Animal feed, a critical component in livestock production, is the most substantial investment with its use - it can easily represent 60-70% of production costs, according to Brian A. Strauch et al of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension ("Feed Cost Cow-Q-Lator", 2013).

 

Now, climate change is putting the world's grains in peril. Less grain means escalating costs as supply tightens. With their ability to endure adverse weather, genetically modified food crops can help alleviate the pressure on global food. But community acceptance is needed to extend genetically modified organisms to some plants like wheat (pages 4-5).

 

Feed supplements are the other options. Backed by field tests and data, these products are known to boost nutritional levels of feed. Others seek to keep feed quality intact in a safe manner. Together, they not only ensure a lower amount of feed required for optimal animal growth, but that such precious resources are fully utilised. In this issue of Livestock & Feed Business, we explore these solutions' various aspects, that ultimately determine their efficacy in improving feed formulations:

 

► In this third part of a series focusing BASF's Natupulse® TS feed enzyme, the company tackles once more the pillars of stability behind its success - this time, namely, premix and gastric stability (pages 8-9);

 

► Even when the feed gets to the farmers, they can risk becoming vehicles for animal diseases like African swine fever. Kemin's formaldehy d e - f ree disinfectant, Sal CURB™ K Plus Liquid, can protect feed from these threats in safely and rapidly (pages 10-11);

 

► A supplemental level of vitamin C higher than 100mg/kg can significantly mitigate the oxidative state in laying hens, according to NHU as it looks into the vitamin's role in egg production performance (pages 12-13);

 

► The efficacy of feed supplements should be validated - hence, their benefits should also be measurable. Taking plant-derived isoquinoline alkaloids into consideration, Phytobiotics elucidates the importance of biomarkers ("measurable indicators of biological processes, conditions, or responses to a treatment") in swine production (pages 14-15);

 

► There is a way in which feed supplements are made, and this serves as the basis for their 'origin story'. Lallemand Animal Nutrition takes us on a tour in a yeast plant, showcasing the intricate but orderly processes leading to the production of yeast for animal diets (pages 16-17).

 

The full article is published on the November 2024 issue of LIVESTOCK & FEED Business. To read the full report, please email to inquiry@efeedlink.com to request for a complimentary copy of the magazine, indicating your name, mailing address and title of the report.