Animal Nutrition Views

Despite initial enthusiasm, results so far appear to be not on par with expectations. When the technology to […]

I am noticing with amusement several new marketing trends, one of them claiming parenthood of the term precision nutrition. Perhaps this is what we usually call “know what you do” and such people have become so rare that if you happen to come across one you get so mesmerized that you believe it is “precision,” or magic, itself.

A few years ago, I was introduced into the potential of algae. They appeared to be a source of energy and protein for farm animals that could be explored at low cost, providing a viable alternative to areas that cannot produce cereals and protein crops at an advantageous cost.

Perhaps it is an overreaction. Perhaps it is an opportunity to cut back on costs. Perhaps it is neither or both, but I have heard of cases where major pig producers are keeping growing-finishing gilts back for breeding as they decided to stop bringing in new genetic stock in fear of introducing the African swine fever (ASF) virus to their herds.

Another victim of the African swine fever (ASF) virus that is wiping out a huge chunk of the global pig industry, with no sign it has peaked, is the feed additives industry. Unlike previous years when this industry made tremendous gains by siding with the movement to reduce antibiotic usage in the animal industry, there appears very little role left for it to play in the crisis.

During the last two great world wars, the United States of America aided its Allies in Europe. It offered material, funds and, above all, blood and lives.

There is no denying that reducing antibiotic usage has become a political movement in some countries. But for now, there seems to be a lull in the fight against antibiotic usage.

Summer, heat stress and oxidation are all common terms associated with animal feeds when the temperature goes up, especially in areas with high humidity.

Is there a future for mega farms in our modern society? This is a question that keeps puzzling many layers of our societies, especially those of the more developed world.

We have discussed numerous times how best to feed animals during summer heat waves. In reality, we have been discussing only two aspects this problem: reformulation and additives.