The pressure on farmers who make their living from animal production is increasing day by day. Because on the one hand, they have to meet the increasing demand for animal food on a global scale, and on the other, they have to switch to sustainable methods that will minimise their environmental impact. However, this is a highly contradictory and challenging situation. One of the key strategies to overcome these challenges is to improve feed efficiency.
Feed efficiency is defined as the ability of an animal to convert feed into body weight, milk, eggs or other products, and plays an important role in determining the profitability, sustainability and overall performance of farms. The metric used to measure feed efficiency is Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). Optimising the FCR means that less feed is required to produce the same amount of product, which means lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced pressure on land and water resources.
To summarise, in an era of rising feed costs and increasing concerns over resource use, optimising feed efficiency is crucial to reduce operating costs and improve sustainability.
So how can feed efficiency be improved? According to experts, improving feed efficiency requires a holistic approach involving genetics, nutrition and management practices. Selecting animals with superior genetic characteristics for feed conversion; tailoring the feed diets to the needs of the animal, taking into account factors such as age, weight and production period; using components such as high-quality proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the right balance; and using appropriate herd health management, including optimum housing conditions, are listed among the main ways to increase productivity.
Feed additives are another efficiency factor that should be carefully considered in terms of nutrition. If used appropriately, feed additives can significantly improve feed conversion ratio by enhancing digestion, nutrient absorption and overall animal health. This will translate into increased production performance, farm efficiency and profitability.
Going forward, it is clear that feed efficiency will continue to be a cornerstone of the industry’s success, shaping the future of animal farming in ways that benefit producers, consumers and the planet.
And yes, efficiency is the first step to a sustainable future. Keep reading our magazine to learn more about the topic.
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