Are you one of those individuals who would find it difficult to watch over your herd without letting out a, “Have I done enough for them?” You aren’t alone. Keeping animals nourished enough to remain healthy and productive is often a struggle for all farmers everywhere. The good news? Supplemental nutrition might just be the answer. In this article, let’s look at its value and the difference it can bring about to your farm.
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It Can Make an Impact: A Farmer’s Perspective
Visualize this scenario: Ahmed, a farmer settling down in a remote area was faced with a continuous uphill task of sustaining the growth of his cattle and disease management. Despite his sincere efforts of feeding his animals with the best nutrition, the below average animals did not improve their body conditions. After visiting with a veterinarian he resolved to incorporate vitamin and amino acids into their diet. The results started showing in weeks, with improved growth rates and the cattle exhibiting increased energy levels. Ahmed’s tale is not an isolated one. Quite a number of famers have also benefited from employing the right supplementation method.
Improving Immunity: Getting One Step Closer to Raising Healthy Livestock
The livestock’s health is what defines the economic viability of each farm and a strong immune response means fewer health issues. Bones, vitamins and minerals, and even certain antioxidant compounds, when adequately supplied together with other nutrients, may improve immune function. For example, vitamins C and E have proven to increase the resistance of an animal to infections, assisting their natural ability to recover from disease. This not only enhances the welfare of the animals but also helps to refrain from using antibiotics, leading to overall decrease in health related costs.
Increasing Growth and Increasing Potential
Of course, in terms of growth and productivity, diet makes the most sense, and hopefully that will become a growing trend. Growth rates may be supported by protein and amino acid providing supplements. Consider introducing a protein supplement to the feed of your animals and witnessing quicker weight and muscle gains. Do not just read this as a proposal, experiments have shown that animals on balanced supplements can grow at a rate of more than 20% when compared with those on ordinary feed.
Improving Reproductive Health Reproductive management is an element of livestock management that poses a number of challenges. It is interesting to note that nutrition plays an important role in both fertility and the chances of successful pregnancy. It was noted that supplementation of zinc and selenium works to boost reproductive capability and assist in the successful completion of more breeding cycles. Through a conversation, a farming colleague recounted that when he included a supplement for reproductive health, the rate of conception in his herd improved which decreased the number of breeding season losses. Managing Livestock Stress Handling or transporting animals, as well as the exposure to changing weather conditions, create stress for livestock – it is a part of everyday life. The use of probiotics as supplements is said to help improve gut health and boost resilience during stressful times. It was noted that farmers have been able to recover from prolonged transportation stress more efficiently when probiotics have been included in the diet of livestock. Sustainable Solutions for the Modern Farmer Through the use of supplements, not only is the health of the animals supported but also their sustainability is enhanced. By using some of the dietary supplements, it was noted that digestion efficiency in the animals was improved therefore methane emissions could, in turn, be reduced. Such measures ensure that not only are the farmer’s animals well, but by implementing such techniques, there is help in ensuring the planet is a healthier place. On such a note, one research study showed that animals provided with digestion enhancing supplements excreted 15% less methane which is a big stride toward sustainable agricultural practices.
Tailored Solutions for Every Farm
Farms never have and never will be similar. It is for this reason that farms need such standardized solutions. For instance, different types of industry-specific livestock like beef cattle, pigs, and poultry have various supplements that are designed for them. Understanding the supplement applicable to the particular nutritional needs of your animals can be crucial, especially for their overall health, and productivity.
Your Next Steps for Improved Livestock Health
How to get started? You can initiate first by evaluating the current herd health status and evaluating other nutritional shortfalls. Farmers can work hand in hand with a vet or any trusted supplier to evaluate the specific supplements available for their livestock. They should also conduct a mini-pilot cutting across several farms and focus on particular stimulating factors with the aim of healthy livestock production.
Sustain and promote animals’ welfare for a better performing farm in the future. By working with the right supplements for the animals, the farmer is not only caring for the animals but is also securing the profitability of the firm in future.
