Oats can be used for both ruminants and monogastric animals. Oats are suited for the feeding of pets, such as cats and dogs, and game animals, and can be added to animal feeds as a cereal ingredient.
Oats is an ideal grain for starting cattle on feed because of its high hull and fiber content. Some oat varieties are used in the form of green feed or hay. It has been shown that oat produces more forage dry matter yield than most of the other cereal crops.
Many experienced cattlemen prefer to start weaned calves on oats as the only or major grain, gradually shifting over to higher-energy grains as the animals become adapted to grain consumption.
The fat content of oats increases their energy content, which is an important attribute in horse feeds. Oats consumed as feed in the US are becoming a specialty feed for race horses, hobby farmers and breeding stock. The leading exporters of oat grain are Canada, Finland, Sweden Australia, and Argentina.
In pet foods, oats prevent allergies and do not irritate the intestine. Oats improve fur shine, reduce diarrhea, and are well suited for the prevention of gluten absorption disorders.
Oats for animal feed
