ARTICLE FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE January 2023 55 control NC) or feed supplemented with one ingredient (Positive control PC) for 5 minutes. Ingredients were tested in a random order for every participant. Preference was measured for every test as well as Intake. Some ingredients reduced the attractivity of feed, while others such as apple or fenugreek flavors had limited effects. Finally, red fruits, vanilla or fresh flavors had a positive effect on preference and intake. STIMULATING THE FEEDING BEHAVIOUR OF CALVES FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE As a matter of fact, it is difficult to provide accurate guidelines for every situation. In that respect, it is important to work with multiple points of references, good analytical feedbacks from lab and, last but not least, practical experiences from the field. Finally, it is critical to consider not only the effect of each ingredient but the overall palatability of formulation. Previously, Fathi et al. evaluated the effects of a vanilla flavour in starter feeds on pre-weaning and post-weaning calf performance. The trial showed that calves fed flavored starter weighed more at the weaning and at the end of the experiment. Moreover, the pre-weaning average daily gains increased significantly (+21%, p<0.03). Something that is also confirmed with practical experiences in the field. Preference tests under field conditions with young calves showed that flavours such as ‘milky-vanilla’ or ‘caramel-biscuit’ could increase the palatability and the therefore the consumption of compound concentrate feeds. Other solutions have been developed to impact both smell and taste of the feed, for intense to cover the negative effect of certain ingredients, with intense fruity or fresh flavors. Finally, some more solutions, with ‘caramel-molasse’ profile, have also show high efficacy to bring a consistent, homogeneous and long-lasting palatability to feed. Calves that start eating quickly will be exposed to less stress, will be less susceptible to getting sick and will perform better. Anything that encourages the calves onto their early weaner grain ration is positive. Ideally, the same flavour, before and after weaning, can be beneficial particularly for very young and fragile calves. BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR CONSISTENT PERFORMANCE Palatants have always been important additives in young animal nutrition, both for marketing (to differentiate) and technical purposes (to secure feed consumption and early performance). Recent research has confirmed that young animals are effectively reacting on flavors and/or taste enhancers in specific production systems, offering in the end a positive return on investment for the producer. Besides, more than ever, nutritionists and formulators have got more challenges about raw materials, that fluctuate both in terms of quantity, price and quality. To meet these objectives, high quality palatants can help the nutritionists and feed formulators to optimise their feed formulation with more confidence in the challenging situations. Using the right palatant solution will help to offer consistent quality to customers and guarantee early performance of animals.
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