Supplementary nutrition on veld

Natural veld grazing is the cornerstone of most livestock production systems.

- Esmari Rautenbach (Pri.Sci.Nat.), Feedtek

However, when animals lack access to adequate supplementary nutrition, declines in productivity, reproductive performance, and overall health often follow. Therefore, implementing a well-considered supplementary nutrition strategy is not merely a short-term fix - it is a vital management tool for sustaining profitable and resilient livestock operations.

What is supplementary nutrition?

Supplementary nutrition involves adding specific nutrients to an animal's diet to compensate for deficiencies. These shortfalls, whether in energy, protein, minerals, or vitamins, are influenced by seasonal variations, veld conditions, and the animal's physiological production stage. Rather than replacing natural grazing, supplementary nutrition aims to enhance it - optimising animal performance while controlling costs. Achieving this balance requires careful consideration of economic viability, productivity, and effective management practices. In ruminants, lick supplementation plays a pivotal role, primarily by supporting the microbes in the rumen.

The microbial environment

Microorganisms thrive within the rumen of ruminant animals. These anaerobic organisms are unable to survive outside the rumen due to their intolerance to oxygen. With lifespans ranging from just 12 to 48 hours, they multiply or die rapidly, depending on the conditions.

Ruminants have evolved over millions of years to live in symbiosis with these microbes. The animal provides a secure environment and food in the form of grass. In return, the microorganisms break down the grass into compounds the ruminant can absorb, primarily supplying energy. Additionally, when the microbes die, they become a vital source of protein for the ruminant.