Feed Mill Management and Operation

[Mohamed Ismail]

International Feed Number

[Bello Bashir Bello]

International feed number

[MARK FOLORUNSO]

@Asia, thank you

[Asia Community Manager]

WHAT IS IFN?

An alternative is the International Feed Number (IFN) is a standardized, six-digit numerical code assigned to each feedstuff or feed ingredient used in animal nutrition. This system is designed to provide a unique and systematic way to identify and classify feeds globally, facilitating data recording, research, feed formulation, and international communication in animal nutrition.

Structure Of The IFN

• The IFN consists of six digits.
• The first digit indicates the broad class of the feed (1: Dry forages and roughages, 2: Pasture, range plants, and forages fed fresh, 3: Silages, 4: Energy feeds, 5: Protein supplements, 6: Mineral supplements, 7: Vitamin supplements and 8: Additives).
• The remaining five digits further specify the individual feedstuff within that class.

Despite the simplicity of the above nomenclature and feed reporting scheme, the large majority of published data concerning feed ingredient usage more often than not fails to give full ingredient names and descriptions, including IFN. <div>

For instance, listing an ingredient within a formulation just as “soybean meal” is totally meaningless as there are different types and grades of soybean meal, depending on the origin of the bean and processing method employed (e.g., solvent extraction, hull removal, extrusion, and roasting). Clearly, full ingredient descriptions and nutrient composition data must be given if any meaningful conclusions are to be drawn from the results of dietary feeding trials.

Example:

5-04-604: Standard solvent-extracted soybean meal, commonly used in animal feeds

5-04-612: Solvent-extracted soybean meal without hulls, often higher in protein

5-04-596: Raw, ground soybeans, not processed to remove oil

5-14-005: Extruded full-fat soybeans, processed by friction heat/steam

5-04-597: Roasted, full-fat soybeans, may be ground, pelleted, flaked, or powdered

5-09-343: Kibbled soybean meal, cooked and extruded under pressure

Purpose And Use

Identification – the IFN serves as a unique identifier for feeds, avoiding confusion caused by regional or local names and synonyms.

Data Management– it links each feed to its detailed description in international feed databases, allowing for standardized data collection and retrieval.

Feed Formulation – nutritionists and researchers use IFNs in ration formulation, feed composition tables, and computerized diet calculations.

International Communication – the system enables clear communication and comparison of feedstuffs across countries and languages.

The IFN system is maintained and coordinated by international bodies, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Network of Feed Information Centres (INFIC), to ensure consistency and global applicability in animal nutrition.

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[Md. Osman Sheikh]

Thanks

[Muhammad Zeeshan Asghar]

IFN stands for Interferon, a group of proteins produced by the immune system in response to viral infections and other pathogens. They play a crucial role in signaling immune responses and enhancing the defenses of neighboring cells. IFNs are also used therapeutically to treat certain diseases, including some viral infections and cancers.