Your livestock needs the right amount of vitamins and minerals. Are you sure you're providing it?

Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients for your livestock's health, productivity and reproduction. They support various functions such as metabolism, immunity, digestion, growth and development. However, not all feeds and forages can provide adequate amounts of these nutrients, especially during periods of stress, disease, or environmental changes. That's why you need to supplement your livestock's diet with the right type and amount of vitamins and minerals, based on their species, age, stage, and performance goals. In this article, we'll explain how to assess your livestock's nutritional needs, how to choose and use supplements, and how to avoid deficiencies or toxicities.

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1 Assess your needs

Before you buy or apply any supplements, you need to know what your livestock's current and desired status is. You can do this by conducting a feed analysis, a forage test, a soil test, and a blood test. These tests will help you determine the quality and quantity of nutrients in your feed sources, the availability and uptake of nutrients in your pasture, and the level and balance of nutrients in your livestock's body. You can also observe your livestock's physical signs, such as coat, eyes, hooves, and appetite, for any indications of deficiency or excess.

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Lateef Aiyedun

Technical Director at Agrofeed Kft. Nigeria
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I agree with this, the requirement of the animals determines the provision if a Farmer desires optimum performance. Its therefore important that the farmer pay attention to the requirement of the animals

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2 Choose your supplements

Once you have a clear picture of your livestock's nutritional needs, you can select the appropriate supplements to fill the gaps or enhance the benefits. There are different forms and sources of supplements, such as blocks, licks, pellets, powders, liquids, injections, and boluses. You can also choose between synthetic or natural, organic or inorganic, and fortified or medicated supplements. The best option depends on your livestock's preferences, palatability, intake, absorption, and cost-effectiveness. You should also check the label and the expiry date of the supplements, and follow the instructions and recommendations.

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Lateef Aiyedun

Technical Director at Agrofeed Kft. Nigeria
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Supplements are very important to optimum performance, as they give nutrients that may not be present in the feed administered. The further help avoid nutritionally related diseases like rickets

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3 Use your supplements

After you have chosen your supplements, you need to apply them correctly and consistently. You should consider the timing, frequency, dosage, and method of supplementation, as well as the interactions and compatibility with other supplements and feeds. You should also monitor your livestock's response and performance, and adjust the supplementation accordingly. You can use tools such as scales, feeders, dispensers, syringes, and records to measure and track your supplementation. You should also consult your veterinarian or nutritionist for any advice or assistance.

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4 Avoid deficiencies

Deficiencies occur when your livestock does not receive enough of a certain vitamin or mineral, or when they lose or use more than they consume. Deficiencies can cause various health problems, such as anemia, scurvy, rickets, goiter, night blindness, infertility, and reduced immunity. To prevent deficiencies, you should ensure that your livestock has access to a balanced and varied diet that meets their requirements, and supplement them when necessary. You should also avoid factors that can reduce the availability or absorption of nutrients, such as phytates, oxalates, mold, and parasites.

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5 Avoid toxicities

Toxicities occur when your livestock receives too much of a certain vitamin or mineral, or when they accumulate or store more than they excrete. Toxicities can cause various health problems, such as hypervitaminosis, hypercalcemia, copper poisoning, selenium poisoning, and kidney damage. To prevent toxicities, you should avoid over-supplementing your livestock, and follow the recommended levels and ratios of nutrients. You should also avoid factors that can increase the intake or retention of nutrients, such as salt, molasses, nitrates, and heavy metals.

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6 Improve your results

By providing your livestock with the right amount of vitamins and minerals, you can improve their health, productivity and reproduction. You can also save money, time, and resources by avoiding unnecessary or ineffective supplements, and reducing the risk of diseases or losses. You can also enhance your sustainability and profitability by optimizing your feed efficiency, animal welfare, and product quality. Vitamins and minerals are vital for your livestock's success, so make sure you're providing them properly and regularly.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Your livestock needs the right amount of vitamins and minerals. Are you sure you're providing it?

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1 Assess your needs

2 Choose your supplements

3 Use your supplements

4 Avoid deficiencies

5 Avoid toxicities

6 Improve your results

7 Here’s what else to consider

Agribusiness

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