Protein is crucial in ensuring optimal growth of livestock, improving product quality, and maximizing efficiency. However, livestock protein needs depend on growth stages and specific goals. Feed manufacturers must carefully formulate the right balance of ingredients and select appropriate protein sources to ensure economic efficiency, cost savings, and high-quality products.

What is Protein?

Proteins are large molecules consisting of chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. It is an essential component involved in all physiological processes of cells. Protein supports tissue formation, maintenance, and regeneration. It helps sustain the body’s structure, supports the immune system, regulates metabolism, maintains cell shape, muscle tissue, and facilitates digestion.

A protein deficiency can result in severe consequences such as malnutrition, stunted growth, and weakened immunity. Specifically, for livestock, protein-rich diets significantly enhance production efficiency, leading to higher yields of meat, eggs, milk, and improved reproductive health.

The importance of protein for animal growth

Protein is critical from the neonatal stage through to adulthood. This is the main component that makes up muscle, bones, skin, fur, hooves, and teeth. When digested, proteins are broken down into amino acids, which aid in the building and repair of tissues. Especially offsprings need protein much more to support rapid growth.

Protein is a key nutrient for livestock development and quality products

Providing adequate protein helps livestock grow more rapidly, improves product quality, and enhances production efficiency - whether in meat, eggs, or milk. High-quality protein improves meat texture, resulting in leaner cuts with better flavor, increasing commercial value.

Additionally, protein supports the immune systems, helps produce enzymes and hormones, and maintains hormonal balance and metabolic functions. For example, albumin, a type of protein, plays a key role in regulating fluid and electrolyte balance in the livestock's body, stabilizing metabolic processes.

Protein requirements for different types of livestock

Cattle (cows, goats, sheep)

Livestock such as cows, goats, and sheep have diets consisting of green forage. Calves and goats need high-protein diets to develop muscles, bones, and immune systems. Beef cattle need additional protein to optimize lean body mass, while dairy cattle (such as dairy cows) need high-protein diets to maintain milk production and quality.

A reasonable protein ratio helps enhance meat and milk quality

Pigs

The protein requirements of pigs vary according to their developmental stages. Piglets and weaning pigs need a significant amount of protein for rapid growth, while pigs and sows require an appropriate protein intake to maintain health and optimize milk production. Specifically, pregnant and lactating sows need additional protein to support a healthy pregnancy and ensure quick recovery.

Depending on their growth stage, pigs need different amounts of protein

Poultry (chickens, ducks, geese)

In the early stages of life, chickens and ducks require high protein levels for muscle, feather and bone development. As they mature, the protein level in their diet stabilizes to achieve optimal weight and proper lean meat ratio. For laying hens and ducks, high-level protein diets enhance egg quality while maintaining the health of them.

Supplementing protein at the right ratio ensures high-quality meat and eggs

Aquaculture (fish, shrimp)

Aquaculture, particularly fish and shrimp, have very high protein requirements, especially during the breeding stages. Fish need between 30-40% protein diets during their early life stages to develop vital organs. Similarly, shrimp require 35-40% protein diets, especially during molting periods. Protein plays a crucial role in helping shrimp develop and increasing their survival rate.

Aquaculture needs abundant and highly digestible protein sources

Top protein-rich feed ingredients for livestock

Fish meal

Fish meal is a high-quality natural protein source, containing 65-70% protein for the development of muscles, bones, and the immune systems. Fish meal also provides omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus, which contribute to the rapid and healthy growth of livestock. This ingredient is essential in feed production.

Fish meal is a premium natural protein source, suitable for various nutritional regimes for livestock

Fish soluble paste

Fish soluble paste, with a protein content ranging from 30-40%, is a by-product of the fish processing industry. It provides a highly digestible protein source that is rich in essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron. Fish soluble paste is crucial in supplementing energy for livestock, particularly in aquaculture.

Fish soluble paste is an essential energy supplement for livestock

Fish oil

Fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), as well as vitamins A and D, which are beneficial for enhancing cardiovascular health, boosting immunity, and promoting the development of the nervous system. Additionally, fish oil improves the appearance and health of the skin, fur, and scales of livestock, thereby enhancing the quality of the final product.

Fish oil helps livestock develop strong and healthy as well as improve product quality

Rice bran

Rice bran contains 10-15% protein, along with B vitamins, vitamin E, minerals, and fiber. It is a valuable plant-based protein source that aids digestion, strengthens the immune system, and improves the overall health of livestock.

>> See more: The Value Of Rice Bran In Animal Feed Processing

Rice bran is a high-quality source of energy and protein with an abundant supply

Cassava residue

Cassava residue contains 3-5% protein, which is lower than other protein sources, but it provides a rich amount of carbohydrates that help livestock maintain energy for daily activities. When combined with other protein sources, cassava residue helps balance nutrition and reduces costs.

Combining cassava residue with other ingredients helps balance nutrition and enhance farming efficiency

Protein is an essential component for livestock, playing a vital role in growth, health maintenance, and improving production efficiency. The protein requirements of every livestock are different and feed manufacturers must ensure a proper mix of ingredients and the use of high-quality protein sources. Masi is committed to providing premium feed ingredients tailor-made to the needs of businesses. As one of the leading and most reputable suppliers in Vietnam, We supply fishmeal, fish hydrolysate, fish oil and other feed ingredients that meet strict quality standards and provide optimal nutritional value. If you are looking for a trustful supplier, contact Masi today for professional advice and consultation.

--------------------------------------

Contact Information:

Masi

- Office: 7th Floor, Giga Mall, 240 - 242 Pham Van Dong, Hiep Binh Chanh Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

- Manufacturing Facility: Lot C11, Fish Sauce Processing Area, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam

Email: Cs@masi.vn

Call center: 0909 411 885 - 0911 401 955 - 0979 045 766

Website: https://masi.vn/