Tag: Animal health

Since 2018, the preventive use of Category I and II antibiotics has been eliminated in the Canadian chicken sector, a significant step in the industry's responsible antimicrobial use strategy. This progressive approach aims to clarify the common question: are Canadian chickens fed antibiotics?.

Over 80% of dietary amino acids are sourced from plant-based proteins for swine and poultry production globally. For monogastric animals like pigs and poultry, understanding what are the essential amino acids for non ruminants is critical because, unlike their ruminant counterparts, they cannot synthesize these vital nutrients themselves.

In most grain-based swine diets, lysine is typically the first limiting amino acid, restricting protein synthesis and overall growth. For many poultry diets, however, methionine often takes this role, highlighting the species-specific differences in nutritional needs.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), feed and feed ingredients are substances intended for animal consumption that, when used as intended, should not present an unacceptable risk to consumer health. This comprehensive guide delves into what is the definition of animal food, exploring the various types, nutritional aspects, and regulatory distinctions that govern its production and use.

Studies have shown that supplementing calves with just 125 to 250 IU of vitamin E per day can significantly enhance their performance and growth. This potent nutrient is crucial for healthy calf development, but what does vitamin E do for calves specifically beyond just boosting growth?

According to the UN Environment Programme, dietary changes towards increased meat consumption have driven a 38% per capita increase in global phosphorus demand over the last 50 years. Digestible phosphorus is the specific amount of this vital mineral that an animal can actually absorb and utilize for its biological functions, unlike the total phosphorus content in feed.

Feeding costs can account for as much as 70% of total expenses in livestock production, making proper nutrition a critical concern. Understanding what is the ratio in animal feed and how to formulate balanced diets is essential for ensuring animal health, maximizing growth, and improving profitability.

Remarkably, wild carnivores can consume a diet rich in saturated fats and cholesterol without suffering from the clogged arteries seen in humans. This raises the question: do carnivorous animals have high cholesterol problems, or are they uniquely adapted to their diet?

Hay is often perceived as just dry grass, but for many herbivorous animals, it is a crucial, complex food source. Understanding if there is any nutritional value in hay is key to maintaining the health and well-being of livestock and pets alike.

Carbohydrates typically comprise 60 to 70 percent of diets for animals like dairy cattle, making them the most significant source of dietary energy. This macronutrient class is not only crucial for powering daily activities but also plays a fundamental role in maintaining gastrointestinal health and metabolic processes.