ISSUE FOCUS 50 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2024 a healthy gastrointestinal tract will be better able to utilize nutrients efficiently and reach their genetic potential. If we can make calves healthier and reduce the energy they spend keeping the bad bacteria in balance, it should result in better performance. The principle of improved gut health for improved performance is best applied during periods of stress, such as weaning and feedlot arrival. These stressful times negatively impact animal health and growth due to exposure to new pathogens and periods of decreased feed intake. Improved performance resulting from increased efficiency can mean more money in the producer’s pocket. This can be achieved through: • Improved animal growth (average daily gains) • Reductions in calf treatments and morbidities Trials have shown that, without a doubt, enhanced calf health and immunity translate to better growth and gains. Being proactive with the use of nutritional technologies and establishing a healthy gut could give a producer’s calves the leg up they need to reach their genetic potential. PROMOTING HEALTHY GUT Bio-Mos 2® is a second-generation feed supplement formulated to feed the gastrointestinal tract in your cattle, optimizing average daily gains, aiding in calf immune system development and reinforcing a healthy gut microbiome without antibiotics at all stages of production. With a healthy gut, calves can better absorb the nutrients in colostrum, and as they transition to creep feed, they can maximize their potential to achieve big gains and maintain high performance. About Dr. Shelby Roberts Dr. Shelby Roberts is a ruminant research scientist at Alltech in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Dr. Roberts' passion for the beef industry started at an early age while growing up on a commercial cow-calf operation in West Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree in animal science at West Texas A&M University, a master's degree in ruminant nutrition from Oklahoma State University and a Ph.D. in agriculture with an emphasis in ruminant health and immunology from West Texas A&M University. With experience in ruminant nutrition and ruminant health, Dr. Roberts interests focus on applied beef management practices that aim at improving animal health through nutrition.
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