Alternative and novel feeds for ruminant nutrition

What is it about?

In this review paper we have evaluated the nutritive value of several different alternative and novel feed sources accessible in temperate and tropical areas. Finding new, more sustainable and environmentally friendly feed sources for ruminant production is crucially important to improve food security by decreasing food-feed-fuel competition for arable land area and to decrease environmental load of animal production. In this review paper we suggest that in the short-term, N-fixing grain legumes, oilseeds and increased use of food and/or fuel industry by-products have the greatest potential to replace or supplement the traditional crops especially in the temperate zones. In the long-term, microalgae and duckweed of high-yield potential as well as wood industry by-products may become economically competitive feed options worldwide.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Within ruminant-based food production, there are potential means to improve global food supply and to decrease its environmental footprint without compromising animal products. Alternative and novel feeds provide opportunities to (a) spare arable land, fresh water (e.g. single-cell proteins, duckweed) or fertilisers (N-fixing grain and shrub legumes), (b) exploit side streams more efficiently (residues of food, biofuel or wood production) and (c) increase the use of fibrous feeds not suitable for monogastrics (wood, shrubs). They may also offer additional benefits such as modification of lipids in ruminant products (lupins, camelina, microalgae) and mitigation of methane emissions (lipid-rich feeds, tropical shrubs).