Which crop is commonly used as energy feed in animal nutrition?

Which crop is commonly used as energy feed in animal nutrition?

• A. Corn
• B. Wheat bran
• C. Soybean meal
• D. Alfalfa

Answer: (A)

Energy feeds are those that supply most of the diet’s usable energy from readily digestible carbohydrates, especially starch. Corn fits this role because its kernels are rich in starch and have high metabolizable energy with relatively low fiber, making it an efficient, high-energy feed for a wide range of livestock. It supports rapid energy intake for growth, milk production, and maintenance. Wheat bran, while useful as a fiber source, is higher in crude fiber and provides less energy per unit. Soybean meal is prized for protein rather than energy, and alfalfa is a high‑protein forage with substantial fiber, not primarily an energy source.

Energy feeds are those that supply most of the diet’s usable energy from readily digestible carbohydrates, especially starch. Corn fits this role because its kernels are rich in starch and have high metabolizable energy with relatively low fiber, making it an efficient, high-energy feed for a wide range of livestock. It supports rapid energy intake for growth, milk production, and maintenance.

Wheat bran, while useful as a fiber source, is higher in crude fiber and provides less energy per unit. Soybean meal is prized for protein rather than energy, and alfalfa is a high‑protein forage with substantial fiber, not primarily an energy source.