Remaining competitive requires flexibility in both feed mills and animal production units. Companies must develop a purchasing, manufacturing, and delivery model based on their organizational goals and objectives. The key to lowering feed costs is to understand the interrelationships that exist from the time ingredients are purchased to the time the animal consumes the feed. Feed mill may vary in their design, cost, and efficiency. However, the common denominator in feed mills must be standard operating procedures, ingredient specifications, quality assurance, and preventive maintenance programs that support animal production operations.