What are by-products in livestock feeds?

By-products in livestock feeds refer to secondary products that are generated during the processing of primary agricultural products. This definition highlights how by-products are often derived from the main production process that yields a primary ingredient but are not the main focus of that process. For example, when corn is processed for ethanol, the remaining distillers grains can be used as a high-nutrient feed for livestock.

These by-products can provide a cost-effective source of nutrition, as they may be abundant and less expensive compared to primary feed ingredients. They are not just limited to organic compounds; many may be rich in energy, protein, or other essential nutrients beneficial for livestock.

In contrast, primary ingredients are the main components that make up livestock feeds, while synthetic substances and restrictions on organic compounds do not accurately describe the broad scope of by-products, which can include both organic and inorganic material, and often come from natural processes. Hence, emphasizing that by-products are secondary products generated during processing captures their role accurately within the context of livestock nutrition.