a method of making a gel - type livestock feed includes initially forming a feed mixture by mixing feed nutrient components , water , alginate , and a calcium component insoluble in water or a sequestrate to inhibit the calcium component from reacting with the alginate . once the feed mixture is formed , the calcium component is solubilized or the sequestrates affecting the reactivity between the alginate and the calcium component is removed such that a gel feed is formed that includes a gel matrix containing the feed nutrient components . the gel feed may then be fed to the livestock . in another aspect of the present invention , piglets are weaned by feeding the gel feed for at least seven days directly after weaning . the gel feed may also include protein derived from blood with or without egg protein .