voer

Voer is the Dutch term for animal feed. It refers to the material supplied to livestock to meet nutritional needs and support growth, milk production, and health. Voer can be produced on farms or purchased from feed mills and is used for cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, and other domesticated animals. The verb form voeren means to feed.

Composition and types: Voer is commonly divided into roughage (hay, silage, fiber-rich grazing) and concentrates (grains, seeds, cake meals) that supply energy and protein. Many feeds are formulated as complete feeds (pellets or mash) for specific species or life stages, while others serve as supplements. Diets also include minerals, vitamins, and additives as needed.

Production and regulation: In many regions, feed ingredients are produced under quality and safety standards by farms or dedicated mills. Regulations cover labeling, permitted ingredients, moisture content, toxin limits, and traceability. Livestock nutrition is typically tailored to species, production goals, and housing conditions, with guidance from nutritionists or feed formulation software.

Storage and safety: Feed should be stored dry and protected from pests to prevent spoilage and toxin formation. Regular inspection for mold, pests, moisture, and foreign matter reduces health risks. Poorly stored feed can lead to digestive upsets, reduced production, or poisoning.

Environmental and economic aspects: Feed choices influence farm economics and environmental impact, including land use and greenhouse gas emissions. Availability and price of feed ingredients shape ration decisions.