Gel based livestock feed, method of manufacture and use

摘要

A method of making a gel-type livestock feed includes initially forming a feed mixture by mixing feed nutrient components, water, alginate, and a calcium component insoluble in water or a sequestrate to inhibit the calcium component from reacting with the alginate. Once the feed mixture is formed, the calcium component is solubilized or the sequestrates affecting the reactivity between the alginate and the calcium component is removed such that a gel feed is formed that includes a gel matrix containing the feed nutrient components. The gel feed may then be fed to the livestock. In another aspect of the present invention, piglets are weaned by feeding the gel feed for at least seven days directly after weaning. The gel feed may also include protein derived from blood with or without egg protein.

主权项

1. A method of making a livestock feed for piglets, the method comprising:
forming a feed mixture by mixing feed nutrient components comprising at least carbohydrates and fats with water, alginate, a calcium component insoluble in water or a sequestrate to inhibit the calcium component from reacting with the alginate wherein the pH during mixing of the feed nutrient components is about 6.0 or greater; and once the feed mixture is formed, solubilizing the calcium component or removing the sequestrate's effect on the reactivity between the alginate and the calcium component such that a gel feed is formed comprising a gel matrix containing the entire feed mixture, wherein the gel feed includes the carbohydrates and fat in an amount sufficient for a required dietary carbohydrate and fat intake for the piglets.