Understanding the role of cassava chips in livestock nutrition

The selection of an energy source is the key to optimal nutritional efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the production of animal feed. Cassava chips have gained a lot of popularity as a dependable ingredient in Asia due to the high percentage of starch and constant supply. This renders them an appropriate source of energy in feeds for poultry, cattle, and aquaculture.

In Vietnam, freshly cut cassava roots, sun-dried and sold in bulk form as cassava chips. Cassava chips with a high supply chain and stable annual production rate have gained more popularity as an alternative to the conventional energy components, such as corn and wheat, particularly in markets that are seeking competitive prices and consistency in supply.

What are cassava chips?

Cassava chips are dried pieces of cassava root (Manihot esculenta), which is a carbohydrate-rich crop that is widely grown in the tropics. The roots are washed, peeled, cut into thin slices after harvesting, and dried under the influence of the sun or in a dryer to decrease the level of moisture in the product. The outcome is a dry, light, and starchy product whose storage, transportation, and handling in bulk is easy.

Cassava chips are normally white to a pale yellow, and have a marginally hard and crispy texture. They are appreciated mainly because of their high content of starch, which helps give a concentrated form of energy in animal diets. Due to their easy processing and high shelf-life, the cassava chips find application in feed mills as well as in livestock farms and in industries that need plant carbohydrates.

Nutritional value of cassava chips

Their main selling point is the high starch content in cassava chips that can be used as an energy source in the formulation of animal feed. The nutritional profile is not directly determined by the place of growing and the method of drying, but the average mix is as follows:

Nutritional Parameter	Typical Value
Starch	65% – 70%
Metabolizable Energy (ME)	High (similar to corn in ruminants)
Moisture	12% – 14%
Crude Fiber	2% – 3%
Crude Protein	2% – 3%
Ash	1% – 2%

Since cassava chips lack proteins and fiber, they are typically mixed with foods that are rich in protein, like fish meal, soybean meal, or peanut meal, to form a healthy feed formula. The fact that they are highly digestible renders them appropriate in enhancing the level of feed energy without raising the cost of feed considerably.

Applications in animal feed

Cassava chips are also a good source of energy that can be consumed by the diets of different livestock species because of their high starch content and good digestibility. Although it can not substitute protein-rich ingredients, cassava chips can be used to reduce the cost of feeds and ensure that the feeds maintain a consistent energy content.

Poultry feed

Energy (in poultry diets) is a significant factor in growth performance and feed ratio. Part of the traditional grain, like corn, can be substituted with cassava chips to enable feed mills to deal with the fluctuations in costs.

Cassava chips, when processed and ground to fine powder, are easy to digest by chickens, hence suitable for broilers, layers, and breeders. Nevertheless, the producers of feeds normally mix cassava chips with protein meals to maintain an adequate balance of amino acids.

Cattle and ruminant feed

Cows, beef cattle, and goats that are ruminant animals can utilize fibrous and starchy feed materials fully. Cassava chips are a source of fast empty calories, which are useful in growing beef cattle, milk production in dairy cows, and general rumen fermentation efficiency. Cassava chips are used to balance the energy content when fed daily as part of silage, hay, or protein meals.

Aquaculture feed

In aquaculture species (like fish and shrimp), cassava chips are introduced at regulated levels of inclusion to maintain the stability and digestibility of the pellets. Cassava is used after grinding as an energy source and as a binding agent to keep pellets in shape when submerged in water.

This renders cassava chips a useful feed ingredient to the feed manufacturing companies aiming at cost-effective production.

Cassava chips vs. cassava pellets: Which should you choose?

The two products, though made of the cassava root, have different forms and handling properties. Cassava chips are dried and cut from simple parts of cassava, hence they are easy to manufacture and economical. They are often applied in areas where storage space is not a primary issue, and where, during mixing, feed mills can grind the chips.

Cassava pellets, on the other hand, are produced by pressing cassava chips or cassava meal into compact, cylindrically shaped pellets. This process enhances bulk density, less dust, and elevates storage and transport efficiency. Large commercial feed producers and international buyers have frequently favored pellets, which they prefer due to clean, uniform, and logistically efficient raw materials.

Shortly put, cassava chips can be described as an inexpensive and simplistic solution, whereas cassava pellets are more appropriate to industrial production and long-distance deliveries.

Why source cassava chips from Vietfeeds?

In Vietfeeds, what we do is to establish long-term supply relationships upon credibility and trust. Having direct access to the large cassava-producing areas in Vietnam, we can ensure volumes and quality of products all year round. This intimate association with local processors also enables us to be able to provide competitive and clear prices that give buyers greater control over cost.

Our packages are also flexible and can be customized with standard packaging: PP woven bags; jumbo bags, so that every shipment can fit the requirements of handling and storage of the buyer. All orders are subjected to test and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that proves compliance with agreed specifications, such as moisture, starch, and impurity levels. We also assist in all necessary exportation paperwork and transportation planning, which makes it easy and simple to make an order and ship it. When using Vietfeeds, you get not only a stable source of cassava chips but also a partner that is willing to bring you constant value with the duration of time.

Should you need a very stable and long-lasting supply of cassava chips, we would be happy to negotiate your needs. You have to sample test, get new prices, or just have logistics help to your destination. We are prepared to help.

You can also contact us and provide the following information: Your estimated monthly quantity, the type of preferred packaging, and destination port/ shipping terms. There, we will give a personalized quote and product specifications that will suit your requirements.