Monogastric Feed

Definition of Monogastric Feed

Monogastric feed refers to feeds formulated specifically for animals with a single-chambered stomach, such as pigs, poultry, and some fish. These feeds are designed to be highly digestible, providing readily available energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals that can be efficiently absorbed without microbial fermentation.

Unlike ruminant feed, monogastric feed relies on precise nutrient balance and ingredient quality to meet the nutritional needs of animals that cannot effectively digest high-fibre plant material.

Common Animals Fed Monogastric Feed

• Pigs

• Poultry (broilers and laying hens)

• Farmed fish and shrimp

• Rabbits

Why Monogastric Feed Matters

Monogastric feed matters because nutrition has a direct and immediate impact on growth rates, feed efficiency, health, and product quality in monogastric livestock systems. Its importance includes:

• Supporting rapid growth and efficient feed conversion

• Maintaining gut health and immune function

• Improving meat, egg, and aquaculture product quality

• Reducing nutrient waste and environmental pollution

• Optimising feed costs in intensive production systems

• Enabling precision feeding strategies

Well-formulated monogastric feed is essential for economically viable and environmentally responsible livestock production.

Key Components of Monogastric Feed

• Energy Sources – Cereals such as maize, wheat, and barley

• Protein Sources – Soybean meal, rapeseed meal, fishmeal, or alternatives

• Fats and Oils – Concentrated energy and essential fatty acids

• Vitamins and Minerals – Supporting growth, bone development, and immunity

• Amino Acids – Essential nutrients such as lysine and methionine

• Feed Additives – Enzymes, probiotics, organic acids, or coccidiostats

Related Terms

• Monogastric

• Livestock Nutrition

• Feed Efficiency

• Animal Health

• Precision Agriculture

• Sustainable Livestock

Useful Resources on Monogastric Feed

Explore these authoritative resources to learn more about monogastric nutrition, feed formulation, and sustainable feeding systems:

• FAO – Animal Feed and Nutrition – Global guidance on feed formulation and efficiency.

• FEFAC - The Voice of the European Compound Feed and Premix Industry - highlighting monogastric feeding strategies

• USDA – Poultry and Swine Nutrition – Practical feeding guidelines for monogastric animals.

• Food Standards Agency – Animal Feed Regulations (UK) – Regulatory guidance on feed safety and composition.

• AGRIS – Monogastric Nutrition Research Database – Peer-reviewed research on feed efficiency and performance.

• International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) – Industry standards and sustainability initiatives.

• Our World in Data – Feed Use and Livestock Systems – Data on feed inputs and environmental impacts.

• The Poultry Science Association - latest research findings on the poultry industry - Journals and podcasts.

• World's Poultry Science Association (WPSA) - global network for poultry science and technology.

• The British Pig & Poultry Fair - leading UK pig & poultry exhibition.