A Guide to Livestock Nutrition
At River Cottage, we care about more than just the food on your plate. We also care about the animals that make it possible.
If you run a smallholding, whether you keep a few hens, pigs, or a small herd, feeding them the right organic feed is essential for their health and wellbeing. Proper nutrition helps animals grow naturally, stay resilient, and thrive in free-range or low-intensity systems.
We work with The Organic Feed Company to provide our animals with high-quality organic feed. Their expertise is invaluable if you are looking for advice on feeding your own livestock.
We have gathered some simple tips to help you get started.
Understanding Livestock Nutritional Needs
Every animal has different nutritional needs, so feed should always be tailored to suit them. Most diets include:
- Protein for growth and muscle development
- Vitamins and minerals to support immunity and overall health
- Fibre to aid digestion
- Omega-3 oils for healthy skin, coats, and brain function
- And always fresh water, essential for digestion and hydration
Choosing organic feed ensures your animals get these nutrients naturally, without artificial additives, while supporting sustainable farming practices.
Choosing the Right Organic Feed for Your Animals
Selecting the correct feed for each type of animal and their stage of life is essential for growth and wellbeing. The right nutrition helps livestock develop naturally and stay strong in free-range or low-intensity systems.
Feed for Pigs and Piglets
Pig Grower and Finisher Pencils support a steady, natural growth rate in pigs and piglets, ideal for free-range systems and rare breeds. For very young piglets, the feed can be softened into a mash to make eating easier.
Sow and Weaner Pencils provide moderate-energy nutrition for sows, weaners, and breeding boars. They support gestation, lactation, and healthy growth in non-intensive systems. Using the right feed at each stage helps maintain the health and wellbeing of your pigs.
Feed for Poultry and Waterfowl
Layers Pellets are nutrient-rich feed made from maize and alfalfa, suitable for hens, bantams, and cockerels. They support the production of healthy, golden-yolked eggs and are also safe for ducks and other waterfowl.
Mixed Corn can be offered as an occasional treat for poultry, fowl, and ornamental birds. It should be given in moderation and only after the main pellet feed to maintain a balanced diet.
Feed for Sheep and Lambs
Ewe and Lamb Pencils provide medium-energy nutrition to support strong, healthy growth in sheep and lambs.
They are suitable for free-range or low-intensity flocks and can be introduced to lambs from as young as seven days old. Using the right feed at this early stage helps support development and overall flock health.
Feed for Cattle, Goats and Rams
Cattle, Goat and Ram Pencils provide a balanced mix of energy, protein, and Omega-3 oils to support healthy growth and development.
They are suitable for free-range or low-intensity systems and can be introduced from weaning onwards, helping young animals transition smoothly while meeting their nutritional needs.
Smallholder Tips for Feeding Livestock
Young animals have different nutritional needs from adults, so it is important to choose feed that suits each stage of growth. When introducing new feed, mix it gradually with the existing feed over a week to avoid upsetting digestion.
Treats should always be given in moderation. For example, poultry should only have a small daily amount of mixed corn.
Keep an eye on your animals’ health. Healthy livestock are alert, active, and have shiny coats or feathers. Adjust feeding as needed to support their overall wellbeing. When you come on a River Cottage course, you’ll get to see our animals in action and experience life on the farm up close.
Benefits of Using Organic Animal Feed
Feeding livestock properly is about more than growth. It improves immunity, reproductive health, and general wellbeing. Healthy animals are more productive, resilient, and content. If you are producing eggs or meat on your smallholding, using organic animal feed ensures your livestock have been cared for responsibly from start to finish.
Investing in Livestock Nutrition
Good animal nutrition is one of the best investments any smallholder can make. Choosing high-quality organic feed keeps animals healthy, supports sustainable farming, and helps your livestock thrive the natural way.
From pigs and poultry to sheep and cattle, happy bellies make for happy farms, and that is something we know The Organic Feed Company does brilliantly.
