With winter on its way, livestock farmers strive to raise healthy, productive animals. Proper nutrition plays a critical role in achieving this goal. While grazing provides the foundation of a ruminant animal’s diet, it often falls short of meeting all their nutritional requirements. This is where supplementary feeding comes in, bridging the gap between what animals get naturally and what they need to thrive.
Espee Olivier, KwaZulu-Natal area manager and marketing specialist at Molatek, explains the essence of livestock nutrition, especially in winter.
Olivier says, “Livestock require certain quantities of roughage, protein, trace elements, vitamins, water, and energy in their diets. Clean drinking water and grass or veld make up most of their daily intake. However, to support optimal production, we need to supplement to address any shortfalls in the natural environment.”
Developing a successful supplementary feeding programme requires careful consideration of several factors.
“The age, weight, and production stage of the animal, along with the availability and quality of natural resources on the farm, are all crucial aspects. Ideally, we want to synchronise the animals’ highest nutritional needs (late pregnancy and early lactation) with the peak grazing season,” Olivier explains.
Choosing the right supplement
The ideal supplement type and quantity vary depending on location and animal needs. Olivier highlights the regional influence.
“Supplements for summer and winter rainfall regions often differ. During the rainy season, when natural veld offers superior nutrition, the supplement type will differ from that needed during the dry season when the veld is nutrient-deficient.”
Consulting a qualified animal nutritionist or a reputable feed supplier is recommended, especially for those new to supplementary feeding.
Supplements often contain a combination of various nutrients to address specific needs:
- Energy sources: Sugars, starches, fats, and fibre for overall body function;
- Macro minerals: Sodium, calcium, and others for essential physiological processes;
- Micro minerals: Trace minerals like iron and zinc for various functions;
- Protein sources: Building blocks for the growth and repair of tissues;
- Vitamins: A, D, E, and B vitamins for various functions.
Following proper adaptation recommendations and using the right product for the specific livestock species is vital.
“Be wary when introducing supplements to animals with nutrient deficiencies. Sudden access can lead to overconsumption and health problems,” Olivier cautions.
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Balancing the nutritional equation
A balanced supplement ensures optimal animal performance and avoids production losses and health issues. South African feed producers adhere to Act 36 of 1947, guaranteeing feed quality. Look for the “V number” (registration number) on products.
Purchasing registered products from reputable suppliers and consulting their technical advisors is a wise practice. Most products have usage recommendations and warnings on the packaging. “Read the label before using the product,” he advises.
Here are some tips from Olivier to get the most out of your supplements:
- Provide adequate feeding space for all animals.
- Group animals by age, weight, and sex to minimise competition.
- Store supplements properly to protect them from the elements.
- Avoid overfilling feeders and clean them regularly to prevent mould growth.
- Ensure a clean, cool water source for optimal feed utilisation.
- Maintain a good animal health programme for better feed efficiency.
- Lick blocks can be a convenient option due to reduced waste.
The availability of good-quality pasture significantly impacts supplementary feeding needs. Extensively grazing animals rely heavily on grass for most of their daily intake.
A winter lick supplement, for instance, typically makes up only a small portion of a cow’s total diet. However, during droughts or poor grazing management, supplements may need to replace a larger percentage of the animal’s intake, increasing costs.
Environmental considerations
Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and seasonality influence feeding programmes. Well-adapted animal breeds for your region experience less stress and require less supplemental feed due to climate extremes.
Olivier explains, “Poorly managed animals with compromised immunity may have higher supplement needs. Extreme temperatures and a lack of shelter can affect animal health and feed intake.”
By understanding the nutritional requirements of livestock and implementing a well-designed supplementary feeding programme, farmers can optimise animal health, productivity, and profitability. Consulting with animal nutrition experts and reputable feed suppliers is crucial for success.
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