djurfodret

Djurfodret is the Danish term for fodder or feed intended for farm animals. It includes all edible substances given to livestock to meet their nutritional needs, covering cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats and horses. Djurfodret is produced from crops, by‑products and specially formulated concentrates and can be fed directly or mixed on farms.

The main categories are grovfoder, koncentreret foder and foder med tilsat næring. Grovfoder comprises roughage such as hay, silage and straw, providing fibre and rumen function. Koncentreret foder includes energy- and protein-rich feeds like grains, seed meals and by‑products, often used to balance diet when forage alone is insufficient. Foder med tilsat næring refers to premixes and supplements that deliver minerals, vitamins and trace elements, required for optimum production and health. Many producers also use by‑products from other industries, such as beet pulp or distillers’ grains, to improve feed efficiency.

Production, quality and safety are governed by national and EU regulations. In Denmark, Fødevarestyrelsen oversees feed safety, labeling and hygiene, while EU rules govern the approval of feed additives, standardization of ingredients, and general nutritional requirements. Labels typically disclose ingredients, energy content, protein level and any additives, along with storage and handling instructions.

Nutritional principles emphasize balancing energy, protein, fibre and micronutrients to suit specific livestock stages (growth, lactation, reproduction). For ruminants, forage often forms the foundation, complemented by concentrates; for monogastric animals, more precise energy and protein adjustments are common. Quality control and monitoring help prevent hazards such as contamination and mycotoxins, supporting animal health and productivity. Environmental and economic considerations include the use of by‑products and the aim for sustainable, efficient feeds.