Provender

Provender refers to any food or fodder given to domesticated animals, particularly livestock such as horses, cattle, sheep, and poultry. The term is commonly used in agricultural and equestrian contexts to describe the feed provided to maintain health, support growth, and sustain productivity. Provender can include a variety of sources, ranging from fresh forage like hay and grass to processed feeds such as grains, pellets, and supplements.

In equine care, provender is a critical component of a horse’s diet, often consisting of hay, grass, and concentrates like oats or corn. Proper feeding practices ensure optimal nutrition, preventing issues like colic or metabolic disorders. Livestock farmers also rely on provender to optimize milk production, meat quality, and wool growth in animals like cows and sheep. The composition of provender may vary depending on the animal’s age, breed, and specific nutritional needs.

Provender can be categorized into roughage (high-fiber materials like hay or silage) and concentrates (energy-dense feeds like grains or pellets). Balanced diets often combine both to meet an animal’s energy, protein, and mineral requirements. Quality control in provender production is essential to avoid contamination or nutritional deficiencies, which can harm animal health and productivity.

The term "provender" is derived from Old French *proviande*, meaning "provisions," reflecting its role as a foundational element in animal husbandry. While modern agriculture has expanded the variety of available feeds, the principle of providing adequate provender remains central to sustainable livestock management.