Feed Evaluation Methods: Performance, Economy and Environment

Feed evaluation methods aim to give information on the feeds to meet the nutritional needs of the animal. Therefore feed evaluation is needed to assess the nutritional value between feeds. The methods to express the feed value incline to measure mainly digestibility of the feedstuff. Many feed evaluation methods have been developed and modified over the years to predict the nutritional component of the feed. The nutritive value of ruminant feeds is assessed by the chemical composition, concentration and rate and extent of digestion of feed in the rumen. Chemical, digestibility and enzymatic methods are the main methods that have been used for feed evaluation.  The Weende and detergent analysis systems are the commonly used chemical methods of feed evaluation. For many years, feed digestibility has been measured by in-vivo, in situ and in-vitro digestibility techniques. This paper aims to review the feed evaluation methods of chemical, digestibility and enzymatic with emphasis on performance/outcomes, economic consideration and environmental effects/ footprints.