Issue 1-2/2023
"Vitamin A in focus
Key role in gastrointestinal function and health
Vitamins are essential for farm animals. Each of the 13 vitamins known today has specific functions in the body, making each unique and irreplaceable. In practice, not all vitamins receive equal attention. When discussing appropriate amounts of fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin D3 and vitamin E receive the most attention, while optimal amounts of vitamin A are taken for granted. In addition, new EU legislation from 2015 provided more restrictive maximum levels for vitamin A, especially for pigs and young poultry.
Key role in gastrointestinal function and health
Vitamins are essential for farm animals. Each of the 13 vitamins known today has specific functions in the body, making each unique and irreplaceable. In practice, not all vitamins receive equal attention. When discussing appropriate amounts of fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin D3 and vitamin E receive the most attention, while optimal amounts of vitamin A are taken for granted. In addition, new EU legislation from 2015 provided more restrictive maximum levels for vitamin A, especially for pigs and young poultry.
"Wood feed additives
Rethinking sustainability
Animal welfare is also an important resource from an economic perspective. As a renewable raw material, wood provides an important basis for innovative product developments. For example, active ingredients with antioxidant potential have been discovered in the bark of certain tree species.
Animal welfare is also an important resource from an economic perspective. As a renewable raw material, wood provides an important basis for innovative product developments. For example, active ingredients with antioxidant potential have been discovered in the bark of certain tree species.
"Promoting calf thriving
Phytogenes make immune system more resistant
Calves are the future of the dairy herd and have a higher genetic potential than their mother due to breeding selection. Raising a replacement heifer may be cost-prohibitive because it is an unproductive animal for two years and replacements typically represent 15 to 20% of milk production costs. The cost of raising heifers is influenced by two important management issues: herd morbidity and mortality rates related to disease prevention, age at first calving(AFC), and herd replacement rates. Therefore, it is important to take care of calf health and growth to maintain farm performance.
Phytogenes make immune system more resistant
Calves are the future of the dairy herd and have a higher genetic potential than their mother due to breeding selection. Raising a replacement heifer may be cost-prohibitive because it is an unproductive animal for two years and replacements typically represent 15 to 20% of milk production costs. The cost of raising heifers is influenced by two important management issues: herd morbidity and mortality rates related to disease prevention, age at first calving(AFC), and herd replacement rates. Therefore, it is important to take care of calf health and growth to maintain farm performance.
"Mycotoxins a risk to dairy cows after all?"
Corn silage can exacerbate this risk
Mycotoxins are rendered harmless by the rumen, according to many consultants and farmers. However, this has now been disproved, as shown by scientific work and, more importantly, practical experience. In many European countries, corn silage is contaminated with a wide range of mycotoxins. An effectiveRisikomanagement is therefore indispensable.
"Pelleted green fodder as a protein supplier
Process technology is crucial
In order to have fiber-rich green fodder available all year round, it must be carefully dried so that all the ingredients are also retained. The AMANDUS KAHL company has a lot of experience and has already established numerous pellet m ills in southern Germany. There, due to warm temperatures, enough rainy days and moderate humidity, there are vast amounts of nutritious grass and alfalfa. And where there is harvesting, there is need for pellet mills.