Complete nutrient coverage needs water, suitable fibre, energy, protein/amino acids, minerals and vitamins for the exact species and life stage. The options below have different roles. A missing ingredient may have alternatives; an unavailable complete ration needs a qualified local formulation, not an arbitrary mix.
Water Clean drinking water Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Camels · Chickens · Ducks · Geese · Turkeys · Quail · Pigeons Continuous accessible water is part of every plan; test source suitability and check intake in heat.
Source / prepare: Supply / store safely
If supply fails, arrange an immediate safe alternative source. Never substitute compost liquid or untreated surface water.
If you cannot buy or grow it Ask an adviser about these role-based alternatives. Compatibility, analysis and amounts must be checked; they are not equal-weight substitutes.
There is no safe generic substitute listed. Arrange a suitable supply or species-specific professional advice promptly.
Use in a balanced species/stage ration. Farm terms Forage Managed grass pasture Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Camels · Geese Rotational grazing can provide forage; identify plants, test quality and allow recovery. Geese still need a stage-specific feed plan.
Source / prepare: Grow / graze
Measure available dry matter and avoid toxic plants, overgrazing and abrupt access to lush pasture.
If you cannot buy or grow it Ask an adviser about these role-based alternatives. Compatibility, analysis and amounts must be checked; they are not equal-weight substitutes.
Tested grass hay Forage cubes Horse complete feed / senior feed Use in a balanced species/stage ration. Farm terms Forage Tested grass hay Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Camels Long-fibre foundation for many herbivore rations; select maturity and quality for the animal.
Source / prepare: Buy / grow and conserve
Reject mould, dust, toxic weeds and unknown chemical history; quality varies even within a bale lot.
If you cannot buy or grow it Ask an adviser about these role-based alternatives. Compatibility, analysis and amounts must be checked; they are not equal-weight substitutes.
Managed grass pasture Forage cubes Grass / alfalfa pellets Use in a balanced species/stage ration. Farm terms Forage Alfalfa / lucerne hay Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Camels Protein- and calcium-rich forage that may complement grass hay in a balanced ration.
Source / prepare: Buy / grow
Do not assume it is needed for every idle adult. Balance energy, calcium and phosphorus and manage ruminant bloat risk.
If you cannot buy or grow it Ask an adviser about these role-based alternatives. Compatibility, analysis and amounts must be checked; they are not equal-weight substitutes.
Tested grass hay Forage cubes Use in a balanced species/stage ration. Farm terms Forage Oat / cereal hay Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Camels Alternative forage after analysis of fibre, energy and harvest stage.
Source / prepare: Buy / grow
Test drought-stressed cereal forage for relevant hazards; mature stemmy hay may not meet growth or lactation needs.
If you cannot buy or grow it Ask an adviser about these role-based alternatives. Compatibility, analysis and amounts must be checked; they are not equal-weight substitutes.
Tested grass hay Alfalfa / lucerne hay Use in a balanced species/stage ration. Farm terms Forage Forage cubes Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Camels Useful when hay is hard to source or chew; verify actual fibre source, dry matter and nutrient label.
Source / prepare: Buy / prepare as label directs
Use species-approved products. Soak when advised for choke/dental risk and serve fresh; do not leave soaked feed in heat.
If you cannot buy or grow it Ask an adviser about these role-based alternatives. Compatibility, analysis and amounts must be checked; they are not equal-weight substitutes.
Tested grass hay Grass / alfalfa pellets Chopped forage Use in a balanced species/stage ration. Farm terms Forage Grass / alfalfa pellets Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Camels Compact forage option with a known analysis, particularly for controlled or softened meals.
Source / prepare: Buy / prepare
Pellets do not automatically provide the same long-fibre chewing behaviour as hay. Check species, chewing and meal management.
If you cannot buy or grow it Ask an adviser about these role-based alternatives. Compatibility, analysis and amounts must be checked; they are not equal-weight substitutes.
Forage cubes Chopped forage Horse complete feed / senior feed Use in a balanced species/stage ration. Farm terms Forage Chopped forage Horses · Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Camels A clean chopped forage can make some rations easier to handle or eat.
Source / prepare: Buy / mechanically prepare
Control dust and particle size; clean cutters and keep hands clear. Not a complete feed simply because it is chopped.
If you cannot buy or grow it Ask an adviser about these role-based alternatives. Compatibility, analysis and amounts must be checked; they are not equal-weight substitutes.
Tested grass hay Forage cubes Use in a balanced species/stage ration. Farm terms Forage Tested crop silage Cattle · Sheep · Goats · Camels Preserve a suitable forage crop with crop-specific moisture and airtight fermentation.
Source / prepare: Grow / preserve / buy
Obtain fermentation, spoilage and nutrient checks. Do not transfer the ruminant DIY route to horses; botulism/spoilage are important concerns.
If you cannot buy or grow it Ask an adviser about these role-based alternatives. Compatibility, analysis and amounts must be checked; they are not equal-weight substitutes.
Tested grass hay Forage cubes Use in a balanced species/stage ration. Farm terms 
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