Category: Animal husbandry

Globally, undernutrition is a significant contributor to disease, with supplementary feeding programs used to provide additional food to vulnerable groups. The principal of supplementary feeding is based on delivering targeted or blanket food rations to prevent or treat nutritional deficiencies beyond what a regular diet provides.

Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) is a calcium phosphate compound found in dietary supplements, toothpastes, and food products, used to provide essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus for bone and dental health. Its use across various industries is driven by its nutritional and functional properties.

With a daily cost of over 2,000 rupees in 2015, the diet of Yuvraj buffalo is a testament to the luxurious care given to champion livestock. Owned by Karamveer Singh of Haryana, this specific diet is a meticulously planned regimen designed to ensure peak health and performance for the valuable Murrah bull.

According to a 2023 USDA press release, the agency is increasing its scrutiny of animal-raising claims, including 'grassfed,' to ensure integrity and combat misleading labeling. For producers, this means adhering to strict management practices that go far beyond just providing pasture, encompassing diet, environment, and verification protocols mandated by the USDA.

According to the World Health Organization, undernutrition is associated with 45% of child deaths annually. This startling statistic highlights that the goals of feeding are critically important and extend far beyond mere calorie intake. They encompass physical, psychological, social, and even economic outcomes for all living beings.

Sheep fat content varies significantly based on age, diet, and breed, with adult sheep typically having a higher percentage of fat than lambs. While lambs are prized for leaner meat, mature mutton develops a richer fat content, influenced by specific nutritional inputs and management practices.

Modern commercial broiler chickens have seen a staggering increase in growth rate of over 400% between 1950 and 2005, largely due to intense genetic selection. Understanding what makes broiler chickens grow faster is crucial for producers seeking to maximize efficiency and profitability while maintaining bird health and welfare.

In a 2018 study, researchers found that cows with liberal access to total mixed rations showed improvements in energy-corrected milk feed efficiency compared to those with restricted access. This highlights the complex trade-offs associated with liberal feeding, a strategy often employed to maximize production.

The proportion of fat in pork can vary dramatically, ranging anywhere from 10% to over 30% depending on the pig's breed, diet, age, and the specific cut of meat. Understanding what is the fat content of a pig is key to appreciating the nutritional and culinary differences across various pork products.

Since their widespread introduction in the mid-20th century, antibiotics have become an essential tool in intensive agriculture to boost food production. The pros of antibiotics in food include their critical role in controlling bacterial diseases in livestock, enhancing animal growth, and ensuring a more consistent and cost-efficient food supply. However, these benefits are balanced by significant public health concerns regarding antibiotic resistance.