Category: Livestock

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), concentrates made up about a quarter of all animal feed globally in the mid-1980s. While all concentrates are a type of feed, not all feeds are concentrates. Understanding the difference between feed and concentrate is crucial for balancing livestock diets for optimal health and productivity.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), urea was first used to supplement ruminant feeds in the early 20th century. The compound is the most common example of a non-protein nitrogen (NPN) source, a category of substances that can be converted into true protein by microbes in the rumen. This makes urea a cost-effective and crucial component in the diets of cattle, sheep, and other ruminant animals, particularly when natural protein sources are scarce or expensive.

Grass tetany, a fatal metabolic disorder caused by low magnesium levels, remains a significant threat to grazing livestock, with older lactating cows being most susceptible. A proactive high mag mineral supplementation program is a simple and reliable method to prevent this condition, but timing and correct administration are critical.

According to agricultural research, selenium-deficient soils are widespread globally, impacting the selenium content in forage and crops. This makes supplemental selenium, often delivered via mineral blocks, crucial for livestock health and productivity. So, do trace mineral blocks have selenium? The answer is yes, many are specifically formulated to provide this essential trace mineral.

Goats produce about 2% of the world's total annual milk supply, but this production is highly specialized. The notion that all goats are dairy is a common misconception, as these versatile animals are purposefully bred for different outputs, including milk, meat, fiber, and companionship.

Ragwort, a common wildflower with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers, contains potent toxins known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These compounds cause severe and often irreversible liver damage in both animals and humans who ingest the plant. While rarely eaten by humans due to its bitter taste, it poses a significant threat to livestock.

According to agricultural experts, supplementing an animal's diet is often essential because primary forage and grains may not provide a balanced diet for optimal livestock growth and productivity, especially during different life stages. This is where a feed supplement becomes vital, providing the necessary nutrients to support overall animal health and performance.

A significant portion of the cost of raising livestock is spent on feed, making its composition a critical factor for animal health and profitability. All stock feed is a general-purpose product formulated to meet the maintenance needs of multiple species, including cattle, horses, and goats.

Proper classification of feedstuffs is essential for efficient nutrition management, ensuring a balanced diet that meets the specific needs of different livestock species. In animal husbandry, understanding the core classifications is the first step toward formulating balanced and cost-effective diets. What are the three types of feed ingredients? They are broadly categorized as roughages, concentrates, and supplements/additives.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, a significant portion of livestock production worldwide relies on fibre-rich forage, which is essential for digestive health. High-fibre feeds are a critical component of animal nutrition, influencing everything from gut function to weight management and overall welfare across different species.