Which of the following is blended from various raw materials and additives?

Pellets are a type of animal feed that is specifically manufactured by blending various raw materials and additives. The process involves taking different ingredients, such as grains, protein meals, vitamins, and minerals, and mixing them together to create a homogeneous feed product. This is typically done to ensure that the nutritional needs of the animals are met consistently and efficiently. The pelleting process itself also applies heat and pressure, which can improve the digestibility of the feed and enhance its storage stability.

On the other hand, cottonseed meal, oats, and hay are more straightforward products derived from specific agricultural processes. Cottonseed meal is a byproduct of cotton processing, oats are a specific type of grain, and hay is generally composed of dried grasses or legumes. These items do not involve blending various ingredients in the same way that pellets do; instead, they are processed as singular types of feed items. Therefore, pellets represent a complex and formulated approach to livestock nutrition, making them distinct from the other options listed.