“It’s always tempting to react to rising feed prices by looking for a cheaper alternative,” states ABN nutritionist John Round.

“But switching to a lower cost feed without considering its specification can result in lost production that’s far more expensive than any short-term cost savings.

“It’s how cost-effectively a particular feed delivers specific nutrients or supports a certain level of output that determines its true value. So focus on feed conversion efficiency, the price per unit of energy or protein supplied, and don’t be afraid to continue investing in higher quality feeds if the payback justifies the extra cost.”