HUSBANDRY EDUCATION
What is Animal Husbandry?
Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture that addresses the care, breeding, and management of domestic animals such as livestock (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and horses) and poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese). It encompasses a wide variety of practices designed to optimize the production and welfare of these animals.
This includes:
- Breeding
- Feeding
- Housing
- Health Management
- Behavioral Management
Harnessing Animal Husbandry for Optimal Feed Solutions
We recognize the critical role that animal husbandry plays in the agriculture industry. Our comprehensive approach integrates the principles of animal husbandry to deliver feed that supports your animals’ health, productivity, and welfare.
The Importance of Animal Husbandry:
Animal husbandry encompasses the essential practices of breeding, feeding, housing, and managing the health of domestic animals. By applying these principles, we ensure that our feed meets the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
CATTLE
Cattle husbandry involves managing cattle for meat, milk, and leather, focusing on feeding, breeding, housing, and health. Effective practices ensure herd productivity, health, and sustainability.
The lifecycle of beef cattle starts with breeding and calving. Cows are typically bred to calve in the spring or fall, with a 9-month gestation period. During pregnancy, cows need a balanced diet consisting of quality hay and grass forage. If there is a shortage of forage, provide a high-protein cattle feed like Kawmix DairyPro. Access to hay or grass forage, even if of low quality, is still important to provide adequate digestible fiber in the diet.
Calves rely on their mother’s milk for nutrition, supplemented with colostrum for immune protection. If a cow doesn’t produce enough milk, milk replacer can be used. After 2 months, calves can transition to Kawmix Calf Starter for rapid growth. Grazing on quality pasture provides support. Castrating bull calves prevents unwanted breeding, reduces aggression, and improves meat quality. Steers (castrated bulls) have more tender and consistent meat.
Typically around 6 months of age (400 to 600 lbs), calves are weaned off the cow. Beef calves’ ration should include quality hay and Kawmix Calf Grower (16% Protein, special order only), or a blend of chopped corn and Kawmix Cattle Supplement Pellet 32%. Blend to achieve a final protein content of around 16%.
As calves grow (600 to 1000 lbs), their nutrition requirement shifts to less protein and more energy content. During the growing stage, calves will eat approximately 2 to 2.5 percent of their body weight. As the calves’ food consumption increases, the grams of protein they consume also goes up. As a result, the amount of protein per pound of feed can be less. They may continue to be fed Kawmix Calf Grower or custom blended 16% ration and provide free choice quality hay. During this phase calves should gain approximately 2 to 3 lbs per day.
During the finishing stage, cattle are prepared for market or other purposes. Most beef breeds of cattle in the United States are finished growing and considered to have sufficient fat and marbling characteristics in their meat at around 1,200 to 1,400 pounds. The calves ration may include Kawmix Cattle Fattener (10% Protein, 3% Fat, 6% Fiber) or Kawmix Jump Start Forage Maximizer (12% Protein, 3.25% Fat, 15% Fiber) along with free choice quality hay. The ration is adjusted to ensure efficient growth and proper development until they reach the desired market weight. Kawmix 32% Supplement Pellet can be added to their diet to boost protein intake as needed.
Equine
Horse husbandry, or equine husbandry, involves the care and management of horses. It focuses on feeding, grooming, training, and health to ensure their well-being and performance.
The lifecycle of a horse begins with breeding and foaling. Mares are typically bred during the spring and early summer months. The gestation period for a horse is around 11 months. During this time, the mare receives Kawmix Mare & Foal (16% protein), rich in vitamins and minerals to support the developing foal. Once the foal is born, it stays with the mare, nursing for the first few months.
During the foal stage, the young horse relies primarily on its mother’s milk for nutrition. However, by about 2-3 months, the foal begins to eat small amounts of solid food. They are typically provided with Kawmix Mare & Foal to support their rapid growth and development. Clean water is always available, and the foal is gradually introduced to grazing on pasture.
Around six months of age, the foal is weaned from its mother and transitions to the weanling stage. During this time, the young horse’s diet consists of high-quality forage and Kawmix Mare & Foal, which contain essential vitamins and minerals to support continued growth and bone development. The environment is managed to reduce stress during weaning and promote healthy socialization with other young horses.
As the horse enters the yearling stage, its diet shifts to include more forage and Kawmix Horse Ration (12% protein) feed, which is rich in energy and nutrients to support steady growth. Regular exercise and socialization are essential during this period to develop strong muscles and bones. Yearlings are often introduced to basic training and handling to prepare them for future work.
During the two-year-old stage, the horse continues to mature physically and mentally. The diet now consists primarily of high-quality forage, supplemented with Kawmix Bronco Excel (14% protein) to meet energy and nutritional needs, especially for those in training. For horses requiring lower starch in their diet, Kawmix Bronco Low Starch (14% protein) is provided. This stage often includes more intensive training, depending on the horse’s future use, whether for riding, racing, or other activities.
Once the horse reaches adulthood, its nutritional needs stabilize. The diet consists mainly of high-quality forage and a balanced concentrate feed tailored to its activity level and workload. Performance horses may be fed Kawmix Performance Horse (14% protein), while horses with lower activity levels may benefit from Kawmix Bronco Maintenance (12% protein). Horses needing a lower starch diet can be given Kawmix Bronco Low Starch (14% protein). For additional support, Kawmix Equipro (30% equine supplement pellets) can be provided to meet specific nutritional needs. Regular health check-ups, dental care, and vaccinations are essential to maintain overall health.
As horses age, their nutritional needs change. Senior horses may require Kawmix Snickers Senior (12% protein) that is easier to chew and digest, with added nutrients to support joint health, digestion, and overall vitality. The diet typically includes higher fiber content and adjusted protein levels to maintain muscle mass and body condition. Horses with specific dietary needs can also be given Kawmix Bronco Low Starch (14% protein). Regular veterinary care becomes increasingly important to monitor and address age-related health issues.
Exotic
Alpaca and llama husbandry focuses on managing these camelids' breeding, feeding, and health care. Proper care ensures their well-being, productivity, and fleece quality, supporting their roles in agriculture and as companion animals.
The lifecycle of alpacas and llamas begins with breeding and birthing. Female alpacas and llamas, called dams, are typically bred during the spring and summer, with a gestation period of about 11.5 months. During pregnancy, dams should have a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and sufficient energy to support fetal development. This often includes high-quality forage and Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5% Pelleted Feed to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients.
Cria are newborn alpacas and llamas that rely primarily on their mother’s milk for nutrition. The first milk, colostrum, is essential because it provides crucial antibodies for immune protection. By about 2-3 weeks, cria begin to nibble on feed and hay. Clean water should always be available, and the cria may be introduced to grazing on pasture.
Before weaning, cria should be eating forage or hay and at least 1 pound of Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15% feed per day. By this point, the dam should be dried off, and the cria consuming plenty of water.
Around six months, cria are weaned from their mother and transition to the weaning stage. During this time, their diet consists of high-quality forage and Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5%, which is highly digestible and rich in protein to support continued growth and development. The environment should be managed to reduce stress during weaning and promote healthy socialization with other young alpacas and llamas.
Around six months, cria are weaned from their mother and transition to the weaning stage. During this time, their diet consists of high-quality forage and Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5%, which is highly digestible and rich in protein to support continued growth and development. The environment should be managed to reduce stress during weaning and promote healthy socialization with other young alpacas and llamas.
Once alpacas and llamas reach adulthood, their nutritional needs stabilize and differ based on their role:
- Breeding Adults: Adult males (studs) and females (dams) used for breeding require a balanced diet to maintain their health and support reproductive performance. Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5% and high-quality forage are recommended to meet their energy and protein requirements.
- Non-Breeding Adults: Non-breeding adults also benefit from Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5% and high-quality forage to maintain overall health and body condition.
Goat
Goat husbandry includes feeding, breeding, housing, and health care. It focuses on nutrition, disease prevention, and veterinary care to optimize milk, meat, and fiber production while ensuring goat welfare and sustainability.
The lifecycle of a goat begins with breeding and kidding. (female goats, aka nanny goats) are typically bred in the fall, with a gestation period of about 150 days. During pregnancy, women have a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and sufficient energy to support fetal development. This often includes high-quality forage and Kawmix Healthy Goat 16%, which meets the nutritional needs of pregnant women. Shortly before kidding, the does are freshened (produce milk, aka “in the milk”) for their kids.
Larger goat breeds typically have from 1 to 3 kids. More miniature or dwarf breeds typically have more kids, generally from 2 to 4.
During the kid stage, the young goats rely primarily on their mother’s milk or milk replacer for nutrition. By about 2-3 weeks, they begin to nibble on solid food. They are provided with Kawmix Healthy Goat 16% to support their rapid growth and development. Clean water is always available, and the kids are gradually introduced to grazing on pasture.
Around three months, the kids are weaned from their mother and transition to the weaning stage. During this time, their diet consists of high-quality forage and Kawmix Body Builder Goat 18%, which provides high energy for weight gain and development. This feed supports continued growth and development with its higher protein content. The environment is managed to reduce stress during weaning and promote healthy socialization with other young goats.
As the goats grow, their diet shifts to include more forage and a balanced grower feed.
- Meat Goats: Meat goats are fed Kawmix Body Builder Goat 18% to support muscle growth and weight gain.
- Dairy Goats: Dairy goats may benefit from Premier Goat’s 17% textured feed, which is tailored for show and dairy purposes. Regular exercise and socialization are essential during this period to develop strong muscles and bones.
Once the goats reach adulthood, their nutritional needs stabilize and differ based on their purpose:
- Dairy Goats: Dairy goats are fed high-quality forage, and Premier Goat 17% textured feed to support milk production. This feed provides protein and nutrients to maintain high milk yield and overall health.
- Meat Goats: Meat goats have high-quality forage and Kawmix Body Builder Goat 18% to maximize muscle growth and weight gain. This feed offers the high energy and protein content needed for meat production.
- Bucks and Wethers: Bucks (male goats) and wethers (castrated male goats) have a higher risk of urinary calculi. To prevent this condition, they are fed feeds fortified with ammonium chloride, such as Kawmix Healthy Goat 16%, Kawmix Body Builder Goat 18%, and Premier Goat 17%. This helps to maintain urinary health and prevent the formation of stones.
Poultry
Poultry husbandry involves caring for chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, focusing on feeding, housing, health, and breeding for productivity while ensuring biosecurity and animal welfare.
Eggs are incubated for 21 days without any need for external feeding. Once the chicks hatch, they are provided with Kawmix Chick Starter designed for their immediate post-hatch nutritional needs.
During the brooding stage, the chicks are fed Kawmix Chick Starter, which is high in protein to support rapid growth and development. This feed is in granulated form to make it easy for the young chicks to consume. Essential vitamins and minerals are included to ensure proper bone development and overall health.
As the pullets grow, their diet transitions to Kawmix Chick Grower, containing 16% protein. This feed continues to support their growth while preparing them for the transition to laying. The feed is formulated to promote strong bone development and healthy feathering. Adequate calcium and phosphorus are also included to support skeletal health. Once chicks have grown in 75% or more of their feathers, they have officially outgrown the chick phase and may be transitioned to cooler temperatures outside the brooder.
When the pullets reach laying age, they are switched to Kawmix Layer feed. This feed is rich in calcium (3%) to support strong eggshell formation and contains about 16-20% protein. The feed also includes essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to maintain high productivity and overall health. The diet is carefully balanced to ensure the hens receive all the nutrients necessary for consistent egg production.
During the molting stage, feed intake is reduced, and Kawmix 20% Layer Feed or Kawmix 22% Meat Maker/Game Bird Feed may be provided. This feed has a higher protein content to support the hens through the molting process. The diet helps the hens shed old feathers and regenerate new ones while giving their reproductive systems a rest.
After the peak laying period, hens may reduce laying to a fraction of the eggs laid during their prime laying years. The number of years a hen is in prime production is primarily based on their breed and environmental factors. As hens begin to slow in laying continue feeding Kawmix Layer Feed. Additionally, more Kawmix Scratch Grains or Chicken Delight may be added to their maintenance diet. This diet has a balanced nutrient profile to support continued egg production but at a reduced rate compared to the peak laying period. The calcium content remains high to support eggshell quality.
Sheep
Sheep husbandry involves feeding, breeding, and health care, including nutrition, shearing, and disease prevention. It ensures efficient production of wool, meat, and milk while promoting animal welfare and sustainability.
The lifecycle of sheep begins with breeding and lambing. Ewes (female sheep) are typically bred during the fall, with a gestation period of about 150 days. During pregnancy, ewes have a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and sufficient energy to support fetal development. This often includes high-quality forage, Kawmix 18% Sheep Pellets, and whole corn to provide essential nutrients and energy for healthy lamb development.
Lambs are newborn sheep that rely primarily on their mother’s milk for nutrition. The first milk, called colostrum, is vital as it provides essential antibodies for immune protection. By about 2-3 weeks, lambs nibble on solid food. They have Kawmix 18% Sheep Pellets to support their rapid growth and development. Clean water is always available, and the lambs are gradually introduced to solid feed.
Around two months, lambs are weaned from their mother’s milk and transition to the weaning stage. During this time, their diet consists of high-quality forage, Kawmix 18% Sheep Pellets, and chopped corn, which are highly digestible and rich in protein to support continued growth and development. The environment is managed to reduce stress during weaning and promote healthy socialization with other young sheep.
As the lambs grow, their diet shifts to include more solid feed. During the growing stage, they are fed Kawmix 18% Sheep Pellets and high-quality forage, supplemented with whole corn to provide additional energy for muscle development and overall growth. Growing lambs need ample space and enrichment to encourage natural behaviors and maintain health.
During the finishing stage, lambs are prepared for market or other purposes. They are fed Kawmix 18% Sheep Pellets, Kawmix Sweet Grain 10, and whole corn, which provide the energy needed to maximize weight gain and improve meat quality. The diet is adjusted to ensure efficient growth and proper development until it reaches the desired market weight.
Adult sheep, including breeding rams (male sheep) and ewes, have specific nutritional needs based on their role. Both breeding rams and ewes require a balanced diet to maintain their health and support reproductive performance. Kawmix 18% Sheep Pellets, high-quality forage, and whole corn are recommended to meet their energy and protein requirements.
Swine
Swine husbandry focuses on feeding, housing, breeding, and maintaining pig health. Proper practices ensure nutrition, disease prevention, and optimal growth, vital for meat production, herd health, and sustainable farming.
Potbelly piglets need special care and the right food. Start feeding them Kawmix Pig Starter 18%, along with their mother’s milk. Mix the feed with warm water to make it easier for the piglets to eat. Keep their pen clean and warm. A potbelly sow will typically give birth to between 4 and 10 piglets.
Weaning is typically done at eight weeks of age. Piglets should readily be consuming dry feed before weaning. As the piglets grow, transition them to Kawmix Pig Grower 16%. Always provide pigs with fresh, clean water. Their pen should be kept clean, with dry bedding.
In the adolescent phase, transition pigs to Kawmix Potbelly Plus 16%. Watch their growth and adjust the amount of feed as needed. Ensure they have a safe outdoor area for exercise. If being kept outdoors, provide shelter from inclement weather.
In the adolescent phase, transition pigs to Kawmix Potbelly Plus 16%. Watch their growth and adjust the amount of feed as needed. Ensure they have a safe outdoor area for exercise. If being kept outdoors, provide shelter from inclement weather.
Wildlife
Game bird and waterfowl husbandry involves the care, breeding, and management of birds for sport and conservation, aiming to ensure their health and support habitat restoration
At the hatchery, game bird and waterfowl eggs are incubated with precise control over temperature and humidity to ensure proper development. Incubation periods vary by species but typically range from 21 to 28 days for chicks, poults, ducklings, and goslings.
For the first four weeks (*or until fully feathered), birds need to be raised in a controlled environment with specific temperatures tailored to the species. They are fed a high-protein starter feed (Kawmix Meat Maker 22%, Turkey Grower 20%, Turkey Starter 28% for game birds, and Kawmix Premium Waterfowl 16% or Meat Maker 22% for waterfowl) to support rapid growth and development. Always provide fresh, clean water and monitor closely for signs of illness.
Note that medicated feeds are toxic to waterfowl. Additionally, waterfowl require higher amounts of the vitamin niacin, particularly in the growth and development phases. Kawmix Premium Waterfowl has been formulated to meet this requirement.
As the birds grow, they transition to the growing stage. They are fed a grower feed tailored to their species, typically containing less protein than fed in the starter phase. Kawmix Chick Starter 18% or Meat Maker 22% for game birds and Premium Waterfowl 16%, Turkey Grower 20%, or Meat Maker 22% for turkeys and waterfowl.
Ensure the young bird’s brood pen is adjusted to ensure adequate space as they grow. Once fully feathered temperature requirements go down and the birds may be transitioned to an outdoor grow-out pen
As birds mature, feed requirements change as well. Protein content stays the same or lowers depending on the species. For game birds, the protein content is usually around 16-18%, while waterfowl may continue to be fed a 16% waterfowl ration.
At Valley Feed, we make feed for almost everything! Chickens, horses, alpacas, guinea pigs, and everything in between. Check out our Kawmix Catalog Page to see our full selection of Kawmix feeds in our retail store.
We do! Valley Feed is a full-service mill and retail store, so we can make all our house brand, Kawmix Feeds, right here! Named after the Kaw Valley, where Valley Feed resides, Kawmix is a brand we proudly hang our hat on with high-quality ingredients in every bag. Our unique combination of the mill and retail store allows us to leave out the need for shipping and the costly transportation that comes with it and share those savings with our customers!
Valley Feed offers a bulk pallet discount of $20 with each purchase of a one-ton pallet (2,000 pounds) of feed. This equates to $0.50 off each 40-50 bags within a one-ton pallet. Please contact us for pricing on bulk feed for barrels, truck beds, etc.
Yes! Corn, cracked corn, wheat, oats, milo, millet, peas, and more are all available in the 50lb bag! Currently, we do not offer grains in bulk.
We sure do! At Valley Feed, we keep a healthy supply of Straw, Brome, and Alfalfa Hay in large square bales.
Growth hormones and ionophores (cattle) cannot be used in any Kawmix Feeds for the risk of contamination to other batches.
Absolutely! The size and location of our mill allow us the unique privilege to offer fully custom Kawmix Feed Solutions on any order of one 1/2 Ton or more (1,000 lbs or 20 bags of 50 lbs each). Custom feeds can also be sold bagged or poured directly into a trailer, truck bed, or barrels. Whatever you have!
Everything about a custom feed is custom to fit your nutrition goals for your pets and livestock, including the price.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for a Kawmix Consult, and we will work with you to make a fully custom feed solution to meet your nutrition goals.
No. Valley Feed does not offer grain commodity pricing and will not fill totes, barrels, or hoppers. Bagged grains are available, and we offer a pallet discount of $20 for the whole one-ton (2,000lb) pallet.
Absolutely! At Valley Feed, we are set up very efficiently for bagging, but we can also fill trailers, truck beds, and barrels. Whatever works for you!
The weight sells feed on our certified scale, so you only pay for what you receive. Requires a week’s notice for ordering and filling to ensure feed and scale availability. Contact us with any questions or to make an order.
Yes. Local delivery is possible on orders of one ton or more bagged-out feeds. The price depends on the size of the order and the distance from the mill. Contact us to discuss delivery options on bulk pallet orders.
At Valley Feed, we proudly carry Diamond Pet Dog Cat Food and VALU-PAK Dog Food. Like our own Kawmix, these brands are made from quality ingredients at a cost that won’t break the bank.