Väkirehut

Väkirehut is a term in Finnish referring to concentrated animal feed. These feeds are specifically formulated to provide a high density of nutrients, such as protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals, to livestock. Unlike roughage or bulk feeds which are primarily for fiber and satiety, väkirehut are designed to supplement the diet and meet specific nutritional requirements for growth, production, or reproduction.

The composition of väkirehut can vary significantly depending on the animal species, age, and production stage. For example, feeds for dairy cows will be different from those for pigs or poultry. Common ingredients include grains like barley, oats, and corn, as well as protein sources such as soybean meal, rapeseed meal, and sometimes animal by-products. Additives like mineral premixes and vitamin supplements are often incorporated to ensure a balanced nutritional profile.

The primary purpose of using väkirehut is to improve animal performance, such as increasing milk yield in dairy cows, promoting faster growth rates in meat animals, or enhancing egg production in laying hens. They are also crucial for maintaining animal health and well-being. The use of väkirehut allows for more efficient land use as less land is required to produce the necessary feed nutrients compared to relying solely on forage. Modern animal husbandry often involves carefully calculated feeding programs that utilize specific types of väkirehut to optimize both animal welfare and economic efficiency.