Feed-Additives-for-good-production-of-Farm-Animals

In the early days and weeks following parturition, young cows face numerous stresses and difficulties.

Feed-Additives-for-good-production-of-Farm-Animals

By Abdul Samad

Introduction

The immune systems of the cows are weakened by these stresses and difficulties, which increases their susceptibility to metabolic and health issues. Dietary requirements must be satisfied both during the close-up dry period and after calving for the cows to have a successful lactation. There are a number of feed additives that could increase production effectiveness and reduce the prevalence of metabolic disorders in young cows. Work with your nutritionist to add ration ingredients and additives where they best fit into the ration because some of these additives work best for herds with a separate fresh cow ration. For fresh cows, some additives may be advantageous include: In the early days and weeks following parturition, young cows face numerous stresses and difficulties. The immune systems of the cows are weakened by these stresses and difficulties, which increases their susceptibility to metabolic and health issues. Dietary requirements must be satisfied both during the close-up dry period and after calving for the cows to have a successful lactation. There are a number of feed additives that could increase production effectiveness and reduce the prevalence of metabolic disorders in young cows. Work with your nutritionist to add ration ingredients and additives where they best fit into the ration because some of these additives work best for herds with a separate fresh cow ration. For fresh cows, some additives may be advantageous include:

Yeast: Yeast can enhance rumen performance and dry matter intake. Depending on whether the yeast is live or in the form of a yeast culture, there can be a variety of different ways that it affects the rumen. The yeast in the rumen may reduce lactate, boost the ability of bacteria to break down fiber, or improve microbial productivity. Yeast can be easily used on farms without a separate pen for fresh cows because it has advantages throughout all stages of production.
Amino acids: Particularly methionine can increase dry matter intake, milk production, and immunity by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. According to studies, when fed during the close-up and fresh periods, rumen-protected methionine and methionine analogues both result in increased production potential. Methionine should be fed starting in the dry period and continuing through lactation in order to achieve the best results; therefore, the farm should have a designated close-up ration in order to best implement this feed additive on farm.

Monensin: can enhance the metabolism of energy. The cow’s requirement for glucose nearly doubles within 11 days of calving, indicating the need for sufficient energy to meet the demands of milk production. When dry matter intake may not be enough to meet those demands alone, monensin provides the cow with the glucogenic precursors needed to meet production demands.

Rumen-protected choline: improves milk production and aids in the liver’s ability to excrete fat, hence reducing the risk of fatty liver and ketosis. Most cows experience some degree of negative energy balance at the start of lactation, where the cow uses fat reserves as a source of energy. As a result, non-esterified fatty acids are produced (NEFAs). The mammary gland will use some NEFAs as energy, but the liver will process the majority of them. This might lead to fatty liver disease or ketosis because the liver’s capacity to process fats is limited. The choline source for fresh cows must be rumen-protected since choline can be broken down in the rumen. Due to the expense, farms that separate far-off and close-up dry cows and have a separate pen for the fresh cows are the best places to use rumen-protected choline.

Chromium: can enhance dry matter intake, the immune system, and the metabolism of energy. The cow requires a lot of glucose in the early stages of lactation. Chromium increases insulin activity, which aids in the fresh cow’s efficient glucose partitioning. The amount of glucose the cow has available for maintenance, immunity, milk production, and reproduction is increased as a result.

B vitamin: involved in energy balance, which can enhance production and well-being. Biotin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin B12 are all B vitamins. There is a common misconception that the rumen produces enough of these vitamins to maximise performance. However, some vitamins may not be produced in sufficient enough quantities to do so. These vitamins are frequently found in a rumen-protected blend that can be fed to animals to reduce the occurrence of ketosis while also boosting output and reproductive potential.

Mycotoxin binder:

Almost all types of forages and processed grains contain mycotoxins. Due to favourable conditions while the crop was still in the field or because of storage conditions, these toxins are produced by moulds and fungi. Mycotoxins become a bigger issue because stressed, immune-compromised fresh cows are more susceptible. Mycotoxins can decrease milk production and intake in addition to having negative effects on the rumen and immune system. Mycotoxin binders should, in theory, be present in all close-up and fresh cow diets. Fresh cows are susceptible to a number of metabolic disorders, but with careful management and the help of your nutritionist, who can help you choose the right feed additives, fresh cows can have a successful lactation.

Ionophores

Ionophores are a subclass of antibiotic-like substances that do not include any human-essential medications. Ionophores such monensin (Rumensin), lasalocid (Bovatec), and laidlomycin propionate are offered for sale in the United States (Cattlyst). These feed additives can be bought over the counter because they do not share the same status as other feed-grade antibiotics with the Veterinary Feed Directive. They can only be bought premixed and are nevertheless regarded as a type of medication. Ionophores change the fermentation process to boost feed efficiency. Additionally, they lessen the risk of bloat and acidity. Ionophores are mostly used in feedlot cattle to increase weight growth and lessen the incidence of coccidiosis. Greater feed efficiency is produced through a method of action that involves rumen activity. Microbes convert food into volatile fatty acids, or VFAs, as they enter the rumen. The rumen absorbs these VFAs, which are the primary energy source for cattle. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate are the three main VFAs that are formed in the rumen, according to relative production levels. Ionophores favour the bacteria that create propionate by targeting the ones that make acetate. Because the generation of propionate is more energy-efficient, this entire process raises the animal’s energy status, which increases feed efficiency. Ionophores can be fed to all classes, though finishing cattle receive the majority of them. The degree to which ionophores enhance performance will depend on the calibre of the diet, particularly forages. High-quality forage-grazing cattle probably won’t react as strongly to ionophore inclusion. Ionophores are typically given as liquid or dry supplements, or they can be found in mineral combinations. Due to the loose form’s qualities that make them palatable, especially monensin, they may operate as an intake limiter. When providing medicated feeds, always abide by the label’s directions because misuse could result in toxicity. Monitor mineral feeders carefully to make sure they remain full to promote regular intake. Ionophores are highly poisonous to horses at the dosages used in cow feeds, so it is important to take precautions to make sure that horses do not have access to feeds or mineral mixes that include ionophores. Ionophores have no withdrawal period, thus cattle can consume them right up until they are killed.