Kelp Meal — Livestock Feed Analysis
Kelp meal is a natural supplement derived from dried seaweed (primarily Ascophyllum nodosum) harvested from cold ocean waters. With 6% crude protein and 45% TDN, kelp meal is not a significant source of energy or protein but is valued for its exceptionally broad spectrum of over 60 trace minerals and vitamins in naturally chelated, bioavailable forms. Kelp meal is widely used in organic and natural livestock operations as a trace mineral source and general health supplement. Proponents credit kelp supplementation with improvements in coat condition, hoof health, reproductive performance, and immune function, though scientific evidence for many of these claims is limited. Feeding rates are typically 1-2% of the grain ration or 1-2 ounces per head per day. The high cost per ton is offset by the very small daily feeding amount. Kelp meal also provides iodine for thyroid function and may help reduce fly populations by altering the animal's skin secretions.
Which Animals Can Kelp Meal Feed?
The table below shows how Kelp Meal performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 6% crude protein and 45% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 6% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 45% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where kelp meal fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 26.7 lbs | No | No | $480.00 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 54.4 lbs | No | No | $980.00 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 24.4 lbs | No | No | $440.00 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 5.8 lbs | No | No | $105.00 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 6.7 lbs | No | No | $120.00 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 5.8 lbs | No | No | $105.00 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 13.3 lbs | No | No | $240.00 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 8.3 lbs | No | No | $150.00 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | No | No | $4.00 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | No | No | $6.00 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 1.0 lbs | No | No | $17.50 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.3 lbs | No | No | $6.30 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.3 lbs | No | No | $5.60 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 7.0 lbs | No | No | $126.00 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 3.0 lbs | No | No | $54.00 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 8.3 lbs | No | No | $150.00 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 40.0 lbs | No | No | $720.00 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 22.2 lbs | No | No | $400.00 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 5.6 lbs | No | No | $100.00 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 6.7 lbs | No | No | $120.00 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Kelp Meal with other feeds in the supplement category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
| Mineral Supplement | 98% | 0% | 0% | $800 | $816 |
| Salt Block | 100% | 0% | 0% | $300 | $300 |
| Kelp Meal | 90% | 6% | 45% | $1200 | $1333 |
| Fat Supplement (Bypass Fat) | 99% | 0% | 180% | $1000 | $1010 |
| Urea (Feed Grade) | 99% | 281% | 0% | $500 | $505 |
Feeding Guidelines for Kelp Meal
When incorporating kelp meal into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 90%, each pound of as-fed kelp meal provides 0.90 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 6% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 1.0 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 45% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of kelp meal at $1200 per ton translates to $0.600 per pound as-fed or $0.666 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.