MANUFACTURING / JAPAN SOURCING
Feed ingredient quotes: what sits behind the same protein figure?
Before comparing a plant-derived livestock feed ingredient, connect the composition figures to their basis, method and lot. Then compare the material and delivery that the quotation actually offers.
Name the ingredient and its intended use
Imagine receiving two offers for a plant-derived feed ingredient with the same crude-protein figure. One document is a general specification; the other reports a tested sample. The number alone does not show whether the offered lots have the same composition, physical form or suitability for your intended ration.
Start with the ingredient name, source material, relevant processing, physical form, target livestock and intended use. Include the destination and who will assess suitability. This enquiry concerns a livestock ingredient; pet food, human food and a feed additive require their own product definitions and review.
Put the figures on the same basis
NSW Government’s stock-feed explanation distinguishes figures for the feed including its moisture from figures for its dry-matter portion.[1] Ask whether each result is as-fed or dry-matter based, which units are used and what moisture result or assumption accompanies it. Keep the original report when requesting a comparable presentation.
Separate a minimum or maximum specification from a typical value and a result for an identified sample. Ask which of those the supplier is offering to meet. A higher figure on a different basis should not decide the purchase before the nutritionist or responsible technical buyer has reviewed the comparison.
- 1Offered material: identify the lot and supplied form
- 2Sample: identify where, when and how it was taken
- 3Report: retain the sample code, method, units and reporting basis
The arrows show links to verify, not proof that a small sample represents the entire lot or that the material is accepted.
Ask what was sampled and how it was analysed
FAMIC’s feed-analysis standards address sample preparation and named analytical methods.[2] For an offer, ask the supplier to identify the test method and version, laboratory, sample code and sampling date. The report should be traceable to the material under discussion.
If the report covers an earlier production lot, ask what it represents for the offered lot and which evidence will accompany delivery. Agree who selects the sampling and testing approach and how a disputed result will be reviewed. An enquiry sheet does not prescribe one sampling frequency or acceptance limit for every ingredient.
| Compare | Ask the supplier to identify | Keep open until answered |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient | Ask the supplier to identifySource material, processing, physical form and intended livestock use | Keep open until answeredProposed alternatives or composition changes |
| Composition | Ask the supplier to identifySpecification/typical/result; units; as-fed or dry-matter basis | Keep open until answeredMoisture basis and comparable presentation |
| Analysis and lot | Ask the supplier to identifyLot, sample code, sampling stage, lab, method and version | Keep open until answeredWhich delivery the evidence represents |
| Supply | Ask the supplier to identifyQuantity/unit, packaging, storage, handling and delivery point | Keep open until answeredIncluded records, shelf/storage period and deviations |
Carry the material identity into packing and delivery
Ask whether the quotation is for bulk material or packed bags, and record the net quantity, packaging, identification and proposed storage/handling conditions. Include the destination and expected transport so the supplier can state the conditions behind its offer.
Ask the manufacturer and importer which product-specific safety and destination requirements apply and what supporting records are needed. The relevant hazards, tests and limits depend on the ingredient and use; matching a protein value does not establish those conditions. Record who will resolve missing evidence before ordering.
Compare the deviations before selecting the price
Send the same material description and evidence request to each candidate. Keep deviations visible: a different physical form, a typical figure in place of a guarantee, a report for another lot, or missing destination information. Ask for clarification on the difference that changes the buying decision.
For a repeat order, identify the accepted specification revision and the new lot. Ask the supplier to flag changes to origin, processing, composition basis or packaging and provide the agreed delivery records. Retain the responsible technical decision with the order; HAM can help communicate the open questions to a Japanese supplier.
Questions to send your supplier
Open supplier questions
Ingredient / source material / relevant process / physical form: Target livestock, intended use and destination: Composition: specification, typical value or tested result? Units, as-fed/dry-matter basis and moisture basis: Offered lot; sample code, date and sampling stage: Lab, analytical method/version and report reference: Which lot will be supplied, and what records accompany it? Quantity/unit, packaging, storage/transport and delivery point: Please identify alternatives, missing evidence and changes requiring review. Responsible nutrition/technical and importer review contacts:
Sources
- NSW Government — Understanding stock feed product labels
Read the dry matter and as-fed sections. Supports comparing figures on the same reporting basis. NSW label obligations, numerical examples and feeding recommendations are not imported into this enquiry guide.
- FAMIC — Feed Analysis Standards, chapters 1–4
Read printed pages 4–6: analysis methods, sample preparation, moisture and the opening of crude-protein analysis. Used to explain method/sample identification, not as a complete test plan or export approval.