MBF Group
In recent years, the feed market has seen dynamic changes related to both the cost of producing agricultural raw materials and the growing demand for high-quality feed that meets the requirements of modern animal husbandry. Increased nutritional awareness among livestock farmers and changing EU standards are making feed components from proven sources with standardized chemical composition and known origin increasingly important.
One important trend in Europe is the return to the use of traditional plant-based sources of protein and energy in animal nutrition, such as oilseed meal and oilseed cake or beet pulp. At the same time, a growing number of alternative components – such as DDGS, feed yeast or by-products of the fermentation industry – are emerging to optimize feed rations while maintaining nutritional value and digestibility. In this article, we provide detailed information on the most commonly used plant-based feed products available in the wholesale trade: their composition, origin, possible uses and customer groups.
Feed Components – Milling & Flaking, Oilcake, Yeast, DDGS
Feed components in animal nutrition – a review of the most important plant raw materials
In the context of the described trends, not only the availability of high-quality feed components, but also the ability to purchase them directly from reliable distributors is becoming an important element of the market. Transparency of source, a uniform quality standard, and flexible delivery terms are now key criteria for many customers – from large farms to feed mixers to animal food producers.
In response to growing market demand, MBF Group SA has expanded its offer to include a wide range of plant-based feed components. These products are available wholesale, with a guarantee of quality and compliance with European Union standards. We work with reputable manufacturers, and we can make deliveries to a specified address (Incoterms DDP). Below is a detailed overview of the raw materials offered – along with information on their composition, origin, purpose and possible applications in breeding practice.
MBF Group SA’s always up-to-date offer of feed components and agricultural products is available at: 👉 https://mbfgroup.pl/en/business-offer/agricultural-products/ We encourage you to read the full list of available raw materials and terms of cooperation. If you have any questions or need a customized quote – feel free to contact our sales team. We will be happy to advise and prepare a solution tailored to your company’s needs.
1. GMO soybean meal
Characteristics and composition:
GMO soybean meal is a product created by extracting oil from genetically modified soybeans. It is characterized by a high content of crude protein – at the level of min. 46%, with a low fat content (ca. 1,5%) and moderate crude fiber content (ca. 4,5%). It is one of the most widely used high-protein raw materials in industrial feed production.
Application:
Due to its high nutritional value and good digestibility, soybean meal is used in the feeding of all species of livestock, especially poultry, pigs and calves. It is used as the main source of protein in complete feeds, supplemental mixes and concentrates.
Technological advantages:
GMO soybean meal shows high bioavailability of essential amino acids, especially lysine and methionine. Thanks to its standardized quality and availability on the market, it is a commodity that is stable in price and easy to incorporate into feed formulas.
2. GMO soybean cake – loose
Characteristics and composition:
GMO free-flowing soybean cake is a by-product of the pressing of genetically modified soybean seeds. Compared to middlings, it contains a higher amount of fat (ca. 6,5%) with a slightly lower crude protein content (ca. 45%). Moisture content of the product remains at ca. 8%, which allows for its safe storage. It has a loose, free-flowing texture, making it easy to dose and mix with other feed components.
Application:
Bulk cake is widely used in compound feeds for beef cattle, dairy cows, pigs and sheep. It can be used as an energy-enhanced feed component due to its natural vegetable fats. Recommended especially for farms that rely on intensive weight gain or high milk yields.
Technological advantages:
Bulk cake is a natural raw material, not chemically extracted, which increases its biological value and acceptance among animals. With its fat content, it improves the energy value of the ration and can reduce the need for feed fat as a separate additive.
3. GMO soybean cake – in sheets
Characteristics and composition:
GMO soybean cake in sheets is a product of pressing whole GMO soybeans, which comes in the form of irregularly shaped sheets. It is characterized by a protein content of ca. 43,8%, fat ca. 6,9% and crude fiber ca. 5,5%. It retains some of the natural oil components, so it has a higher energy value compared to low-fat extracts.
Application:
Flaked cake is readily used in cattle, swine and goat feeding, especially in roughage or TMR (Total Mixed Ration) based systems. It can also be used on organic farms that do not require Non-GMO certification, but prefer less processed components.
Technological advantages:
The flap form promotes a slower release of energy in the digestive tract of ruminants, which supports the stabilization of rumen fermentation. The product is microbiologically stable, stores well in storage conditions and mixes easily with other feed ingredients.
4. non-GMO soybean cake
Characteristics and composition:
Non-GMO soybean cake is a high-protein feed component obtained by pressing non-GMO soybeans. Includes ca. 45% protein, ca. 5% fat and ca. 6% moisture content, which ensures its stability and suitability for long-term storage. The production process is carried out without the use of chemical solvents, which increases the biological value and naturalness of the product.
Application:
Due to its origin and genetic purity, Non-GMO cake is especially recommended for organic farms and for producers of certified “GMO-free” food. It is mainly used in feeding dairy and beef cattle, pigs, poultry and sheep, especially in production systems that comply with EU organic food standards.
Technological advantages:
The product meets stringent quality standards for traceability and genetic purity. Its use increases the market value of final animal products (milk, meat, eggs), allowing them to be certified as “GMO-free” or “eco”. Non-GMO cake is distinguished by its high digestibility and good structure, which translates into better breeding performance.
5. sunflower meal – granulated
Characteristics and composition:
Granulated sunflower meal is a by-product of sunflower seed pressing, subjected to a granulation process to improve physical properties and facilitate dosing. It contains about 39% crude protein, max. 2% residual oil and ca. 8.5% humidity. The granules are typically 6-8 mm in diameter and are easy to store, transport and mechanically feed.
Application:
It is a popular feed component for ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats), as well as in feeds for pigs and poultry. Thanks to its high fiber content and moderate energy value, sunflower meal complements feed rations well, especially where an increase in the amount of structure-building raw material is needed while providing vegetable protein.
Technological advantages:
The granular form reduces dust and feed losses, which improves hygiene on farms and increases the precision of dosing. This meal can serve as a protein and fiber base in TMR or PMR rations, stabilizing rumen fermentation and supporting ruminant health.
6. sunflower meal – loose
Characteristics and composition:
Sunflower meal is a natural by-product of pressing sunflower seed oil. Its composition is similar to the pelleted version: crude protein at 39%, residual oil max. 2%, moisture content approx. 8,5%. Unlike pellets, loose middlings retain a loose, dusty structure, making them easier to combine with other feed components in mixing plants.
Application:
This meal is mainly used in the feeding of ruminants and pigs. Due to its fiber content and moderate energy, it serves as a raw material to aid digestion and stabilize the gastrointestinal microflora. It can also be used in poultry feeds – especially for laying hens – as a source of protein and structure.
Technological advantages:
The free-flowing form allows for precise dosing and even mixing in the feed production process. The product stores well in silos and can be dispensed automatically. Thanks to its low fat content and stable composition, bulk meal is microbiologically safe and does not spoil easily.
7. sunflower cake
Characteristics and composition:
Sunflower cake is the product of cold or hot pressing of whole sunflower seeds. It is distinguished by its higher residual fat content(up to 11%), protein content of 34-34.5%, crude fiber approx. 23,5% And a moisture content of 5-6%. Thanks to its low moisture content and natural texture, oilcake is a product that is easy to store and relatively durable.
Application:
Sunflower cake is a valued feed component in ruminant nutrition, especially on dairy or fattening farms. It is also used in the feeding of pigs and sheep as a supplement to plant-based protein and energy. Due to its high fiber content, it has a beneficial effect on peristalsis and the functioning of the digestive system.
Technological advantages:
A high residual fat content increases the energy value of rations, which can translate into higher milk yields and faster weight gains. The product has a natural composition with no chemical extraction, making it suitable for feeding systems close to organic. Its structure and composition support the development of positive intestinal microflora in animals.
8. beet pulp – granulated (10 mm)
Characteristics and composition:
Beet pulp is a byproduct of the industrial production of sugar from sugar beets. In the granular version, they are in the form of hard cylinders with a diameter of approx. 10 mm, which makes them much easier to transport and store. Include ca. 11% crude protein, 5% residual sugar and a moisture content of 10-11%.
Application:
Granulated beet pulp is an excellent source of easily fermentable carbohydrates and structural energy. In ruminant nutrition, they promote rumen fermentation and stabilize the rumen’s microflora. They are also successfully used to supplement rations for horses and pigs, especially during periods of shortage of rough green fodder.
Technological advantages:
The granular form allows long-term storage and reduces the risk of spoilage. Pulp can be inflicted dry or after soaking first. Their high content of digestible fiber and residual sugars makes them an excellent feed component to support appetite, digestion and milk production.
9. feed yeast – on corn DDGS
Characteristics and composition:
Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) corn-based feed yeast is a high-protein feed component formed as a by-product of ethanol fermentation. It contains a minimum of 42% crude protein and about 9% moisture. The product is in free-flowing form, well digestible and microbiologically stable.
Application:
Thanks to its high protein content and favorable amino acid profile, this yeast is an excellent feed additive for pigs, poultry and cattle. In the feeding of young animals, they promote growth and immunity, while in ruminants they have a positive effect on rumen fermentation and feed utilization.
Technological advantages:
Feed yeast on DDGS is a natural source of B vitamins, enzymes and bioactive substances that support intestinal microflora and improve herd health. They combine well with other protein components and can reduce the proportion of fish meals or synthetic additives in the feed.
10. feed yeast – hydrolyzed on bran
Characteristics and composition:
Hydrolyzed feed yeast produced on the basis of bran is a modern feed component obtained by controlled hydrolysis of yeast cells. It is characterized by protein content of min. 42% and moisture content of approx. 8%. The process of hydrolysis makes the ingredients in yeast more easily absorbed and more quickly used by the animal’s body.
Application:
The product is used in feeds for young animals (piglets, calves, poultry), in which immune support and rapid weight gain are particularly important. It can also be used in feeding animals during periods of convalescence or increased environmental stress. Supports the restoration of intestinal microflora and reduces the risk of diarrhea and food losses.
Technological advantages:
Hydrolyzed yeast contains high concentrations of mannans, β-glucans and B vitamins. These ingredients support immunity, improve gastrointestinal function and increase feed utilization. The product mixes well and is dust-free, making it easy to use in automatic and manual systems.
11. corn DDGS – loose
Characteristics and composition:
DDGS (Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles) is a dried distillers’ stock that is a by-product of corn fermentation for bioethanol production. The free-flowing version contains about 30% crude protein, 12.5% fiber, 4-5% fat and ca. 9% humidity. Thanks to the natural drying process, it retains the nutrients of the corn and has a long shelf life and storage stability.
Application:
DDGS is a valuable source of energy, protein and fiber – perfect for feeding dairy and beef cattle, pigs and poultry. The content of residual fats and easily fermentable carbohydrates supports milk production and weight gain. It can be used as part of TMR or PMR, as well as in complete feed mixtures.
Technological advantages:
DDGS is a product that is easy to transport and dispense, has a loose structure, and mixes well with other components. With its high net energy content, it can reduce the use of expensive fat and protein supplements. Its stable quality and ability to be stored for a long time make it an economically advantageous and practical component for daily animal feeding.
12. corn DDGS – bulk
Characteristics and composition:
Bulk DDGS is a bulk form of roughage and condensed feed made by drying distillers’ corn stock. In this version, the product contains about 30% crude protein, 9.5% fiber, 8% fat and a moisture content of 13%. It is not packaged in big bags – it is designed to be distributed and fed in bulk, which lowers the cost per unit and makes it easier to handle on larger farms.
Application:
The product is mainly used in feeding dairy cattle, fattening cattle and pigs. Bulk DDGS can be fed directly as a TMR component or mixed with silage and other concentrate feeds. Due to its higher fat content, it provides a valuable source of energy and contributes to improving production rates.
Technological advantages:
Bulk DDGS eliminates the need for packing and unpacking, reducing logistics costs and handling time. It can be easily transported by tanker trucks or screw feeders. Thanks to its high energy density, it helps reduce other feed components, improving the profitability of feeding.
Commercial offer:sunflower and soybean meal, sunflower and soybean cake, more expensive feed and DDGS
All of the feed components described are available off-the-shelf from MBF Group SA‘s wholesale offering. Goods are stored in Poland and ready for pickup immediately after signing the contract and posting payment. The minimum order size is 22 tons, and deliveries are made under the terms of DDP Warsaw (with the possibility of individual pricing for other locations). The product is available in Big Bags or in bulk (for DDGS and bulk components). Prices are in PLN and EUR and may be subject to negotiation for larger volumes.
MBF Group SA provides full transparency of business terms and conditions, quality guarantees and support at every stage of the order process – from inquiry to logistics and documentation. As a company listed on the NewConnect market, operating under the supervision of the Warsaw Stock Exchange and the FSC, we offer proven, secure and long-term business partnerships. We invite feed blenders, farms, processors, distributors and integrators to cooperate with us. If you are interested in the offer, please contact us – we will prepare a customized quote, tailored to the needs of your company.
Summary: The most important feed components in livestock nutrition
Modern animal husbandry requires precise and balanced nutrition to ensure high production efficiency, herd health and optimal feed utilization. Prominent among the most widely used plant-based feed components are soybean meal and cake (both GMO and Non-GMO), sunflower components (meal, cake), beet pulp, as well as modern protein and energy additives such as feed yeast and corn DDGS. These products have high nutritional value, good digestibility and a wide range of applications in feed for cattle, pigs, poultry and other species.
The varied composition of these components allows the flexible creation of feed mixtures adapted to the age, type and direction of animal production. Choosing the right raw materials – protein, fiber and energy – enables rational ration planning, improving breeding performance and optimizing costs. Stable quality, confirmed by laboratory analyses, and the availability of products in various forms (granular, loose, bulk) make these components a solid basis for nutrition in modern agriculture.
