Eric Guy serves as the Western Canada Feed Additive Sales Manager, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen to the livestock industry. Based near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Eric holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba. His approach centers on enhancing animal performance and well-being while helping customers achieve optimal financial returns and operational efficiencies. With a customer-focused mindset, Eric is dedicated to delivering tailored solutions that drive success in the livestock sector.

Biosecurity is a term that is often used and often misunderstood. With the intent of protecting their pigs, modern pork producers require meticulous attention to who has access to their farms; equipment and product sanitation prior to entry; and strict herd health monitoring to prevent viruses like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRSV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea (PEDV) from entering the farm.

However, an often-overlooked area of risk in this equation is feed biosecurity. Even in our modern agricultural practices, viruses can easily hitch a ride into a farm on feed ingredients, silently entering and rendering all other biosecurity efforts futile.

To address this challenge, organic-acid-based feed mitigant (OAFM) offers a robust option to achieve viral mitigation in feed. OAFM effectively bridges the feed gap in biosecurity programs, being designed to mitigate viral agents such as PRRSV and PEDV through treated feed. OAFM provides a crucial layer of protection that can help prevent farms from experiencing devastating disease outbreaks.

As a result of many hard lessons learned during the introduction of PEDV into the industry over a decade ago, there is now a robust body of work in the field of feed biosecurity. It is well documented that viral pathogens like PRRSV and PEDV can survive in feed ingredients, especially in conditions that mimic long-distance transportation. This has profound implications, as feed becomes a “Trojan horse,” entering farms with the potential to spread these diseases far and wide. PRRSV alone costs the U.S. pork industry an estimated $664 million annually due to reduced reproductive performance, increased pig mortality, and the need for depopulation in severe cases. PEDV, although slightly less costly, can still wipe out entire groups of pigs, particularly young and newborn piglets​.

Traditionally, biosecurity measures have focused on controlling other vectors, like people, vehicles and live pigs. However, feed has become an increasing concern as a possible transmission route for these viruses. Pathogens can contaminate feed ingredients during production, storage or transport, highlighting the need for a comprehensive biosecurity strategy that includes feed mitigation​.

Despite the growing awareness of feed as a transmission risk, it remains under-prioritized in many swine biosecurity plans. This oversight likely stems from the assumption that feed, a seemingly inert product, poses minimal risk as a potential vector for disease introduction. However, modern research has shown that feed ingredients, especially soybean meal, can serve as carriers for harmful pathogens like PRRSV.

OAFM is comprised primarily of organic acids and has proven antiviral activity. It was specifically formulated to rapidly reduce diet pH, causing changes to virus survivability. Since the product does not use formaldehyde as part of the mitigation strategy, OAFM offers a safe and natural mitigant option without compromising animal performance or worker safety​.

Preventing a disease outbreak is far less costly than dealing with the aftermath. According to industry estimates, a PRRSV outbreak can cost a farm up to $400 per sow annually when losses from reduced productivity, increased veterinary costs, and culling of infected animals are all considered. PEDV outbreaks, while less frequent, can have similarly devastating financial impacts​.

Figure 1: PRRSV cumulative incidence across herds participating in the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project, which represents approximately 50% of sows in the U.S. Since the beginning of the project, annual incidence of PRRSV outbreaks across the represented herds has ranged from 18% to 40%.

Figures 2 and 3: Dee et al. demonstrated a significant reduction in herds practicing next-generation biosecurity (NGB), which incorporates systems designed to mitigate virus entry through direct routes of PRRSV entry such as infected animals and semen; indirect routes such as mechanical vectors and fomites, aerosol and feed. Farms that did not address one or more of these areas of virus entry experienced higher incidence of PRRSV breaks over a three-year period, and also saw improved KPIs in their herds.

Source: Dee et al.(2024). Further evidence that science-based biosecurity provides sustainable prevention of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection and improved productivity in swine breeding herds. Animals 14, 2530. 10.3390/ani14172530.

Feed mitigants like OAFM provide a relatively inexpensive insurance policy against these losses. By investing in feed biosecurity, producers can safeguard their herds and protect their bottom lines from the potentially devastating costs of a viral outbreak.

In the fight against viral diseases like PRRSV and PEDV, and with other health challenges looming on the horizon, OAFM offers a crucial line of defense for the modern pork production system. As swine biosecurity continues to evolve, the importance of feed mitigation can no longer be ignored. Use of OAFM will help ensure that feed remains a source of nourishment only — not of infection.

About the authors:

Dr. Jose Soto is the monogastric research and technical lead at Alltech. He was born and raised in Chile, where he received undergraduate and graduate training in agricultural sciences and agricultural economics, respectively. He received a Ph.D. in applied swine nutrition from Kansas State University, where he worked extensively with amino acid nutrition and dietary energy economic modeling. Prior to joining Alltech, Dr. Soto served in various roles for three of the Top 10 swine integrators in the U.S., in addition to several swine nutrition companies, where he was involved with research and development, production operations and technical services. 

Dr. Andrew Bents is a swine technical veterinarian at Hubbard Feeds. He attended the University of Minnesota where he earned both his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, as well as his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. After graduation, Dr. Bents served the Worthington, MN area as a mixed animal veterinarian, with an emphasis on swine production.  

At Hubbard, his role is to support pork producers by integrating and managing the interaction of health on all aspects of pork production through cooperation with producers, nutritionists, and their veterinarians. He is passionate about finding ways to improve pig health through advanced husbandry, nutrition, epidemiology, and pharmacovigilance techniques.

In his spare time, Dr. Bents enjoys spending time with his family, serving his church and community, helping on the family farm and woodworking in his shop.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my pig herd. 

I recently sat down with Dr. Shelby Roberts, Alltech technical sales support, to take a closer look at calf gut health, the importance of nutrition during the first weeks of the calf’s life, and some other calving season considerations. Here are a few points to keep in mind before and during spring calving.

1. Management of your process and facilities is half the battle for a healthy calving season.

Nutrition is a major player in the success of a calf’s life, but proper management of your herd is essential to the health of your cattle. Dr. Roberts shared some management tips to keep in mind as calving season progresses.

• Inspect your facilities before and throughout calving season. Ensuring that fences are mended and gates and latches are in working order can keep those sneaky calves from sliding through — thus avoiding that dreaded call from the neighbor that you have one out!
• Develop a vaccination schedule with your veterinarian. A solid vaccination schedule for the cow and, eventually, for the calves is an important step to a healthy herd.
• Manage your calving areas. They should be kept clean and dry. Also, avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding of pens can lead to lots of manure buildup, which increases the pathogen load within the pen. It can be easier said than done to keep things clean and dry when you’re calving in mud, snow, rain and whatever else nature throws at you, but do your best. Putting out straw, or moving cattle who are close to calving to a drier area (a calving barn, if available), will pay back in spades, giving those calves the best start possible.
• Avoid constant commingling of older and younger calves. Younger calves are more susceptible to scours than older calves. Try to keep your groups separate for as long as you can to ensure that those calves have had a chance to get adjusted, with their immune systems fully up and running.
• If facilities allow, manage first-calf heifers separately. First-calf heifers, in general, have lower-quality colostrum compared to older cows. This can leave calves susceptible to pathogens if managed in a larger group.

2. Keep the essentials on hand and easy to access.

What constitutes as “essential” will vary by operation. Think about your operation and consider what you need to have stocked for the season – especially if you don’t have easy access to the store in a pinch. A few things that are handy to keep near and on hand are:

• Ear tagger and ear tags (with numbers prewritten, if you can!)
• Portable scale and sling if taking birth weights
• Record book or record-keeping app
• Iodine spray for the calf’s navel
• A sorting stick to keep mom at bay while you help her calf
• Bottles and tubes
• Colostrum powder, milk replacer and electrolytes
• Pulling chains and any attachments
• Access to hot water
• A calf warmer, or a place to warm them up
• Clothes of varying weights and warmth for varying weather
• Caffeine – and maybe whiskey!

3. Colostrum is critical for the calf’s immune system.

Colostrum is the mother’s first milk and the calf’s first source of immunity and nutrients. Antibodies from colostrum protect calves until their naive immune systems are fully functional. Calves are susceptible early on to a host of potential illnesses, so ensuring that they nurse and/or are supplemented with colostrum in the first hours after birth is crucial to their lifelong success. That’s an important fact to consider, especially when many beef producers don’t have access to a calving barn — or an easy way to get to the calf — when the calf first hits the ground.

Once the calf nurses, not only is getting that colostrum in their system critical, but the quality of the colostrum can affect the success of the calf as well. For better colostrum quality, the rancher needs to look toward the dam. Cows start producing colostrum around five weeks before they give birth, so it is essential to consider the dam’s nutritional needs well before birth to enhance her colostrum quality and, subsequently, the health of her calf. Choosing from the Bio-Mos range of nutritional technologies is one great way to give your calves a strong start to a healthy life.

4. A balancing act is happening in the gut.

Dr. Roberts and I took time to talk about how the antibodies the calf consumes by way of colostrum affect its health and immunity. What it comes down to is a balancing act happening in the gut.

Good bacteria are constantly fighting to keep the pathogenic bacteria in check. Simultaneously, the animal’s immune system is fighting the pathogenic bacteria. The immune system and the good bacteria work together to keep the animal healthy and to suppress the pathogenic bacteria. When antibiotics are used, this clears out the pathogenic bacteria AND the good bacteria. When the gut recolonizes, the animal is at risk for pathogenic bacteria recolonizing at a quicker rate than the good bacteria, leaving the immune system as the last and only line of defense when antibiotics are removed.

The first couple weeks after birth can remain a period of elevated risk as the maternal antibodies disappear and the calf’s immunity is still maturing, as shown in the diagram. In fact, according to Dr. Roberts, “Mortality data shows that most calf death occurs within the first two weeks of life.”

5. There are so many options, but all nutrition products are not created equal.

When producers are considering nutrition strategies, Dr. Roberts encourages them to think holistically about dam nutrition by considering the seasonal changes in the dam’s nutrition needs. Her needs — and the needs of the calf — will vary throughout the seasons.

Nutritional solutions like Bio-Mos® are beneficial pre-calving and beyond. Since the 1980s, Alltech has been conducting studies on these technologies, and the calf research has shown the following results:

• Maintenance of gastrointestinal health
• Alteration of intestinal microbial populations
• Stimulation of immune activity
• Stimulation of the natural defenses of the animal 

Bio-Mos has also been tested in different life stage changes — like transitional receiving diets. In a study conducted in a commercial feedlot in Southern Alberta in Canada, 902 mixed-breed, newly weaned beef cattle were split into two groups, one fed a control and one supplemented with Bio-Mos. Cattle fed Bio-Mos showed improved average daily gain and maintained a healthy immune response. 

Calving season is a critical time of year for producers, as healthy calves on the ground directly affect the success of the operation throughout the whole year. Consider utilizing these tips and tools to put your cattle in the best position for a successful start and a successful life. Best of luck, and happy calving!

About the author:

An Ohio farm girl with roots down in Kansas on her husband's family cow-calf operation in the beautiful Kansas Flint Hills, Cece Blythe's involvement in the cattle industry is more than her job, but her lifestyle. She pursued her interest in agriculture through her degree in agribusiness and applied economics from The Ohio State University and comes to Alltech with a background in livestock genetics and marketing.

Cece has been with Alltech since 2020, where she serves as the Western U.S. marketing manager.

I want to learn more about nutrition for beef cattle. 

What is necrotic enteritis?

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is an intestinal disease that often manifests in commercial broiler flocks worldwide. The disease is characterized by dead tissue/lesions and inflammation of the GI tract. This disease can cause high mortality rates, primarily in young broiler chicks.

How big is the impact of necrotic enteritis on the global poultry industry?

The prevalence of necrotic enteritis worldwide is highly variable and is estimated to be anywhere between 1–40%. As such, its impact on the global poultry industry can vary widely from an economic and welfare standpoint. Flock health and overall performance in the face of necrotic enteritis are also dependent on which type of the disease is present. While clinical necrotic enteritis often causes high morbidity and mortality rates, subclinical forms of necrotic enteritis may be less evident and only tend to affect growth and feed conversion rates. Therefore, subclinical necrotic enteritis may be more common and, as a result, may have a greater impact on the global poultry industry. Globally, it is estimated that necrotic enteritis costs about $0.05 per chicken and about $2 billion in losses per year.

What causes necrotic enteritis?

Necrotic enteritis is an infection and acute enterotoxemia caused by the Gram-positive bacteria Clostridium perfringens Types A and C. C. perfringens is ubiquitous and is a normal inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract of healthy chickens and turkeys. Clinical necrotic enteritis outbreaks are based on complex interactions between the microorganism and other predisposing factors.

Although the mechanism for C. perfringens virulence is not completely understood, the toxin type is typically the cause of pathogenesis. The incidence of necrotic enteritis increases when there are any changes, whether physical or chemical, that contribute to the colonization of C. perfringens to the gut, where they can degrade mucus, colonize enterocytes, secrete enzymes and induce further damage to the gut wall. Factors that contribute to the rate of bacterial growth with C. perfringens include the diet type, stress levels in birds, previous medical treatments, the rate of feed passage, the presence of mycotoxins, the immune status of the birds and co-infection with other pathogens, such as Eimeria spp. and viruses.

What are some common signs and symptoms of necrotic enteritis?

Clinical signs of necrotic enteritis can vary depending on the presentation of the disease. Sudden, clinical and subclinical forms have all been described; however, subclinical forms tend to occur more frequently and are considered the primary cause of economic losses. Clinical signs of necrotic enteritis can vary, from non-specific symptoms to depressed birds, ruffled feathers, decreased appetite, anorexia, dehydration, lethargy, diarrhea and death. Gross lesions in the gastrointestinal tract can be seen primarily in the jejunum and the ileum; however, they can also be seen, to a lesser extent, in the duodenum and the ceca. The intestines may feel friable, thin, distended and edematous, with visible gas and blood, and may have a yellow, white or green pseudomembranous layer attached to the mucosa (which has been described as having a “Turkish towel” appearance). Cholangiohepatitis and hepatitis have also been reported as a result of C. perfringens gaining access to portal circulation and bile ducts, thereby causing necrosis in the liver and the bile ducts.

Management tips to help prevent and combat necrotic enteritis

Necrotic enteritis can be controlled by reducing the risk factors associated with it. Some tips include:

• Establishing gut integrity and microbiome diversity: While subtherapeutic levels of ionophores and other antibiotics are used to control Clostridium overgrowth and provide some modulation to the gut microbiota, they have increasingly been replaced by alternative natural products. The use of competitive exclusion products provides a suitable alternative to restoring the microbiota in the bird’s gastrointestinal tract. It can also help decrease the incidence of necrotic enteritis and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with necrotic enteritis.
• Utilizing high-quality feed ingredients: Using high-quality feed ingredients and reducing or removing products from the feed that increase the incidence of necrotic enteritis are recommended.
• Incorporating feed additives: The use of feed additives — such as prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, organic acids, enzymes and trace minerals, like zinc and selenium — can also help combat necrotic enteritis.
• Following a well-rounded coccidiosis prevention program: Coccidia play an essential role in the incidence of necrotic enteritis; therefore, a well-rounded coccidia control program is an essential element of reducing necrotic enteritis.
• Implementing good animal husbandry practices — such as the proper biosecurity measures, cleaning and disinfection, pest control, the prompt removal and disposal of deceased birds, maintaining good litter quality, providing regular access to high-quality feed and clean water, and more— are essential components of maintaining overall flock health, as well as reducing other diseases and decreasing the incidence of necrotic enteritis.

What is coccidiosis?

Coccidiosis or intestinal coccidiosis in poultry is the clinical disease and accompanying array of symptoms caused by the infection of coccidian protozoa in the genus Eimeria. Depending on the level of infection and type of coccidia species, coccidiosis can be characterized by varying levels of morbidity, mortality, enteritis and a decrease in performance parameters.

How does coccidiosis impact the global poultry industry?

Coccidiosis is a major concern in poultry worldwide due to its effects on enteric health and overall flock performance. In the U.S., coccidiosis is estimated to contribute to $127 million in economic losses. Additionally, interactions from other disease pathogens, nutritional imbalances and coccidiosis can lead to further stress in birds and, as a result, an increase in the severity of other clinical disease symptoms. Therefore, due to the cost of prevention, treatment of coccidiosis and production losses, it is recognized as the disease with the greatest economic impact in poultry.

What causes coccidiosis in poultry?

Coccidiosis is caused by the apicomplexan protozoan parasite in the genus Eimeria. Eimeria are host-specific, and distinctive different forms of intestinal coccidiosis manifest in different species. In chickens, depending on the source, seven to nine species of Eimeria that can cause coccidiosis have been described. The main identified species of Eimeria are E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. brunetti, E. preacox, E. mitis and, depending on the source, E. mivati.

The most common intestinal infections in chickens are often associated with E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. tenella, E. necatrix and E. brunetti. In turkeys, there are at least nine species of Eimeria that have been described; however, there are four recognizable species that produce disease — namely, E. adenoides, E. meleagrimitis, E. gallopavonis and E. meleagridis. Concurrent infections with two or more coccidia are common and can cause lesions and different levels of disease.

Coccidiosis infections are self-limiting, and their severity correlates to the number of oocysts ingested, as well as the type of Eimeria species. Eimeria oocysts are ubiquitous in poultry environments and can be introduced to new farms via paratenic hosts, infected equipment, litter, vermin, personnel, equipment and through other methods.

Signs and symptoms of coccidiosis

Coccidiosis symptoms can vary from mild to severe, but most infections are considered mild. However, due to the disease’s invasion and destruction of host cells, even mild infections can negatively impact the conversion of feed nutrients into meat. Clinical signs associated with coccidiosis are species-distinctive, and the severity of the infection is based on gross lesions, in addition to microscopic intestinal lesions.

In chickens:

• E. acervulina infections can result in mild to severe coccidiosis, and more severe infections can result in a reduction in body weight. Watery/mucoid droppings can also be observed. Pigmentation from the skin may be lost due to carotenoid and reduced xanthophyl absorption in the small intestine. Gross lesions in the intestine are usually located in the duodenum but can extend into the rest of the small intestine if the infection is severe. These lesions are characterized by white plaques.
• E. maxima is considered moderately to severely pathogenic. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, with mortality rates of up to 30%. It can cause poor weight gain, diarrhea, ruffled feathers, loss of appetite and pale skin. E. maxima affects the mid-gut anywhere after the duodenum and past the Meckel’s diverticulum; however, heavy infections can be seen throughout the small intestine. An intestine infected with E. maxima may be edematous, flaccid and thickened and can reveal increased mucus — typically, yellow or orange in color — and blood. In more severe infections, the mucosa can slough off.
• E. tenella lesions are easier to recognize due to their type and location and due to increased mortality rates. E. tenella is considered one of the most pathogenic Eimeria spp. It is primarily found in the ceca, and in severe disease cases, there is an associated increase in morbidity, blood in the feces, weight loss, dehydration, loss of appetite, anemia and diminished skin pigmentation. Bloody cecal cores may also be seen in the ceca. Mortality associated with E. tenella may be due to toxic factors from bacteremia.
• E. brunetti is found primarily in the lower intestine after the Meckel’s diverticulum; however, in severe infections, it can be found in the upper and lower intestines, including in the ceca and cloaca. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe in heavy infections. Moderate mortality rates and reduced feed conversion may be observed. Gross lesions in the gastrointestinal tract may be present and are characterized by petechiae, watery contents, thickened mucosa, pallor and, in severe cases, erosion of the mucosal layer. Digested or coagulated blood may be observed in the feces.
• E. necatrix lesions are found in the small intestine around the same area as E. maxima lesions and are typically seen in the pullet stage and in older birds. E. necatrix is considered one of the most pathogenic Eimeria spp. Infections of E. necatrix can cause high morbidity and mortality rates of more than 25%. Additionally, decreased body weight, decreased egg production, emaciation and secondary infections can also be observed. Gross lesions in the gut are typically ballooning and involve thickened mucosa and blood. Usually, E. necatrix lesions are described as “salt-and-pepper” in appearance due to the white and black plaques seen in the mucosa.

In turkeys:

Typical signs of coccidiosis in turkeys include depressed birds with ruffled feathers, increased watery or mucoid diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloody feces and general morbidity. Recovery is often quick, and lesions may not be as easily identifiable in turkeys as in chickens. All ages can be affected; however, mortality rates tend to be lower for older birds than younger birds.

• E. adenoides is considered the most pathogenic species of coccidia in turkeys. Birds may show reduced body weight, high morbidity and, in severe infections, high mortality rates. It is found primarily in the ceca, but in more severe infections, it can extend to the lower small intestine and cloaca. Feces may be watery with mucus casts and may also be blood-tinted. Cecal cores may be present in the ceca and the intestinal wall may be edematous-dilated, with petechial hemorrhages and mucus.
• E. meleagridis is considered one of the most pathogenic species and can cause increased morbidity and mortality rates and general depression in young birds. It is primarily observed in the upper gastrointestinal tract; however, in more severe infections, it may be observed throughout the small intestine. The feces of infected turkeys may have some blood specks, in addition to mucus. The tips of the villi may also be denuded and edematous.

Management tips to help prevent coccidiosis

The prevention of coccidiosis in poultry is key to avoid damage from infection and to mitigate any associated production losses and welfare issues.

A recommended integrated approach would be to use a combination of:

• Antimicrobials
• Antiprotozoal agents (coccidiocidal vs. coccidiostatic)
• Vaccines
• Improved animal husbandry practices

Additionally, as many in the industry decrease their use of antibiotics for management and prevention, naturally derived feed additives have become more popular — especially those derived from:

• Essential oils
• Prebiotics
• Probiotics
• Postbiotics
• Saponins
• Tannins

These additives are most successful when used in addition to good bird-rearing management practices.

Additional tips and recommendations to help reduce the risk of coccidiosis:

• Proper animal husbandry and biosecurity practices and good pest control (e.g., preventing and eliminating pests like rodents, flies and litter beetles) are crucial, regardless of the type of production system. Additionally, cleaning and disinfection between flocks must be carried out to prevent other diseases from being introduced into the flock.
• Increased down-time and good litter management can also help with the pathogen load and, as a result, better management of coccidia challenges from flock to flock.
• Bird immunity status plays a significant role in the recovery from and level of tolerance to the disease; as such, ensuring a healthy start with good-quality chicks and mitigating any immunosuppressive causative agents, such as viruses and mycotoxin challenges, are vital.
• Providing high-quality feed ingredients and ensuring the availability of feed will also contribute to the delivery of feed additives to help mitigate coccidia infections, will diminish the secondary infections associated with coccidia cycling and will help maintain overall gut health.

Coccidia control programs should be tailored to each operation’s unique circumstances. Therefore, the plan for controlling coccidia long-term should include routine monitoring and testing to evaluate the effectiveness of each program, along with the implementation of sustainable practices.

Further reading: key articles on coccidiosis prevention and control:

To gain a more comprehensive perspective on coccidiosis and its impact on poultry, we’ve curated a selection of insightful articles:

1. How to develop an arsenal of alternatives to manage coccidiosis
   This article discusses various strategies, including the use of phytogenics, probiotics, and other alternatives, to effectively control coccidiosis in poultry flocks.
2. Coccidiosis breaks in layers: who's to blame?
   An exploration of factors contributing to coccidiosis outbreaks in layer hens, emphasizing the importance of management practices and environmental controls.

Veien mot en mer bærekraftig havbruksnæring

I mars 2023 startet samarbeidet mellom Alltech Aqua Norway og daværende Aker Biomarine (nå Aker Qrill Company), hvor målet var å øke bevisstheten i næringen om allerede tilgjengelige bærekraftige fôrråvarer og diskutere hvordan disse råvarene kan gi best verdi. Responsen har vært utelukkende positiv, sier fiskehelsebiolog og Business Development Director i Aker Qrill Company, Maja Bævre-Jensen.

Norge har en ambisjon om å produsere fem millioner tonn laks og ørret innen 2050, noe som innebærer seks millioner tonn fôr. Denne veksten krever mer fôr – og nye fôrkilder. Bare 0,4 prosent av ingrediensene som brukes i fiskefôr i dag er såkalte nye ingredienser. Svært få av disse er testet i industriell skala.

I dag står fôret for det største klimaavtrykket til havbruksnæringen. I Hurdalsplattformen har dagens regjering nedfelt en tydelig ambisjon på fôr med mål om at alt fôr til havbruksnæringen skal være fra bærekraftige kilder innen 2030. Dette i tillegg til at fôret må oppfylle en rekke kriterier som for eksempel at det skal være næringsrikt, sunt, ha en akseptabel pris og skal kunne produseres i stor skala, blant annet.

Vi tenker at for å nå målene må vi bruke de råvarene vi allerede har på en smart måte. Vi må samarbeide og finne måter å skape innovasjon i lynfart. Det vi valgte å kunne gjøre var å samle troppene, pakke kofferten og reise land og strand rundt.

Bærekraft
Fra mars 2023 til oktober 2024 dro et dedikert team av eksperter fra Aker Qrill Company og Alltech Aqua Norway til 16 ulike destinasjoner langs Norges lange og vakre kyst. Ikke for å selge et produkt, men for å delta i en pågående og viktig samtale om bærekraft – og hvordan fôr kan spille en nøkkelrolle for å gjøre denne næringen mer bærekraftig.

For å styrke budskapet har vi også hatt med oss andre samarbeidspartnere, deriblant Corbion Algae Ingredient, Zooca – The Calanus Company, Agronutris og Nutrishell.

– Det er mange som blir overrasket over at vi som råvareleverandører reiser sammen på tur, fordi vi blir sett på som konkurrenter, men vi er alle en del av løsningen dersom målene regjeringen har satt skal nåes, sier Project Manager i Alltech, Maren Skare Rullestad.

– Reisen vår brakte oss til nøye utvalgte steder, hver valgt for sin betydning for havbruksnæringen. Disse seminarene var ikke bare møter, de var levende samlinger, der ideer fløt og nye perspektiver ble oppnådd, sier Bævre-Jensen. Vi har delt og lært mye kunnskap, og viktigst av alt – vi har knyttet kontakt med menneskene som er hjertet av næringen, sier hun.

I løpet av turnèen på to år møtte vi nærmere 50 selskaper og over 200 enkeltpersoner innen havbruksnæringen.

– Seminarene våre har handlet om mer enn å bare introdusere krill, gjær, organiske mineraler, alger, calanus og krabbemel. De har innledet til samtaler om bærekraft og fremtiden for havbruksnæringen, sier Rullestad. Oppdretternes engasjement for lokalsamfunnet og miljøet er tydelig og dypt inspirerende, sier hun.

– Etter besøkene har vi også fått høre at flere av dem har kontaktet fôrselskapene sine for å diskutere fôrråvarer. Dette er et godt tegn på den økende bevisstheten om fôrets bærekraft og næringsverdi, både med tanke på lønnsomhet, fiskehelse- og velferd, samt miljøhensyn, sier Bævre-jensen.

Veien videre
Reisen deres slutter ikke her.

I fiskehelserapporten 2023 ble det skrevet at innen temaet fiskeernæring indikerer ny forskning at norsk standardfôr ikke alltid inneholder tilstrekkelig av viktige næringsstoffer for å dekke fiskens behov i en tidvis svært krevende hverdag.

Alle vet at mat er viktig for å holde seg sunn. Det gjelder også for fisken. I en tid hvor det delvis er, og kan bli, manko på nok fôr er kunnskap nøkkelen til å lykkes. Kunnskap om hva laksen trenger og til hvilken tid og under hvilke forhold.

Vet vi nok om hva som er sunn mat for laksen?

Fiskehelse er et tema Alltech og Aker Qrill Company ønsker å belyse når vi nå forlenger samarbeidet og tar fatt på en ny turné langs kysten av Norge. Vi vil invitere eksperter innen fiskeernæring med oss på tur. Og vi, ja vi ønsker å belyse om vi kan optimalisere bruken av eksisterende næringsstoffer for å sikre god fiskehelse.

– Vi ser på samarbeidet vårt som utelukkende positivt for næringen og ønsker å nå ut til enda flere samtidig som vi også vil utforske nye måter å jobbe på, sier Rullestad.

Håper vi ses!  

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What are the primary costs that factor into raising poultry?

Feed costs account for about 70% of the overall cost of poultry production, so the primary cost that factors into raising birds is usually related to providing a balanced ration for poultry. Poultry feed can vary depending on the bird’s genetic strain and age and the surrounding environmental conditions, but most poultry feeds include grain, protein supplements, vitamin supplements, mineral supplements and other preventative feed additives. Many of the larger commodity ingredients depend on supply and demand — which, in turn, depend on weather, freight and the quality of national crops.

What influences poultry production costs?

As producers aim to reduce the amount of antibiotics in poultry feed and change production systems to meet driving consumer demands, the prices of production are also expected to increase. These costs usually impact the nutritionist team and the live production staff, who must still raise healthy, safe animals for the food system.

What steps can I take to lower my cost of production?

Every producer, regardless of the size of their operation, is aware of all of the components that cost them money and are determined to lower those expenses. In poultry production, profit margins are already so small that even seemingly minor factors can have a significant impact on costs. Feed costs represent the majority of production costs, but there are several other variables that can also impact your overall business.

If you are interested in reducing production costs, consider evaluating the following factors:

• Poor water quality and low water consumption:
  Could the water your flock is drinking be having a detrimental effect on their performance and productivity, thereby increasing your production costs? Water quality and consumption are directly correlated with feed intake; if birds do not drink enough water, they will not consume enough feed. In fact, birds consume about two times more water than feed.
  
  Depending on the stage of development, water consumption also declines when birds are transitioned to different houses. The stress and uncertainty of an unfamiliar environment can cause birds to stop drinking and, in turn, stop eating. The more quickly birds get on water, the faster they will start eating, which will help them acclimate to their new environment more quickly and will decrease the likelihood of any negative side effects due to related stress.
  
  Water line management helps increase on-farm water quality and consumption. A new generation of water-soluble probiotics for poultry have also been formulated, and this alternative administration tool allows for probiotics to be added directly to the water supply. Remember to check your water lines, and implement a program that monitors and maintains the proper levels of these five water quality indicators:
  • Total bacterial count
  • pH
  • Water hardness
  • Total dissolved solids
  • Nitrates and nitrites
     
• Feed quality and feed efficiency:
  Are the ingredients in your feed compromising your flock’s growth and performance? Feed quality is vital, as it plays a significant role in both intake and digestibility. With feed costs representing up to 70% of the total production costs, ensuring optimal feed quality and maximum feed efficiency should be a top priority for all producers.
  
  Providing a balanced ration for poultry is essential. Digestibility issues can be detected by recording feed intakes and weight gains, as well as by calculating feed conversion ratios at all stages of production, as this will reveal any drops in performance, thereby signaling that changes to the feed may be required. These numbers may also indicate problems with the feed, such as mycotoxin contamination — especially in the case of feed refusals — or the poor digestibility of the feed ingredients used. Understanding the factors that affect feed quality and implementing a quality-assurance program will help to ensure that your birds are getting the best possible nutrition.
   
• Early mortality:
  Are your young birds getting the nutrition they need for optimal health and performance? Sound intestinal health is one of the keys to achieving optimal growth, production performance and feed efficiency, and it can be developed by offering gut acidifiers to birds.
  
  Young birds are more sensitive and susceptible to challenges that might cause sudden spikes in mortality. Mortality in poultry flocks represents lost income for both growers and integrators.
  
  There are many causes for early chick mortality, and it is particularly challenging to diagnose. Some common causes for early mortality include:
  
  To help reduce the risk of high mortality early on in a flock’s placement, provide them with additional nutritional support in the form of pre-, pro- and postbiotics, which will help build birds’ immune system defenses, even at an early age.
  • Genetics
  • Management challenges
  • Nutritional deficits
  • Disease
     
• Chick and poult quality:
  Are your birds producing poor-quality hatchlings? While “hatchling quality” often differs depending on who you ask, it is typically determined via the following measurables:
  • Two-week mortality
  • Changes in morbidity throughout the lifespan of the flock
  • Long-term growth potential
  • Flock uniformity
     
  Many stressors that contribute to hatchling quality — such as vaccinations, beak trimming and transportation to placement — all occur during the stage of life in which birds are at their most vulnerable. There are also several genetic components and operational processes that can affect the quality of your hatchlings, including:
  • Hatchery processing methods
  • Metabolic shift
  • Breeder hen age
  • Time of placement
  • Diet composition

  
  In order to minimize the impact of these challenges and enhance the quality of your chicks and poults, we recommend providing them with a boost to their immune system. This should include dietary changes, such as proven feed additives that are specifically designed to help birds grow, thrive and pass along beneficial traits vertically between flocks.

Sürdürülebilirlik Ne Demek? 

Son dönemde, özellikle tarım sektöründe "sürdürülebilirlik" kelimesi adeta çağın en popüler sözcüğü haline geldi. Nereye baksak, "sürdürülebilirlik" ile birleştirilmiş bir etkinlik, ürün ya da proje görüyoruz. Bazıları bu cazip kelimenin fazla kullanıldığını düşünebilir ve aslında bu bir pazarlama stratejisi mi yoksa bu konuda gerçekçi çalışmalar yapılıyor mu diye merak edebilir. Ancak asıl büyük soru şu: Sürdürülebilirlik ne anlama geliyor? 

Bugün buna inanması zor olabilir, ancak bir zamanlar sürdürülebilirlik kelimesi bugün olduğu kadar yaygın değildi. Mesela, 1970 yılından önce İngilizce "sustainable" veya "sustainability" kelimelerine yer veren kitap bulunmamaktadır. Son zamanlarda, bu popüler terim hayatımızın hemen her alanında kullanılmaya başladı. Kelimenin anlamı kullanıldığı alana göre farklılık gösterebilse de, temel tanımı basitçe, "gelecek nesillerin kendi ihtiyaçlarını karşılama yeteneklerinden ödün vermeden, bugünün ihtiyaçlarını karşılamak" üzerine odaklanıyor. 

1990'ların sonları ve 2000'lerin başında sürdürülebilirlik terminolojisi farklı alanlara hızlı bir şekilde uyarlanmasına rağmen, tarımda bu kavram hala biraz belirsizdi. İlk tanımlar, sürdürülebilir tarımın, tüm kaynakları korumak için doğal süreçlere ilişkin yöntemlerin yönetimini içerir. Tüm bunlar, atığı ve çevresel etkileri en aza indirgeme, sorunları önleme, ekosistem dayanıklılığını teşvik etme ve tüm insanlar için sürekli üretim sağlama amacıyla yapılmaktaydı. Basit, değil mi? 

Belki de değil. 

Bazıları farklı bir yoldan gitti ve sürdürülebilir bir tarım sistemi olmamasını, çevresel kaynakların, ekonomik kaynakların, makinelerin, malzemelerin ve tarıma devam etme yeteneğini engelleyecek diğer kaynakların yakında tükeneceği bir durum olarak tanımladı. Bu durumda, tanım hala karmaşık olsa da, en azından bir şekilde tarımın farklı yönlerini içeriyor. Bu noktada, bilim insanları ve uzmanlar, sürdürülebilir tarıma katkıda bulunan kategorileri ve temaları çözmeye başladı. Bunlar, çevresel hedefler, sosyal hedefler ve ekonomik hedefler olmak üzere üç genel amaca ayrıldı. Bu hedefler, artık iyi bilinen üç sürdürülebilirlik direği haline geldi: çevresel uygunluk, sosyal sorumluluk ve ekonomik uygulanabilirlik. 

Hayvancılık endüstrisi için sürdürülebilirlik 

Sürdürülebilir tarım kavramı ve bunun gıda üretimi ile iklim değişikliği üzerindeki etkileri hakkında artan literatüre rağmen, bu terim hayvancılık sektörü için hala geniş kapsamlı ve sınırlı bir uygulama alanına sahiptir. Hayvancılık; genetik, beslenme, hayvan sağlığı ve refahı, finansal sürdürülebilirlik, sosyal sorumluluk ve çevresel farkındalık gibi birçok farklı boyuta sahip bir sektördür. Bu nedenle, sürdürülebilirlik kavramını hayvancılık kadar karmaşık bir sektöre uyarlamak zorluklar doğurur. Çevresel, ekonomik ve sosyal olmak üzere üç temel sütun, hayvancılık söz konusu olduğunda yetersiz kalmaktadır. Bu yüzden daha uyarlanabilir bir yaklaşım, hayvancılık sürdürülebilirliğini aşağıdaki beş temel ilkeyle tanımlar: 

1. Çevresel sorumluluk 

2. Hayvan sağlığı ve refahı 

3. Sosyal farkındalık 

4. Gıda güvenliği 

5. Finansal sürdürülebilirlik 

Bu yapı, geçmişte sunulan daha geniş sürdürülebilirlik kavramına kıyasla, çiftlik hayvanı üreticileri tarafından daha kolay uygulanabilecek kapsamlı bir çerçeve sunar. Ancak daha büyük bir soru ortaya çıkıyor: Neden önemsemeliyiz? Çiftçiler ve hayvan yetiştiricileri neden bu beş temel ilkeyi geliştirmek için çaba göstermelidir?  

İleriye bakış 

Öncelikle, tarımsal ürünlere olan talep giderek artıyor. Bu, 21. yüzyıl boyunca tarımın en büyük zorluğunun, büyüyen nüfusu beslemek için daha fazla gıda ve selüloz üretmek olacağı anlamına gelir. Sorun şu ki, bu talep, azalan doğal kaynaklar, küçülen kırsal iş gücü ve giderek daha talepkar global pazarlar eşliğinde artıyor ve bu durum iklim değişikliğine uyum sağlamayı gerektiriyor. Oldukça büyük bir görev, değil mi? 

Ek olarak, dünya nüfusunun 2050 yılına kadar 2.3 milyardan fazla artması beklenirken, bu nüfus artışını beslemek için %60 daha fazla gıda gerekecektir. Örneğin, kişi başına et tüketiminin gelişmiş ülkelerde yıllık 37 kilogramdan 52 kilograma, gelişmekte olan ülkelerde ise 27 kilogramdan 44 kilograma çıkması bekleniyor. Bu durum iş hacmi açısından iyi gibi görünse de, büyüyen talep sürdürülebilir gıda üretimiyle ilgili zorlukları da beraberinde getiriyor. Bu nedenle sürdürülebilirliğin önemi, gelecek nesiller için gıda güvenliği sağlamak istiyorsak, bunu zamanın testinden geçecek uygulamalarla yapmamız gerektiği gerçeğinde yatmaktadır. 

Dünyanın ihtiyaçları 

Gıda güvenliği, hem yeterli miktarda hem de kaliteli gıda gerektirir. Global olarak, kilokalorilerin %31'ine ve protein tüketiminin %60'ına kadarını sağlayan hayvancılığın gıda üretimindeki önemi tartışılmazdır. Hayvansal kaynaklı gıdalar, temel amino asitler, vitaminler, mineraller ve çoklu doymamış yağ asitleri açısından zengindir ve sağlıklı bir diyetin önemli bir parçası olabilir. Hayvancılık, pratik faydalarının ötesinde, kültürel ve dini anlamıyla da dünya genelinde toplumların gelişiminde büyük bir rol oynar. Örneğin, birçok bölgede büyükbaş hayvanlar tarla sürme ve taşımacılık için kullanılır. Gelişmekte olan ülkelerde, özellikle modern makinelerin erişemediği kırsal bölgelerde, çiftlik gücünü sağlamak için hayvanlar önemli bir araç olarak tanımlanmıştır. Bu durum, hayvancılığın toplumla olan bağının sadece kültür ve gıda üretimine değil, aynı zamanda kırsal geçim kaynaklarına ve ekonomilere dayandığını gösterir. 

Ekonomik katkılar 

Hayvancılık sektörü, üreticiler ve hayvancılıkla ilgili değer zincirlerinde yer alan diğer kişiler için gelir ve istihdam sağlar. ABD'de sığır üretimi, en önemli tarım endüstrisidir ve 2023'te USDA, sığır üretiminin tarımsal mallardan elde edilen toplam 520 milyar dolarlık nakit gelirin yaklaşık %17'sini oluşturacağını öngörmektedir. Ayrıca, hayvancılık sektörü, istihdama önemli bir katkı sağlamaktadır. 2021 yılında, tarım, gıda ve ilgili sektörler ABD gayri safi milli hasılasına %5,4 katkıda bulunmuş ve ülke genelinde işlerin %10,5'ini sağlamıştır. Et işleme tesisleri tek başına tarım iş gücünün yaklaşık üçte birini istihdam etmektedir, bu da endüstrinin ulusal ekonomi ve iş gücü için önemini vurgulamaktadır. 

Çevresel faydalar 

Hayvancılığın çok yönlülüğü artık sadece gıda üretimiyle sınırlı değildir. Araştırmacılar, otlatma yönetiminin bitki biyolojik çeşitliliği üzerindeki etkilerini incelemiş ve hayvancılığın otlatma yönetiminde yüksek bitki türü zenginliğini korumak için bir araç olarak kullanılabileceğini savunmuşlardır. Ayrıca, farklı otlatma yoğunluklarının kullanılmasıyla, alt tropik çayırlardaki bitki türlerinin biyolojik çeşitliliğinin korunabileceği rapor edilmiştir. Kaliforniya’da, 1972'den bu yana yıllık yanmış alan dört katına çıkmıştır ve bu alanların çoğu mera, çayır ve çalılık alanlardır. Araştırmalar, hayvancılığın çalı büyümesini kontrol etmek ve yangın riskini azaltmak için daha pratik ve maliyet etkin bir alternatif olarak kullanılabileceğini göstermektedir. 

Çiftliğiniz sürdürülebilir mi? 

Sürdürülebilirlik kavramı bazen anlaşılması zor olabilir ve gerçek dünyadaki bir hayvancılık işletmesinin günlük rutinlerine uygulanması daha da zor görünebilir. Ancak şu soruları soralım: Hayvanlarınızın sağlığı ve refahı hakkında endişeleniyor musunuz? İşletmenizin finansal sürdürülebilirliği hakkında endişeleniyor musunuz? Çiftliğinizin bulunduğu araziye ve çevredeki ekosistemlere iyi bakmak istiyor musunuz? Ürünlerinizin güvenli tüketim için uygun olmasını istiyor musunuz? İş gücünüzü elde tutmak ve onlara iyi bir çalışma ortamı sağlamak istiyor musunuz? 

Bu sorulara cevabınız “evet” ise (ki umarız öyledir), sürdürülebilirliği önemsiyorsunuz. Daha da iyisi, bu alanlarda iyileştirmeler yapmak için uygulamalar gerçekleştiriyorsanız, işletmenizi daha sürdürülebilir hale getirmek için çalışıyorsunuz demektir. İşte bu kadar basit! 

Why is improving eggshell quality in poultry important?

Eggshell quality is a concern for many egg producers who sell shelled eggs to the market, as they lose money due to every broken egg and every egg that does not meet market quality standards. About 10% of eggs produced are either uncollectible or broken before they reach market, which can add up to several million dollars lost each year.

Stronger eggshells can prevent the breakage caused by packaging, handling and transportation, allowing for more saleable, consistent, quality eggs and saving producers money as a result.

What are the components of an egg that affect eggshell quality?

Internal quality

• Haugh units
• Yolk units
• Yolk index
• Yolk percentage
• Egg white index
• Percentage of thick and fine egg white
• Egg white and yolk pH

External quality

• Specific gravity
• Eggshell thickness
• Eggshell strength
• Eggshell composition percentage — ideal shell composition outlined below:
  • 94% calcium carbonate
  • 1.4% magnesium carbonate
  • 3% glycoproteins
  • Mucoproteins
  • Collagen
  • Mucopolysaccharides

Signs and causes of poor eggshell quality in poultry

• Broken eggs
• Visible eggshell irregularities

6 factors affecting egg quality in poultry

1. Nutrition
2. Management
3. Health
4. Age of bird
5. Environment
6. Genetics

How can eggshell quality be improved?

1. By implementing a good nutrition program that features supplements and minerals provided in a form that is readily available to birds.
2. Through proper bird and facility management and monitoring.
3. Via a holistic gut health program that may include feed additives.
4. By building awareness of specific diet/performance requirements.
5. By providing a biosecure, clean environment.
6. Through incorporating good genetics.

Further reading: key articles on eggshell quality

To gain a more comprehensive perspective on eggshell quality and its impact on poultry, we’ve curated a selection of insightful articles:

1. Trace mineral form is key to supporting eggshell quality
   This article discusses the importance of using organic trace minerals, such as chelated forms of copper, iron, manganese, zinc, and selenium, to improve bird health and eggshell quality. It highlights research showing that organic minerals enhance eggshell strength and consistency compared to inorganic sources.
2. Dr. Kayla Price: Priming hens for premium eggshell quality
   In this podcast, Dr. Kayla Price, poultry technical manager for Alltech Canada, discusses how proper management and nutrition strategies can support bird health and ensure high-quality eggs. She emphasizes the importance of factors like eggshell thickness, strength, and cleanliness in determining external egg quality.

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Egg quality evaluation - possible causes of abnormal shells

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How can I manage my flock’s gut health?

In order to begin properly managing your flock’s gut health, it helps to begin monitoring and tracking your data. Once you conduct a health check on the present situation at your facility, you can then begin taking steps to improve the digestive health of your birds.

Why is gut health important?

Gut health is the foundation of performance and profitability. Scientists believe that 90% of diseases can be traced back to gut health and the microbiome. The establishment of the microbiome in young chicks or poults has a lifelong impact. Holistic nutrition and management practices provide the most optimal approach to understanding and managing your flocks’ health and performance and, in turn, your business.

Major challenges that impact gut health in poultry

• Coccidiosis
• Necrotic enteritis
• Clostridia
• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Heat stress
• Transportation stress
• Poor water consumption
• Improper nutrition
• Poor air quality and movement

Signs of poor gut health in poultry

• Diarrhea
• Mucosal discharge
• Mouth breathing
• Lesions
• Fast breathing
• Mortality
• Weight loss
• Efficiency loss
• Additional veterinary treatments and cost

5 ways to help prevent poor gut health enhance your birds’ gut health

1. Implement proactive, preventative solutions (such as a probiotic) that will help build the integrity and microflora of the gut.
2. Ensure that birds are receiving the proper diet and nutrient absorption throughout each stage of life.
3. Maintain proper housing conditions and water management.
4. Enforce strict biosecurity protocols.
5. Monitor the health and performance of your birds.

Further reading: key articles on gut health

To gain a more comprehensive perspective on gut health and its impact on poultry, we’ve curated a selection of insightful articles:

1. What does gut health mean?
   This article delves into the definition of gut health in poultry, exploring its significance in digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall bird well-being.
2. Nutritional strategies for optimizing poultry gut health
   An exploration of dietary approaches to enhance gut development and function, emphasizing the importance of diet composition and processing

Download a free poster!

Chicken intestinal health poster to better understand your flock

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[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Alltech is pleased to announce that Leticia Souza has joined the U.S. team as an on-farm support dairy specialist. As part of the Alltech Dairy On-Farm Support team, Souza will spend time in the field and will focus on bilingual training, coaching, and retention strategies with dairy employees, serving dairy producers, nutritionists and veterinarians in the Northeast and Southeast U.S.  

“We are pleased to welcome Leticia to the Alltech Dairy On-Farm Support team as her knowledge and experience will be a great asset, providing added value to our customers and dairy workers, and strengthening our commitment to excellence,” said Jorge Delgado, Alltech on-farm dairy training, talent development and retention program specialist. “The Alltech On-Farm Support team is expanding as we see the need to help our customers with one of the main challenges this industry faces day-to-day, which is employee training, motivation and retention.”

Originally from Brazil, Souza earned her bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine before moving to the United States. In 2019, she joined the University of Minnesota’s MAST trainee program, spending one year at Lazy J Dairy Farm in South Dakota. The following year, she worked as a research assistant at the University of Minnesota, assisting with projects that involved collecting and analyzing data on bacterial infections in dairy farms.

In 2023, Souza earned a master’s degree in veterinary medicine at Michigan State University. After completing her degree, she worked as a research technologist, conducting both laboratory and field research. Her work primarily focused on studying mastitis and antimicrobial stewardship in dairy cattle, as well as managing and analyzing data for research projects and training undergraduate students.

Souza holds numerous certifications and has several publications to her credit — in the Journal of Dairy Science and JDS Communications, among others — and she has presented at symposiums. She also participated in chapters of Herd Health in Beef Livestock, published in 2018.

Born in Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Souza now lives in Jackson, Michigan. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and experiencing new cultures.

For more information about Alltech, visit alltech.com, and learn more about the Alltech Dairy On-Farm Support team at alltech.com/dairy-on-farm-support.

As winter temperatures set in, dairy producers face unique challenges to maintain herd health and productivity. Cold weather increases energy demands for calves and cows alike, making dairy herd management and preparation critical.

Below are six key strategies to help your dairy operation thrive through the colder months.

1. Bedding: Insulate and protect

When the temperature drops, proper bedding is essential to insulate calves and minimize heat loss. For dairy calves under 21 days of age, whose energy needs increase significantly below 60°F/16°C, keeping them dry and well-bedded is a top priority. Dry straw bedding up to their knees provides excellent natural insulation and reduces their risk of respiratory disease.

Pair bedding with clean and dry calf jackets to further conserve body heat. Calf jackets can raise a calf’s internal body temperature by as much as 25°F (14°C), providing an added layer of protection during severe cold spells.

2. Feeding: Increase energy intake

To support calves’ energy requirements in the winter weather, consider feeding them three times a day. Frequent feedings help stabilize rumen pH and provide additional energy needed to combat cold stress. Offer warm water free choice immediately after feeding to encourage hydration before calves lie down. Keep in mind that warm water can freeze faster than cold water, so monitor water sources regularly to ensure they remain unfrozen.

3. Water: Maintain access and ideal temperatures

Water is critical for dairy cows, as it directly affects feed intake and milk production. Ensure waterers are clean, free from ice, and functioning properly. Regularly check water temperatures with a thermometer to confirm that heaters are operational. The ideal water temperature for dairy cows ranges between 40–65°F (4–18°C). Cows tend to prefer plate cooler water because it is warmer than well water, so consider this when planning your water supply.

4. Ventilation: Prevent drafts and ensure fresh air

Dairy cows can tolerate extreme cold, withstanding temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C), provided they are dry and shielded from drafts. However, high winds combined with moderate temperatures can cause significant stress. Prevent drafts by patching holes in curtains, sealing door gaps, and minimizing open spaces where wind can enter.

Proper ventilation is equally important. Maintain barn wall fans by cleaning, lubricating, and replacing belts as needed. Ensure fresh air inlets are functioning to replace stale air in the barn. Ample dry bedding and a clean, groomed resting area will also help keep cows comfortable and healthy.

5. Frostbite prevention: Protect teats in cold weather

Frostbite and frozen teats are a serious concern for dairy cows exposed to wind chills after leaving the parlor. To mitigate this risk, ensure teats are completely dry before cows exit. In severely cold conditions, even residual milk film should be removed. Apply a germicidal post-dip containing 5–12% multi-skin conditioners to prevent chapping and cracking. Allow the dip to sit for 30 seconds before wiping teats dry. Avoid using water to wash teats during freezing temperatures.

6. Mastitis prevention: Dry teats and singe udders

Managing somatic cell counts and mastitis requires reducing the accumulation of organic matter on cows. In winter, singeing udders is an effective way to prevent organic debris from sticking to the hair. Perform this procedure at critical times, such as prior to calving, during dry-off, or whenever hair is visibly long. Singeing udders also reduces sediment in milk filters and simplifies cow preparation. Conduct this procedure in head locks or close-up areas, but avoid doing so in the parlor whenever possible.

Understanding how cows stay warm in the winter, and caring for a cow properly, are essential aspects of winter cattle management. By implementing these strategies, you can support the health and productivity of your cows in winter. A proactive approach to bedding, feeding, water management, ventilation, frostbite prevention, and mastitis control will ensure your dairy operation continues to thrive despite the challenges of cold weather.

I want to learn more about nutrition for dairy herd.