Animals are not any different from humans. Like us, they also need proper nutrition and a balanced diet to grow and stay healthy. Speaking of which, most animal feed is based on raw materials like soy, maize, and a fat source.
However, these ingredients alone are not enough to provide sufficient nutrients. For ideal growth and development, feed additives are added to animal diets. This helps enhance their nutritional value and elevate their health. Similarly, veterinary drug are also crucial to treat diseases and keep their immune system strong.
Feed Additives In Animal Nutrition
Feed additives are essential in animal nutrition because they provide additional minerals and vitamins. By adding feed additive to animal food, you can improve their digestion and also prevent issues like bowel stress.
Feed additives can be grouped under eight different categories. These include the following:
- Vitamins
Vitamins are added to feed to enhance its nutritional value and each of them has a distinct purpose. The primary vitamins include:
- A (Retinol)
- B1 (Thiamine)
- B2 (Riboflavin)
- Nicotinamide
- B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
- C (Ascorbic Acid)
- Folic Acid
- Biotin
- D3 (Cholecalciferol)
- K (Menadione)
- B6 (Pyridoxine)
- Pantothenic Acid
- Choline
- Minerals
Minerals are crucial for a balanced and nutritious diet. It can be divided into two categories, including macro minerals and micro minerals.
Macro Minerals include calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium, which are required in large quantities. Micro Minerals, on the other hand, are needed in trace amounts. These include iodine, iron, copper, cobalt, manganese, zinc, and selenium.
- Amino Acids
Synthetic amino acids like lysine, methionine, tryptophan, and threonine are added to feed. These are building blocks of protein, which is vital for tissue, hair, muscle, and skin development. It is also helpful in enhancing the overall functionality.
- Antioxidants
This is required to protect essential fats and vitamins from damage. In other words, it reduces the risk of nutritional deficiencies, heart disease, and cancer.
- Enzymes
Enzymes are added because they help break down indigestible feed components and also boost egg and meat production.
- Binders
This helps prevent mould growth and prevent toxins from entering the bloodstream. In a way, it protects the overall health.
- Antibiotics
This is crucial to prevent and treat diseases. But it also delivers great results in promoting faster growth.
- Acidifiers
Acidifiers are used to boost digestion, optimise mineral absorption, and enhance probiotic function. Additionally, it helps strengthen the immune system.
Feed additives are not just supplements, but they make an integral part of animal nutrition. It is not wrong to say that it benefits both the animals and the agricultural industry.
