Farmers and livestock producers have long known that feeding animals the right mix of nutrients and additives can have a big impact on their performance. Feed additives are concentrated sources of specific nutrients, minerals or other substances that we add to feed to supply the animal with something it would not get from its natural diet. These days, there are more than 1,000 different products available. Although many livestock feed manufacturers produce feeds that meet the needs of their animals, others must be willing to experiment with new formulations in order to meet their customers’ requirements. There is also an increasing need for feed manufacturers who are able to offer customers custom blends created from various raw materials and additives. Nutritionally balanced diets are essential for maintaining optimal health in any livestock operation, regardless of its size.
5 benefits of using feed additives
Feed additives include minerals, vitamins and more. Some are used for prevention, while some are therapeutic. All feed additives have a specific role to play, so it’s important to understand the benefits of each one. Once you have a better understanding of the benefits of using feed additives, it will be easier to determine which ones your livestock feed operation needs. Feed additives can improve the digestibility of feed, which means they make it easier for animals to break down nutrients, vitamins and minerals in their feed. This helps to reduce the amount of feed that is wasted, thereby reducing feed costs. They can also help to prevent nutritional deficiencies by providing animals with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Feed additives can also prevent or control diseases. Some additives contain antibiotics or other therapeutic agents that help to prevent or fight infections. They can also help to prevent the spread of diseases such as foot rot in sheep by cleaning pens and equipment. Feed additives can also be used to promote growth in young animals by increasing the amount of nutrients in the feed.
Dried Brewers Yeast
Dried brewers yeast is one of the most common feed additives for livestock. This additive is high in protein, which helps to meet the needs of growing animals. Brewers yeast is also a good source of B vitamins, minerals and trace elements, making it a valuable additive for most livestock feeds. Dried brewers yeast is often used in starter feeds for weaned pigs, growing poultry and milk cows. It can also be used in rations for growing goats, growing sheep, turkeys, growing chickens and growing cattle.
Dicalcium Phosphate
Dicalcium phosphate is a source of calcium and phosphorus. Both of these minerals are needed for strong bones and teeth. Dicalcium phosphate is often used to replace calcium or phosphorus that may be missing from a ration. It is also sometimes used to help prevent nutritional deficiencies. Dicalcium phosphate is often used in rations for growing pigs, growing poultry and growing lambs. It is also used in growing goats, growing cattle and growing sheep rations.
Limestone
Limestone is used as a source of calcium and phosphorus for growing animals. Calcium and phosphorus are needed for strong bones and teeth. Calcium is also needed for muscle contraction and hormone secretion. Dried limestone can be ground and added to feed or water. It can also be used in pellet form or as a top dressing. Limestone is often used in the ration of growing pigs. It is also commonly added to feed and water for growing poultry.
Salt
Salt is added to livestock feed to replace the amount that is usually found in the feed. It is usually added when the feed is ground or when the feed is mixed with water. Salt is needed by all animals to regulate their internal fluid balance. It also helps to promote growth, prevent foot rot in sheep and prevent liver abscesses in cattle. Salt is most commonly added to the feed of growing pigs, growing sheep and dairy cattle. It is sometimes added to the feed of growing poultry.
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a source of calcium. Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth. Calcium carbonate is often used to increase the calcium content of a feed when the calcium is low. It is also sometimes used to increase the calcium content of a feed when the calcium is high. Calcium carbonate is commonly added to the feed of growing pigs, growing poultry and growing lambs. It is sometimes added to the feed of growing goats, growing cattle and growing sheep.
Conclusion
Feed additives are concentrated sources of specific nutrients, minerals or other substances that are added to feed to supply the animal with something it would not get from its natural diet. Feed additives can improve the digestibility of feed and make it easier for animals to break down nutrients, vitamins and minerals in their feed. They can also prevent nutritional deficiencies by providing animals with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Feed additives can also prevent or control diseases and promote growth by increasing the amount of nutrients in the feed.
https://www.arshinefeed.com/Knowledge/5-ways-to-add-feed-additives-to-your-livestock-feed
