Feed Standards

The quality and standards of Feed in South Africa is controlled by the Fertilizers, Farm feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act no. 36 of 1947). This act is available on the Agricultural Feed Manufacturers Association website at www.afma.co.za. Obtain a copy of this act for this Session.

Compare the Quality of Feed Ingredients

Compare the quality of feed ingredients and complete feeds with the standards described in the Farm Feed Act (Act 36 of 1947)

The Farm Feed Act gives specific requirements regarding:

• The registration of farm feeds (application, duration of registration, and renewals of registration.
• Conditions for the registration of farm feeds:
  • Requirements for custom mixes.
  • Marking and labelling of Animal Feeds.
  • Invoicing.
  • Registration requirements for feed ingredients.
  • Registration requirements for enzymes, micro-organisms and their preparation.
  • Publication or distribution of false or misleading advertisements.
  • Harbours and ports through which imports may occur.
  • Practices to be followed at establishments.
  • General requirements for establishments.
  • Keeping of records
  • Substances whose use is prohibited in mixed animal feeds.
  • Ingredients allowed in mixed animal feeds.
  • Undesirable substances with limited use in animal feeds.
  • Maximum and minimum levels of additives in animal feeds.
  • Additives in supplementary and concentrated animal feeds.
  • Maximum and minimum levels of stock remedies in animal feeds.
  • Stock remedies in supplementary and concentrated animal feeds.
  • Sampling of animal feeds.
  • Analysis methods.
  • Tolerances.
  • Offences and penalties.
  • Payment of fees.

Developing On-Farm Nutrient Variability Standards

As a farmer or farm manager it is your task to ensure that any feeds that you mix yourself or which you acquire from a feed manufacturing company complies with the legislation. This is to ensure the health of animals, but more importantly the health of the public that consumes the products from the livestock. Also, international sanitary regulations are becoming very strict especially regarding the use of feed additives. It would be irresponsible to use a feed ingredient which is prohibited by law and in doing so jeopardising the good standing of South African livestock products internationally.

Remember, legislation does not only serve a prohibitory purpose; laws also provide Good Practice principles which are useful guidelines to apply to your own farming operation.