LANDBOUKUNDIG
A SOLUTION
FOR LIVESTOCK MALNUTRITION
Climate change is making it hard for livestock to get enough nutrients from natural grazing alone .
Elizna Erasmus Biosecurity and Ruminants Specialist
Research by Science Daily shows
that 49 % of the world ’ s grazing lands have been affected by climate change in the past century . The natural vegetation no longer has the ability to provide animals with sufficient nutrients .
Except from natural grazing , livestock farmers can ensure that their animals get sufficient nutrients through the addition of nutritional supplements in the feed . When added , these supplements increase the nutrients found in the feed . The nutritional enhancement of the feed through these supplements , also improves the health and production of animals .
It is important for farmers to understand the nutritional requirements of their animals . For animals to perform at optimal levels , it is important that feed formulated for their specific production stage , is fed .
" Good quality livestock feed is essential . It provides animals with all the necessary nutrients required for their growth and production . The addition of nutritional elements to livestock feed enhances the nutrients of the feed . The increase of nutrients ensures that the animal stays in good condition , produces at optimum levels and stays at a low risk for disease ", says Elizna Erasmus , Biosecurity and Ruminants Specialist at Bupo Animal Health .
There are multiple feed additives available for animals , with most being available directly from feed manufacturers . Animal health research has proven that different feed additives improve the digestive systems of animals and increase the absorption of nutrients .
" Feed additives can increase the digestive enzyme release in the gastro-intestinal tract of the animal . These enzymes are biological components that speed up a chemical reaction that needs to occur within cells of a living organism . They improve the digestive process through the enhancement of nutrient absorption , mobilisation , and transportation ," added Elizna .
Apart from providing livestock with all the necessary nutrients and enhancing digestive functions , feed additives help improve the quality of meat or any other products that may be sourced from livestock for human consumption . Therefore , it is important for livestock farmers to always ensure that they provide good quality feed for their animals .
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SENWES SCENARIO | LENTE � SPRING 2020