In addition to comparing the cost-effectiveness of different feed options, it is also important to consider the nutritional requirements of sheep and cattle during drought. Stock have different nutritional needs at different stages of their life, and these needs may change depending on level of activity and stage of production.
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Consulting with an LLS livestock officer or nutritionist can help determine the most appropriate feed options for the animals based on their specific nutritional requirements.
Pulse grains, such as chickpeas and lentils, are a good source of protein and energy for sheep and cattle. They are often used as a supplementary feed during drought, when pasture and hay are in short supply. Pulse grains can be fed whole or as a pelletised feed, often with a reduced risk of acidosis compared to cereal grains.
Hay has long been a staple feed for cattle in dry times. It is important to choose good quality hay that is free from mould and other contaminants. The nutritional value of hay varies depending on its maturity and the species of grass or legume it comes from. In general, younger, greener hay is more nutritious than older, more mature hay.
Feeding straw to livestock during dry times is a common practice, due to its availability and as a source of fibre. However, it is important to consider the cost-effectiveness of this approach. Straw has a low nutritional value and often requires additional supplementation to meet the animal's dietary needs.
Additionally, the cost of transporting and storing large quantities of straw can quickly add up. While straw can be a useful component of a feed ration in certain circumstances, it is important to consider alternative sources of feed and carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of using straw as a feed source during times of drought or feed shortages.
Whole cottonseed is another popular feed option for sheep and cattle. It is high in protein and energy, with the ability to feed in piles on clean ground with minimal wastage.
Protein meals are a popular feed source for livestock and are typically made from soybeans, canola, and other oilseeds. These meals are high in protein and can be an excellent source of essential amino acids, important for growth and development. Protein meals can be used as a supplement to other feed sources, such as hay or pasture, helping ensure a balanced diet. Protein meals are easy to store in bags or bulk containers, and transport long distances without spoiling. This makes them an excellent choice for producers without access to local feed sources. Additionally, protein meals are often cost-effective compared to other feed sources, such as grain. Be sure to consider how to feed protein meals to stock, as there will be high wastage if fed on the ground.
Silage continues to be a popular feed option for livestock graziers, who can grow their own. Silage is made by fermenting green crops such as corn, sorghum, or grass, which is then stored in airtight wrapped bales or pits. Silage does not get better with age, with wrapped silage often having a shelf life of around two years. Once harvested and stored, the quality of the silage remains the same, but can deteriorate if not stored correctly. Preventing air getting in, helps to prevent spoilage and a loss of nutritional value. Silage is more suited as a cattle feed than sheep, from a disease and management perspective. Diseases such as listeriosis, botulism and poisonous toxins can occur in poorly made and managed silage.
Silage bales stacked.
Transporting silage can be challenging and often not cost-effective, due to the high level of water content (often over 50%) making transportation expensive and difficult. It is crucial to also consider the nutritional content of silage. The quality of the silage depending on the quality of the crop at the point of harvest. It is important to harvest the crop at the correct time to ensure optimal nutritional content. Factors such as weather conditions, maturity of the crop, and harvesting techniques can all affect the quality of the silage.
Fortified molasses and urea licks can be a great addition to a feeding program when adequate dry pasture is available. These supplements are designed to provide additional nutrition to grazing animals, particularly in areas where the quality of the pasture may be lacking. Fortified molasses and urea licks can benefit livestock by:
Cereal grains such as wheat, barley and corn are commonly used as a source of energy in sheep and cattle diets. These grains are high in starch and provide a quick source of energy. Fed in moderation, they can help improve animal performance and promote weight gain. Excessive consumption of cereal grains can lead to health problems such as acidosis, a condition where the pH in the rumen drops, leading to digestive upset, decreased feed intake or possible death. It is important to work with a nutritionist, to develop a balanced diet for livestock that includes appropriate amounts of cereal grains to meet their energy needs while also promoting digestive health. Gorging of individuals within a herd can be a high risk with cereal grains. Slow introduction is essential to minimise this risk and allow the rumen to adjust to new feeds (as this can take up to 10days).
Straw bale.
Buffers can be used to neutralise excess acid production in animal feed, including sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, and magnesium oxide. These buffers can be added to the feed in various amounts, depending on the type of grain and the needs of the animal. It is important to note that overuse of buffers can be harmful to the animal, so it is important to work with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to determine the appropriate amount for each animal.
Cereal grains are a valuable source of nutrition for livestock, but proper use of buffers and other nutritional components, such as salt and calcium, are required in the diet to avoid health problems. With the proper use, cereal grains can provide a high-quality and cost-effective source of nutrition for livestock.
To compare commodities based on cents per megajoule of energy per kilogram on a dry matter basis, we need to consider the energy and dry matter percent content of each commodity. Let's compare wheat and lucerne hay in the below worked example.
Cost per tonne = $390 DM = 90% ME = 13 MJ/kg DM
First, determine the cost per kilogram of dry matter. We must multiply the cost per tonne by 10 and then divide by the dry matter percentage:
Cost per kg DM = ($390 × 10) ÷ 90 = 43c/kg DM
Now, to determine the cost per energy unit we must divide the cost per kilogram dry matter (determined above) by the energy concentration of the feed. Wheat has an average energy value of 13 MJ/kg. Therefore:
Energy cost = 43c/kg ÷ 13 MJ/kg = 3.3c/MJ
Wheat field.
Cost per tonne = $400 DM = 90% ME = 9.5 MJ/kg DM
Cost per kg DM = ($400 × 10) ÷ 90 = 44.4c/kg DM
Energy cost = 44.4c/kg ÷ 9.5 MJ/kg = 4.6c/MJ
Based on this calculation, we can see that lucerne hay is slightly more expensive per kilogram of protein than wheat.
To compare commodities based on dollars per kilogram of protein, we need to consider the protein content of each commodity. Let's compare lupins and urea lick blocks in the below worked example.
Cost per tonne = $600 DM = 90% CP = 32%
Cost per kg DM = ($600 × 10) ÷ 90 = $66/kg DM
Lupins have an average crude protein percentage of 32%. Therefore:
Protein cost = $66/kg ÷ 32 = $2.09/kg CP
Urea lick blocks
Cost per 20 kg block = $36 CP = 40%
Cost per kg = $36 ÷ 20 = $1.80/kg
Therefore:
Protein cost = 1.80/kg ÷ 40 × 100 = $4.5/kg CP
Based on this example we can see that the protein cost of urea lick block is nearly double that of lupins.
Converting feeds to a cost per tonne on a DM basis is important when calculating a cost comparison on the feeds, as various feeds contain different amounts of water.
The cost of machinery used for feeding livestock is also an important consideration when choosing a feeding strategy during drought. Different feeding options require different machinery. For example, hay and straw feeding may require a bale feeder, while silage feeding may require a silage wagon or chopper.
These pieces of equipment can vary greatly in cost and size, with larger and more advanced machinery typically being more expensive. Maintenance and repair costs should also be considered. Weigh the benefits of each feeding option against the cost of machinery allows for an informed decision on the best strategy for the operation.
Remember, if you are supplementary feeding, others will be too. This will generally cause the costs to rise, which needs to be factored into the decision-making process. Costs will generally increase as feeding goes on. Buying in bulk at the outset may be a cost-effective approach, however, consider possible storage and spoilage factors.
Finally, testing the feed before purchasing large quantities, can help you assess the quality and nutritional value. Feed samples can be sent to a laboratory for analysis, which may reveal any deficiencies in the feed, allowing an informed decision about whether it is suitable for your stock.
Feed grade lysine has become super important for animal farmers who wanna grow healthy animals without wasting money. This stuff is an amino acid that helps animals grow muscle, stay healthy, and use their food better. But not all lysine products are the same, and picking the right supplier can make a huge diff in how your animals do.
As someone who's worked with animal feed for over 15 years, I've seen how the right lysine can transform a farm's results. The global market for this stuff is about $300 million and growing fast as more farmers learn how important it is. Companies like Pangoo have stepped up to meet this need with high-quality products.
Lysine suppliers range from big global companies to smaller specialists. What matters most isn't just price - it's gettin consistent quality that won't mess up your animals' health or growth. I've visited feed mills that switched suppliers to save a few bucks, only to lose way more in poor animal performance.
The feed industry needs reliable lysine sources cuz animals (especially pigs and chickens) can't make this amino acid themselves. Without enough lysine, they won't grow right even if you give them plenty of food. That's why good suppliers aren't just selling a product - they're providing a critical piece of animal nutrition.
When you're lookin at feed grade lysine, you'll mainly find two types: L-lysine HCl and L-lysine sulfate. Knowin the diff between them helps you choose what's best for your animals and your wallet.
L-lysine HCl is the most common type you'll see. It's a concentrated form with about 78% pure lysine and comes as a pale brownish powder. The product code 657-27-2 (that's the CAS number) tells you it's the real deal. Most quality products have at least 98.5% purity of L-lysine HCl, which means almost no fillers or junk.
L-lysine sulfate is the other main type. It has less actual lysine (about 51-52%) but some folks like it cuz it contains other nutrients from the fermentation process used to make it. I've worked with both, and each has its place depending on your feed program.
When I check lysine products for my clients, I always look at these things:
The best L-lysine HCl 98.5% products dissolve easily in water, which helps them mix evenly in feed. This might seem like a small thing, but I've seen uneven mixing cause some animals to get too much while others get too little.
Most lysine comes from fermentation processes using bacteria (usually Corynebacterium glutamicum). These bacteria eat sugars from corn or other sources and make lysine as they grow. After fermentation, the lysine gets purified, dried, and packed.
The quality of the production process makes a big diff in the final product. Companies with advanced tech can make more consistent lysine with fewer impurities. When I toured a Pangoo facility last year, I was impressed by how they controlled every step of the process to maintain quality.
The global lysine market has several key players, each with their own strengths. Knowing who they are helps you understand your options when buying.
Ajinomoto Co., Inc. from Japan is one of the biggest amino acid makers in the world. They're known for their super consistent L-lysine mono-hydrochloride that farmers trust. Their tech for fermentation is top-notch, which means very pure products.
Evonik Industries from Germany makes Biolys®, which some nutritionists really like. They focus on precision nutrition and have done lots of research on exactly how lysine works in different animals.
CJ Bio from South Korea produces BESTAMINO L-lysine using advanced methods that are more eco-friendly. They've grown fast in recent years by focusing on sustainability, which many large farm operations now care about.
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Cargill, Inc. from the USA makes various grades of L-lysine for different animals. They're huge in the feed business overall, which gives them good distribution networks.
You can find more details about the major players in the Top 4 L-lysine HCl Manufacturers China guide, which covers the Chinese market specifically.
Pangoo Biotech has become a major player in the Chinese market and for exports. Founded in , they've been making feed additives for over 20 years and shipped more than 10,000 tons of products in alone.
What makes Pangoo stand out among Chinese suppliers is their commitment to quality and certification. They hold ISO : and ISO : certs, which are tough to get and show they take quality seriously.
In my visits to their facilities, I've noticed they invest in both production tech and quality testing. This means more consistent products compared to some other suppliers in the region. They also have English-speaking staff, which makes things easier for international buyers.
Here's how the major suppliers compare on some key points:
Each supplier has different strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific needs, location, and budget. I've worked with clients who switched suppliers and found that sometimes paying a bit more upfront saved them money in the long run through better animal performance.
You might wonder why I keep talking bout quality when it comes to feed grade lysine. After all, isn't it just an ingredient? But trust me, the quality of your lysine can make or break your animal production.
Low-quality lysine can hurt your animals in several ways:
I once worked with a pig farm that switched to a cheaper lysine source. Within weeks, their feed conversion went up by 0.2 points - meaning each pig needed an extra 5-6 kg of feed to reach market weight. That tiny "saving" on lysine cost them thousands in extra feed costs!
Quality suppliers provide important documentation:
Always ask for the COA and MSDS before buying. I've caught problems many times by checking these docs carefully. A good supplier will have these ready and be happy to share them.
The best suppliers test their products thoroughly:
During my facility audits, I always check their testing lab. You can tell a lot about a company by how they handle quality control. Good suppliers test every batch and keep samples for future reference.
Quality lysine stays good longer, which matters if you're ordering in bulk or shipping long distances. Look for products with:
I've seen lysine that got exposed to humidity turn into a rock-hard lump that couldn't be mixed into feed. Good suppliers package their products to prevent this kind of problem.
Among the many suppliers I've worked with, Pangoo Biotech stands out for several reasons. Lemme share what I've learned bout them over the years.
Pangoo was founded way back in in Cangzhou, China. That gives them over 20 years of experience making feed additives. They ain't new to this game - they've seen how the industry has changed and adapted to stay competitive.
What impressed me most in my dealings with them is their focus. Instead of trying to make everything, they stick to what they're good at - quality feed additives like lysine, methionine, and other essential nutrients.
Their scale is pretty impressive too. In , they exported more than 10,000 tons of products and had sales over $10 million. They're big enough to handle large orders but still focused on quality.
Pangoo offers several forms of lysine:
They also make complementary amino acids like L-Threonine and DL-Methionine, which work alongside lysine in animal nutrition.
For quality assurance, they hold both ISO : (quality management) and ISO : (food safety) certifications. These aren't easy to get - they require strict processes and regular audits.
I've visited their testing labs, and they check each batch for:
Pangoo's manufacturing facilities use modern fermentation and purification tech. This helps them control the quality of their products better than some competitors who use older methods.
Their production flow chart shows the careful process they follow, from raw material testing through fermentation, purification, drying, and packaging.
What sets them apart from many other China feed additives suppliers is their consistency. Each batch is tested to make sure it meets specs before shipping. This matters hugely when you're formulating precise animal diets.
In my experience, Pangoo offers better support than many competitors, especially for international customers:
I once had an urgent question about lysine stability in high-temperature feed processing. Their technical team got back to me the same day with detailed info that helped solve my client's problem.
Picking the right lysine supplier is super important for your animals and your business. Here's what I've learned from years of helping farms and feed mills source ingredients.
When evaluating lysine suppliers, look at these critical factors:
I always tell my clients not to focus only on price. The cheapest lysine often costs more in the long run due to quality issues. One client saved $20 per ton on lysine but lost $200 per ton in poorer animal performance!
Before committing to a supplier, ask these questions:
The best suppliers will answer these questions clearly and completely. If they hedge or seem reluctant, that's a red flag.
If you're buying from overseas suppliers like those in China, keep these tips in mind:
For more detailed advice, check out How to Choose a Supplier in China, which covers these points and more.
In my years auditing suppliers, these warning signs usually mean trouble:
I once visited a "factory" that turned out to be just a trading company with no actual production. They were buying from various sources and repackaging - leading to wildly inconsistent quality. Always verify what you're getting!
The lysine market is always changing, and staying on top of trends helps you make smarter buying choices. Here's what I'm seeing in the industry right now and what to expect in the coming years.
The global feed grade lysine market is big business:
These numbers tell us that demand for lysine is strong and growing. As more countries eat more meat, the need for efficient animal feed additives like lysine keeps rising. This is especially true in developing regions where meat consumption is growing fastest.
The market looks different depending on where you are:
I've seen demand patterns shift over my career. Ten years ago, North America dominated lysine use. Now, Asia uses more as their meat production has grown rapidly. Understanding regional trends helps predict price movements.
The lysine industry faces several challenges:
The biggest surprise to many buyers is how corn prices affect lysine costs. Poor corn harvests can make lysine prices jump, even if demand stays the same. I've seen prices double in bad crop years, catching many feed mills off guard.
Looking ahead, several innovations are changing the lysine market:
Some companies are developing lysine that's protected from breakdown in the rumen, making it more effective for cattle. Others are working on liquid forms that mix more easily in certain feed types.
The trend toward Feed Supplements Boosting Livestock Nutrition shows how the industry is evolving to meet changing demands for animal performance while addressing environmental concerns.
L-lysine HCl contains about 78% pure lysine and comes as a fine powder with at least 98.5% purity. L-lysine sulfate has less actual lysine (around 51-52%) but includes other nutrients from fermentation. Most farmers choose HCl for its higher concentration, but some nutritionists prefer sulfate for certain applications where the additional nutrients are beneficial.
Check for ISO certifications ( and ), ask for production facility photos or videos, request recent COAs, and verify their business registration. For Chinese suppliers, you can also check if they're registered with GACC (General Administration of Customs China) for export. If possible, arrange a facility visit or hire a third-party inspection service before large orders.
The biggest factors are corn prices (main raw material), energy costs (production is energy-intensive), transportation costs, and supply-demand balance. Unexpected events like factory shutdowns or crop failures can cause sudden price spikes. Working with suppliers who offer contract pricing can help manage this volatility.
Store in its original packaging in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ideal temperature is 10-25°C (50-77°F) with relative humidity below 65%. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use. Under proper storage conditions, L-lysine HCl typically has a shelf life of about 2 years. Always check the manufacturer's specific recommendations.
Yes, you can use lysine from one supplier and other amino acids like methionine or threonine from others. However, it's sometimes easier to work with one supplier for all amino acids to ensure consistent quality and simplify ordering. The most important thing is that each amino acid meets quality specifications regardless of supplier.
For standard orders, expect 2-4 weeks for production plus shipping time (which varies by destination). Express production can sometimes be arranged for 7-10 days in urgent cases, but usually at higher cost. Large orders may take longer. Always build in extra time for potential delays, especially during Chinese holidays or shipping peak seasons.
Quality suppliers test using several methods:
Top Chinese suppliers like Pangoo produce lysine that meets the same specifications as Western producers. However, quality can vary widely among Chinese manufacturers. Those with proper certifications and testing procedures often match or exceed Western quality at more competitive prices. The key is proper supplier vetting rather than making assumptions based on country of origin.
Choosing the right feed grade lysine supplier is crucial for your animal nutrition program. The best suppliers offer consistent quality, proper documentation, reliable delivery, and good customer support - all at a fair price. With the market growing steadily and technology improving, working with established suppliers like Pangoo gives you both current quality and future innovation.
When evaluating your options, remember that the cheapest price rarely means the best value. Consider the total impact on your operation, from ordering ease to animal performance. By following the guidelines in this article and asking the right questions, you can find a lysine supplier that becomes a true partner in your business success.
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