult ostriches need 2.5-5 kg ​​of green feed per day. Green feed requires freshness, no decay, and no pesticide pollution. Chop it up before feeding, the length is 0.5-3 cm, and put it into the trough for free feeding. Although ostriches can digest crude fiber, straw and coarse feed with a high degree of lignification not only have low utilization, but also easily cause glandular stomach obstruction. Therefore, ostriches have higher requirements for roughage. Generally, legume pastures, gramineous pastures and various green vegetables should be used as feed for ostriches. In actual breeding, all kinds of green fodder should be matched reasonably, and the breeding effect will be better.

(2) Concentrated feed

The concentrated feed in ostrich breeding is mainly to supplement the lack of protein and other nutrients in the green feed. The raw materials used in ostrich concentrate are similar to those of pigs and chickens. The biggest feature is that it can use a large amount of grass powder, mix the green fodder and concentrate with water and feed the ostrich together. There are several principles to pay attention to when formulating feed. First, pay attention to the palatability of the feed and prepare a good palatability feed. In addition, the raw materials of the feed should be kept clean and sanitary and not polluted. Try to choose nutritious and low-cost feed materials for compounding. , And try to use a variety of feed ingredients to avoid single species and ensure nutritional balance.

2. Common ostrich feed making raw materials

(1) Soybean cake (meal)

Soybean meal (meal) contains 40%~48% protein, and its protein quality (amino acid composition) is the best among vegetable feeds. Soybean cake (meal) has a fragrant taste and good palatability. It is an important protein feed for ostriches. However, the cost is high, and the amount used in the ostrich diet is appropriately controlled, generally 5% to 25%.

(2) Peanut cake (meal)

The peanut cake (meal) after dehulling and pressing the oil is a kind of feed with higher protein content, and its nutritional value varies with the amount of peanut shell mixed in. Peanut cake (meal) that is completely dehulled has higher protein content and nutritional value. In the wet rainy season, peanut cake (meal) is prone to mold and spoilage, producing highly toxic aflatoxin, which has carcinogenic effects and can inhibit animal reproduction or death. Therefore, when peanut cake (meal) is used as feed, special attention should be paid to prevent its mildew and at the same time properly control its dosage in the ostrich diet. And add the mold release agent dual-effect Mycosan to the feed.

(3) Corn

Corn, commonly known as the king of feed, is a kind of energy-smelling feed. The main ingredient is starch and the fat content is high. It is an important source of essential fatty acids. Due to the different production areas and varieties, the quality is different. Generally, yellow and red corn are better than white corn, because yellow and red corn are rich in vitamin A (such as carotene, etc.). Corn protein content is relatively low, generally 7.9% to 8.6%, and the content of lysine and tryptophan is insufficient, and the content of calcium and phosphorus is low.

(4) Sorghum

The main component of sorghum is starch, but it has a thicker seed coat, higher fiber content, lower energy value, more tannins, astringent taste and poor palatability. At the same time, it also has astringent effect, and more feeding is prone to constipation. Therefore, it is best not to use young ostriches under 4 months of age. Growing ostriches over 6 months of age can increase the dosage appropriately, and grasp the proportion in use, generally 5%-20%.

3. Recommended ostrich feed making formula:

(1) 1-3 months old: corn 56%, wheat 6%, soybean meal 12%, bran 3%, imported fish meal 6%, alfalfa meal 10%, salt 0.4%, shell meal 0.8%, bone meal 3%, 2.8% of various nutrients.

(2) Over March: Corn 46%, wheat 6%, soybean meal 8%, bran 10%, imported fish meal 4%, alfalfa meal 20%, salt 0.4%, shell meal 0.5%, bone meal 2.5% , 2.6% of various nutrients.