Feed additives are an easy way to provide livestock with the ideal balance of water, minerals, vitamins and proteins that fuel their growth. Furthermore, they may help prevent conditions like weight loss, natural abortions and infections in livestock.
Selecting the ideal feed additives is a critical decision for any dairy manager. When making their selection, producers must take into account three elements: repeatability, reliability and returns.
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1. Ionophores
Ionophores are feed additives designed to increase animal body weight gain and feed efficiency. They alter rumen metabolism, reduce acidosis and bloat in cattle fed forage-based diets, as well as promote growth.
Ionophores work by negatively altering the metabolism of certain gram-positive bacteria and protozoa in the rumen, improving fermentation by decreasing waste products generated and methane production. This shift in bacteria population encourages more beneficial bacteria to flourish, producing fermentation products which increase energy and feed efficiency.
Commercially available ionophores include monensin (Coban and Rumensin), lasalocid (Avatec and Bovatec), salinomycin (Bio-cox and Sacox), narasin (Maxiban and Monteban), maduramicin (Cygro), semduramicin (Aviax) and laidlomycin propionate (Cattlyst). These carboxylic polyether antibiotics disrupt monovalent ions like Ca2+, K+, H+ and Na+ across biological membranes by disrupting their movement across biological membranes. They also modify rumen microflora by decreasing acetate/methane production while increasing propionate for improved nitrogen utilization.
2. Enzymes
Enzymes are proteins that act on substrates in the animal’s gut to initiate a chemical reaction that breaks down complex, indigestible molecules into simpler forms. This can increase nutrient absorption and utilization, improving enteric health overall.
Addition of feed enzymes to livestock rations can aid digestion, improving their overall health and performance. Furthermore, these ingredients help reduce disease incidence, illness, as well as lower veterinary expenses.
Ruminants possess a special digestive system called the rumen, where bacteria and microbes break down food to release phosphorous. Enzymes in this region can accelerate phytate and cellulose breakdown to release this beneficial element – decreasing need for costly inorganic phosphorus supplements while preventing runoff of manure into waterways.
Enzymes used in feedstuffs include proteases, xylanases, carbohydrases and lipases. Proteases and xylanases can be employed to enhance the digestibility of plant-based protein found in raw materials like corn meal or wheat gluten.
3. Amaferm
Amaferm is a fermented powdered product that supplies the rumen fungi with essential nutrients for faster fiber digestion, leading to increased milk production, faster gains and improved stocker health.
For over 70 years, this European EFSA-approved zootechnical feed additive has been successfully applied worldwide in farm trials to enhance performance, enhance milk quality and reduce feed intake by up to 30%.
In 2007, this additive was granted authorization under Commission Regulation (EC) No 537/2007 and is currently undergoing renewal under FEED dossier reference FAD-2020-0064. On January 28, 2020, the European Food Safety Authority Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) issued an opinion regarding its safety and efficacy.
4. Monensin
Monensin is a feed additive that has been demonstrated to increase daily gains and milk production through an effect on rumen fermentation. It reduces rumen acetic and butyric acid production, increases propionic acid (the most efficient rumen fatty acid), and selectively kills bacteria responsible for methane production in the rumen, leading to less carbon loss and greater energy efficiency.
Additionally, it can decrease lactic acid production, prevent bloat and help control coccidia. When used correctly, it also enhances performance and milk yield while decreasing the amount of feed necessary to maintain cow weight.
Additive can be added to a total mixed ration (“complete feed”) or component feeding systems such as top dress. However, it must be listed on the label with specific drug levels (11-22g/ton) and mg/head/day (185-660 mg/head/day for lactating cows or 115-410 mg/head/day for dry cows).
