Which factor is NOT considered when evaluating the quality of a feedstuff?

When assessing the quality of a feedstuff, the primary considerations typically revolve around its nutritional value, how well it can be digested by the livestock, and the presence of any contaminants that could affect animal health or performance. Nutrient composition is crucial because it directly relates to the dietary requirements of the livestock. Digestibility measures how effectively animals can break down and absorb the nutrients from the feed, which is essential for efficient nutrient utilization and overall productivity. Likewise, the presence of contaminants is critical because it can pose health risks to the animals, potentially leading to reduced performance or disease.

In contrast, while production cost is an important factor in the broader context of feed management and economic viability, it does not inherently relate to the intrinsic quality of the feedstuff itself. Production cost influences decisions regarding which feed to purchase or utilize based on budgetary constraints, but it does not affect the nutritional or safety aspects of the feed. Therefore, it is not a direct measure of feed quality in terms of nutrient availability and digestibility.