What happens to the nutritional values of feeds as moisture content increases?

As moisture content in feeds increases, the nutritional values generally decrease per unit weight. This occurs because the addition of water dilutes the concentration of nutrients within the feed. While the overall quantity of nutrients may remain the same, their relative proportion to the total weight of the feed is reduced as more moisture is introduced.

For example, if a feed is composed primarily of dry matter, the nutritional components such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are present in a higher concentration per weight unit. However, as water content rises, it occupies part of the total mass, thereby lowering the nutrient density. Hence, animals consuming higher moisture feeds may need to consume more feed to obtain the same amount of nutrients, which affects feeding strategies and nutritional planning.

This relationship is crucial in animal nutrition as it influences feed formulation, animal growth, and overall health, ensuring that dietary requirements are met regardless of moisture levels in feeds.