General Feed Supplements are used to increase nutrients in livestock diets, with the aim of maintaining or improving livestock health through adequate animal nutritional balance and therefore productivity of milk or meat. These supplements include vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and other nutrients. Supplementary feeding can becoming either a regular part of the production cycle to help match feed demand to feed supply, assisting livestock farmers meet production requirements as defined by market specifications, or reserved for times of shortage during dry spells and/or droughts. The extent to which supplementary feeding is applied depends on the farm/business objectives and seasonal conditions. This is especially true in areas of low-quality crop residues and low quality pasture land.
Feed supplements are presented in granular, powder or block form and used during milk production and fattening stages for meat production. However, if consumed in excess feed supplements can be harmful to animals causing toxicity and if persistent, death.
To effectively implement Improved digestibility, Improved protein content:
- Step 1: Inform farmers of the possible benefits of increased dietary protein in their livestock in order to implement dietary supplements.
- Step 2: Identify a supplement contain the key amino acids - Methionine, Lysine, Threonine, and Tryptophan, in consultation with suppliers and veterinarians.
- Step 3: Added supplements to green plant residue (silage) as guided on packaging or by supplier to increase the efficiency of protein in livestock. Ensure that supplement amounts are suitable for animals and the type of feed being supplemented.
- Step 4: Ensure that supplements sourced will be consistently available from suppliers in the region. These supplements can be purchased at most agricultural shops, including rural areas.
- Step 5: As a low-cost option, farmers can formulate rations specific to their livestock. These rations are only for domestic use and not commercial.
- Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), 2007. Feed Supplementation Blocks. Rome, Italy.
- Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), 2002. Protein Sources for the Animal Feed Industry. Rome, Italy.
Benefits
- Feed supplements are used to balance animal nutrition, resulting in high market value and quality of livestock.
- They help improve animal productivity and nutrition.
- Beneficial in areas of poor pasture or during drought seasons where animal feeds are scarce.
Drawbacks
- Excessive consumption of supplements can be toxic to animals and can lead to death if over consumption persists.
