What is the primary component in animal feed that provides energy?

Cereal grains are the primary component in animal feed that provides energy because they are rich in carbohydrates, which are the main source of energy for animals. Grains like corn, wheat, and barley are commonly used in animal nutrition due to their high starch content, which is efficiently digested and converted into energy by animals. This energy supports growth, reproduction, and overall metabolic functions.

While protein is essential for growth and repair, and fat is a concentrated energy source, cereal grains deliver a more accessible and abundant energy supply in the diets of livestock. Vitamins, while crucial for maintaining health, do not directly contribute to energy production. Therefore, cereal grains are integral to formulating balanced animal feeds that meet the energy requirements of different species in agricultural practices.