There are several opportunities to increase both feed efficiency and weight gain with creep feeds. Just as cattle genetics and management practices have advanced over the last several generations, nutritional knowledge and practices have evolved. This has allowed calves to continually improve, meeting the increasing demands of cattle producers and consumers alike.

Previously, protein and energy were the primary nutrients that nutritionists balanced in nursing calf diets. Now we can add feed additives (specifically yeast and yeast byproducts) and provide bioavailable trace minerals (organically sourced) to further advance the benefits of supplementing young cattle.

Leading the way in yeast technology

Alltech has more than 35 years of experience and is a leader in providing yeast technology based on research from both laboratory and animal production settings. Alltech’s Yea-Sacc® Extra contains a yeast culture specifically selected for their influence on animal performance. Yea-Sacc^® Extra provides the nutritional platform needed to enhance fiber digestion and stabilize ruminal function and pH.

Sel-Plex^® is Alltech’s proprietary form of selenium-enriched yeast and is the first European Union-approved and U.S. Food and Drug Administration-reviewed form of selenium-enriched yeast. Supported by more than 19 years of research, Sel-Plex is also the most proven form of selenium-enriched yeast. Alltech is currently the world's largest producer of natural selenium.

Providing a competitive advantage

Yeast culture and yeast cell wall components are effective products that have been fed to cattle for years and have been shown to exhibit a variety of beneficial properties that positively impact animal performance and health. Production applications of yeast cultures and yeast cell wall components include use in the diets of both low- and high-stress cattle, inclusion in creep feeds and inclusion in feeds for conventional, natural and organic production systems. Their components have proven beneficial in improving rumen health, stimulating the immune system, protecting against harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, and promoting growth without the use of antibiotics.

More specifically, yeast culture stimulates digestive microflora, which in turn positively affects dry matter intake, rumen pH and nutrient digestibility. Yeast culture complements and stimulates the growth of ruminal cellulolytic or fiber-digesting bacteria. This leads to an increase in the rate and efficiency of ruminal fermentation. These microbial populations actively break down feedstuffs and help make more nutrients available to the calf for its growth and immune system. An increase in microbial protein can also be realized due to the stimulation of rumen fermentation and is readily available to calves as an excellent source of dietary protein. Because the animal’s appetite is stimulated, stress is reduced and a more consistent dry matter intake is maintained.

Proven results

Research reveals that daily gain and feed efficiency was improved in 21 out of 23 cattle feeding trials (91 percent response). Approximately 2,500 head of cattle were involved in the trials, and the levels of response were such that the net economic return was approximately 10 cents per head per day on feed.

In pasture situations, by including yeast culture in a free-choice creep feed, it has been shown that increased digestibility results in better forage intake and forage utilization by the animal. A three-year trial at The Ohio State University confirmed that providing yeast culture to grazing beef cattle can produce heavier calves at weaning. Their results indicated that including yeast in cattle diets produced calves that averaged 16.2 pounds heavier weaning weight. Another research facility has reported that there may also be benefits related to feeding yeast culture in rations containing ethanol co-products. The studies indicate yeast culture contains nutritional metabolites that co-products lose during the ethanol process.

Benefits of including yeast in nursing calf diets:

• Promotes digestion and utilization of nutrients
• Reduces fluctuation in pH and keeps rumen microbes steadily active, which speeds feed digestion and rumen turnover, allowing greater intake
• Promotes the growth of fiber-digesting bacteria in the rumen, thereby supporting the rate and extent of forage breakdown
• Stimulates activity of the bacteria that convert lactic acid to propionic acid
• Promotes rumen stability, avoiding the wide variations in rumen pH that interfere with fiber digestion and feed intake
• Provides consistent and highly cost-effective returns through greater performance
• Optimizes animal performance
• Supports mineral retention 

Yeast culture inclusion in creep feeds make them more nutritionally complete. If you would like to learn more about yeast, yeast cultures and Sel-Plex, take a look at these videos on alltech.com.

References

Alsaied Alnaimy Mostafa Habeeb. Importance of Yeast in Ruminants Feeding on Production and Reproduction. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Vol. 2, No. 4, 2017, pp. 49-58. doi: 10.11648/j.eeb.20170204.11.

Alltech. https://www.alltech.com/animal-nutrition/beef-cattle. 2018.

Craig R. Belknap and Grant Crawford. Consider Yeast Culture as a Feed Additive for Growing and Finishing Beef Cattle. Copyright 2008 © Regents of the University of Minnesota.

Paul R. Broadway, Jeffery A. Carroll and Nicole C. Burdick Sanchez. Review Live Yeast and Yeast Cell Wall Supplements Enhance Immune Function and Performance in Food-Producing Microorganisms. ISSN 2076-2607 www.mdpi.com/journal/microorganisms.

D. G. Grieve. Feed intake and growth of cattle fed liquid brewer's yeast. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 59: 89-94.

Kindra Gordon. The Benefits of Yeast Culture and Yeast Cell Wall Components in Beef Cattle. January 25, 2016. Beef Magazine.

Kindra Gordon. Supplemental feed ingredients like flax, seaweed, and yeast culture can help boost cattle health, performance and carcass quality. Sept 17, 2007. Beef Magazine.

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In this seven-part series, Alltech Crop Science looks at esca and natural-based solutions for the disease.

Esca, a wood disease affecting grapes all over the world, is one of the biggest modern threats to grape production. Esca is a complex disease involving several different fungi. It attacks the main vine of the plant and can destroy it within a few days; there is no questioning the unstoppable pace at which this disease progresses.

Esca is one of the oldest-known diseases to afflict grape vines, having been noted by the Greeks and Romans and damaging vineyards quite heavily in the early 1900s. In twentieth-century France, more than 5% of vines were killed by esca each year. Because the disease grows at a slow but progressive pace, even the larger, well-established vineyards could be totally destroyed by esca in 15 to 20 years.

Esca was first successfully controlled in 1903, when sodium arsenite was used as an insecticide on grapes and quickly proved its ability to limit esca and other wood diseases. In fact, thanks to the use of sodium arsenite, research on the disease effectively stopped in 1920 — only to begin again in 1980, when a potential ban on the product was discussed.

Sodium arsenite, which was noted as being highly toxic and carcinogenic in 1987, was banned in France in 2001 and by the rest of Europe in 2003. Subsequently, grape growers have seen a re-emergence of esca, and, since 2001, 6–7% of vines must be replaced annually. Additionally, along with the traditional form of esca, a new form appeared — an “apoplectic” form that can cause the vine to dry up entirely within the first few hours of showing symptoms.

Today, there are no registered chemical or biological solutions for mitigating this disease. Studying and developing traditional solutions for combatting esca are difficult because of its complexity.

Esca impacts producers economically on multiple levels: the use of prophylactic measures (of debatable efficacy) can increase costs, while pulled-out vines, reduced yields and money spent on replantation can reduce income.

France, for example, estimates that 11% of the nation’s total number of grape vines are non-productive as a result of esca. Between 2003 (when sodium arsenate was prohibited there) and 2007, Spain saw the number of affected vineyards grow from 1.8% to 10.5%. This rate continues its upward trend — and epidemiological studies carried out in Tuscany, Marche, Abruzzi, Apulia and Sicily showed that, in regions like central and southern Italy, among others, the incidence of esca has reached an extreme 60–80% in older vineyards.

Alltech Crop Science explores natural-based solutions for esca

Alltech Crop Science, a global leader in natural-based, innovative solutions, is exploring alternative programs to help farmers protect their vines. Our global research centers and alliances, particularly in Spain, are leading the charge to solve this problem — and have already seen promising initial results.

Click here for more information.

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Winner of Inventor program will be honored at Aqua InDepth, a global aqua conference taking place in the Netherlands this September

The journey toward feeding a population of 9.7 billion people by 2050 will require the global protein industry to be better, faster and more efficient than it is today. Alltech Coppens recognizes that aquaculture has a leading role to play, and that increasing production will not only come from giant leaps in new technologies but from small steps forward, enabling farmers to move beyond simple challenges.

“We understand that farmers are inherently inventors. At Alltech Coppens, we want to pay tribute to the small and big innovations happening each day on aqua farms across the world. We want to empower farmers who are contributing to a Planet of Plenty™ by supporting their inventions and bringing them to a global stage,” said Pat Charlton, CEO of Alltech Coppens.

No invention is too simple or complex for the Inventor program. Ideas can come from all aspects of aquaculture: Hatchery, feeding, growing, catching, processing or marketing. Along with having the opportunity to showcase their invention to leaders and peers of the aquaculture industry, the winner of the Inventor program will also win €2,000 worth of Alltech Coppens feed. Additionally, the winner will receive support from the Alltech Innovation team to help them develop their idea and communicate it to the aquaculture industry.

Farmers from around the world are encouraged to enter their inventions by emailing inventor@alltech.com by Thursday, September 5, 2019. For more information log on to alltechcoppens.com/inventor.

Article reposted with permission from CRYSTALYX^®.

For many, fall calving lies in the near future. Have you considered whether your cowherd’s summer mineral program is up to par? Implementing a proper mineral program is essential, as it can help determine the best way to maintain optimal reproduction with early conception rates while also boosting calf health and growth. We only get one calf per cow per year, so if there are any missteps in meeting our cow reproduction and calf growth goals, it will be a long time before corrections or improvements can be made.

During the late summer and into the early fall, forage quality is declining as the cow’s requirements are increasing for fall calving. Delivering minerals during this time is crucial in order to produce a healthy calf and ensure that the cow has what she needs to combat any stressors and to rebreed in time. For spring-calving herds, the period when calves are getting pulled and weaned is when the cow’s nutrient requirements are lowest; however, a proper mineral program is still necessary to provide for both the cow and her developing calf throughout the year.

Summer mineral programs

When considering a mineral program, bags and mineral feeders likely spring to mind, as these options have historically been used often and to good results. You may want to consider, however, thinking a little more deeply about some other summer mineral options that could help you stay on top of your herd’s nutrition program without the fuss and potential losses associated with dry granular mineral delivery. For instance, compared to bagged minerals, there are many inherent benefits provided by low-moisture blocks like CRYSTALYX low-moisture block mineral supplements.

Two of the biggest advantages of CRYSTALYX mineral supplements are their palatability and the uniformity of intake they ensure across all cattle within a pasture. Our research has demonstrated that more than 90% of cattle will frequent a CRYSTALYX mineral supplement, versus the roughly 60% of cattle that frequent an area where bagged minerals are available.

It is an undisputable fact that if your cows don’t eat the vitamin/mineral supplement you provide, they will not be able to capitalize on the additional nutritional benefits offered by that supplement. Reaching 30% more cattle within a herd helps ensure that nearly all of your cattle are receiving the added nutrients that encourage optimal performance. This is, without a doubt, the main reason that producers look to CRYSTALYX to help efficiently deliver their summer minerals.

That is certainly not the end of the list of benefits CRYSTALYX supplements can provide. There are a great deal of manufacturing processes and ingredients involved in creating a weatherized, bagged mineral that won’t blow away in the wind, wash down the creek in the rain or simply turn to stone after a downpour. What better weatherproof mineral could you offer than what already comes with CRYSTALYX?

CRYSTALYX low-moisture blocks are unaffected by wind or rain; cattle will simply slurp down any moisture that accumulates on the surface. And what could be more appealing to cows than a good-old consumption-regulated, low-moisture molasses block? There are a host of different intake limiters, encouragers and regulators associated with bagged vitamin/mineral products — but when cows actually want to consume your vitamin/mineral supplement presented in block form, they become unnecessary, as the nutrition is encased in a highly palatable, uniformly blended, dehydrated molasses block that keeps intake in check.

Let’s not forget how the minerals and vitamins are encased in a dehydrated molasses matrix, which is hugely beneficial, as it separates — and virtually eliminates — the reactivity that often exists between minerals and vitamins. Our observations have consistently revealed almost zero vitamin degradation with CRYSTALYX products when measured for up to and even beyond one year. This is certainly not the case with bagged minerals; harmful oxidative reactions begin to take place once the ingredients are mixed together, eventually destroying the vitamin potency.

One thing to remember when managing intake with CRYSTALYX mineral formulations is that the head count per container must be scaled up compared to the protein formulations. Follow the label recommendations, but generally, more cows per container — such as 40 to 60 head per barrel — should be considered to arrive at a 4-ounce intake. Compare this to our typical recommendation of 20 to 30 head for protein products, which are typically consumed in the 0.5- to 1-pound daily intake range.

Mineral feeders: Who needs them?

Upfront equipment costs are one thing, but continued maintenance expenses are seemingly never-ending. Bulls are always looking for some sort of recreational equipment to rough up, and feeders are common targets. There are plenty of creative feeding methods for providing loose minerals. Some producers make it sort of a puzzle that cows must figure out in order to access the mineral — which can really make you wonder just how many cows are actually courageous or creative enough to put their heads into these feeding stations. CRYSTALYX supplements come with their own container — and if you request that they be provided in the degradable BioBarrel^®, you don’t even have to go out and pick them up; they just degrade away into the environment. It doesn’t get much easier or more environmentally responsible than that.

A CRYSTALYX mineral program to fit your needs

If you’re not yet convinced to take a fresh look at how you provide vitamin and mineral supplementation to your cow herd, stop by your nearest CRYSTALYX dealer to get the full scoop on how our mineral products can add value to both your cow herd and calf crop, thereby increasing your operational returns. When technology arrives that can take us light-years ahead, we should adopt it and make it the norm. Providing proper vitamin and mineral delivery on-pasture is as easy as finding the right CRYSTALYX product to meets your cows’ needs.

I want to learn more about improving nutrition for my cattle.

Article reposted with permission from CRYSTALYX^®.

Fetal programming, also known as “developmental programming,” has been a hot topic for a number of years now. When we consider fetal programming from a nutritional perspective, we think of the lasting impacts gestational maternal nutrition can have on calves. I have often heard farmers and ranchers say, “If you take care of your cows, they will take care of you,” and this certainly rings true in this instance.

We often think about fetal programming during late gestation. Naturally, we begin thinking about the upcoming calving season after last year’s calves are weaned. We know that nearly 70% of fetal growth occurs during the last trimester — but for a calf to be able to grow at an exponential rate during that time and remain healthy during its postnatal life (which will correlate to increased performance and profitability), giving it a prenatal head start during early gestation will be most beneficial.

Unfortunately, however, maintaining a focus on nutrition often gets put on the back burner during early pregnancy. After all, there’s a lot to keep up with in the summer! Cows and bulls are turned out on grass, we’re busy with breeding, and we get caught up baling forages to feed cows with in the winter. You may think that the cows are doing just fine nutritionally, but they — and their developing calves — might be missing out on more than you realize.

Get with the (fetal) program

Although fetal nutrient requirements are minimal during early and mid-gestation (making up less than 12 percent of the cow’s total requirements), from a production standpoint, gestation begins exactly when the cow’s nutrient requirements are greatest, due to the increased demands of lactation.

The placenta and many vital fetal organs develop during early gestation, which continues up to approximately day 90 in cattle. The placenta is responsible for conveying all of the nutrients and oxygen to the growing and developing calf; it also removes waste products. The placental formation in early gestation is crucial for optimizing vascularity and nutrient transfer to maximize blood flow, which is important for the calf’s overall growth. Research measuring the placenta and studying its effects on gestation has shown that nutrient restriction during early gestation can continue to negatively impact the animal throughout the entirety of gestation, even if the cow is provided with their nutritional requirements during late gestation. The impact of restricting nutrients early on includes smaller placenta sizes and decreased blood flow to the calf (Vonnahme et al., 2007, 2013).

Along with the placenta, the calf’s organs also develop during early pregnancy. Cells are dividing at this time, and this early formation of the organ system is crucial for the calf once it is born. These developing organs — such as the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract — are necessary not only for survival, but also for reproduction and the growth of muscle cells. Studies show that nutrient restriction to the cow during this phase can negatively impact organ development and productivity later in the calf’s life; in other words, restricting the cow also restricts the calf’s genetic potential. Genetic selection happens when the producer is making mating decisions, but you can program the calf during gestation to help increase the profitability of your genetics by providing ideal growing conditions. You have worked too hard with too many generations of your herd to take a step back in calf performance potential by not providing the necessary nutrients during gestation.

In order for these vital organs to develop properly — and to maximize your calves’ genetic potential — make sure your gestating cows don’t run short of critical nutrients, like macro and trace minerals, vitamins and protein. These nutrients generally must be delivered to the cow in forms that go beyond simple pasture forages. An easy way to ensure that these nutrients are provided is through a self-fed supplement, such as CRYSTALYX^® Brand Supplements, which are formulated with Alltech’s organic Bioplex^®  trace minerals.

A simple way to provide supplementation

As we wrap up the breeding season and get closer to the fall season, pasture conditions and forage quality often begin to decline. We should keep in mind that this can be a stressful time of year not only for us, but also for our animals. Consider what your cows are consuming and think about whether they might benefit from supplementation, beginning now and continuing through early gestation and beyond. CRYSTALYX Brand Supplements are a simple solution to make sure that your cows are consuming the nutrients that both they and the calves by their side and in utero need. 

Let’s face it: the summer months are a busy time for us all. Whether you are getting things done around the farm or ranch, catching up with friends and family, or just trying to stay cool, your cows out on pasture may not be getting as much attention as they need. After all, they can’t take any time off during the critical period of early gestation. Fortunately, you can minimize time and labor — and give yourself peace of mind — by putting out a self-fed CRYSTALYX barrel, which will be available to your cows around the clock. Your cows will essentially be taking care of themselves, and by raising better-performing, more profitable calves, ultimately, they will also be taking care of you.

_{Fowden, A. L., D. A. Giussani, and A. J. Forhead. 2006. Intrauterine programming of physiological systems: causes and consequences. Physiology (Bethesda) 21: 29-37.}

_{Vonnahme, K. A., M. J. Zhu, P. P. Borowicz, T. W. Geary, B. W. Hess, L. P. Reynolds, J. S. Caton, J. W. Means, and S. P. Ford. 2007. Effect of early gestational undernutrition on angiogenic factor expression and vascularity in the bovine placentome. J. Anim. Sci. 85: 2464-2472.}

_{Vonnahme, K., C. Lemley, P. Shukla, and S. O’Rourke. 2013. 2011 and 2012. Early Careers Achievement Awards: Placental programming: How the maternal environment can impact placental function. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 2467-2480.}

I want to learn more about nutrition for my beef cattle.

Despite the undoubtedly huge opportunities for growth that currently exist in aquaculture — particularly in Asia — the rising costs associated with farm inputs, raw materials and feed remain a growing concern. Maintaining an optimal feed conversion ratio is now more important than ever, and managing costs is key to operating a successful and profitable fish farm. Reducing costs in an effort to maximize profits must be done cautiously, however, so as not to negatively impact the rate of progress — and some factors that seem relatively minor can actually have a dramatic impact on growth. My top five management tips for reducing costs on your farm are included below.

1. Provide a nutritionally balanced feed.

It should come as no surprise that, generally, the operational element producers spend the most money on is feed. In fact, some farms report that feed constitutes as much as 50–70% of their operational costs. Although important, the cost per pound should not be the primary deciding factor when it comes to selecting feed; performance must also be considered. Using a subpar feed can actually be more costly in the long run, resulting in an unwanted increase to your feed conversion ratio (FCR). Based on the FCR, farms can improve the amount of feed necessary to produce one unit of meat. Lower-cost feed is often seen as the most efficient — but even if the feed cost per pound of fish or shrimp produced is lower, when you take the growth rate and other factors into account, the bottom line will be affected by the time the fish reaches market size.

Evaluating feed performance by considering multiple characteristics is both efficient and practical. Some characteristics to consider include:  

• Feed efficiency
• Growth rate
• Overall quality
• Digestibility
• Health and immune support
• Reduced medication costs
• Water quality maintenance

The quality and integrity of the selected feed will vary for different species and stages of life. Formulating the feed correctly will help ensure the best results for both the animal and the farm. Determining the protein content is a simple and common way to evaluate feed quality — the higher, the better.

2. Support health.

Providing feed that offers a good nutritional balance will directly impact both the FCR and the overall success of your farm. Vitamins and minerals must be added to the feed in order to create a nutritionally balanced and truly complete diet that will meet the basic nutritional requirements of fish and shrimp.

Each species and stage of growth has specific nutritional needs, but a healthy gut is essential to achieving and maintaining optimal health for all fish and shrimp. The intestinal microflora, gut morphology, the immune system and nutrient uptake — as well as how each of these elements interact — all play a role in the health and performance of fish and shrimp. Mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) are proven to influence gut health; however, different methods of fermentation, manufacturing and yeast strains can greatly impact functionality.

Animals in farmed environments also require essential nutrients to meet their basic nutritional needs. Organic trace minerals are ideal because they are more bioavailable and better absorbed, stored and utilized by the animal than inorganics. Alltech has proven that organic trace minerals in the form of Bioplex^® and Sel-Plex^® can be included at significantly lower levels while still supporting animal performance, effectively optimizing animal mineral requirements and reducing their negative impact on the environment.

3. Maintain optimal water quality.

Proper water quality maintenance is dependent on an understanding that the correct water quality and culture for fish and shrimp is absolutely essential. The ideal environmental conditions will vary among different species of fish and shrimp. Not maintaining these conditions could negatively affect growth and performance — and the risk for disease on the farm could potentially increase if the immune response declines.

Using a nutritionally balanced, quality selection of raw materials in your aqua feed will result in higher palatability and digestibility and will be directly evident in the waste excreted by the fish and shrimp. Low feed digestibility will lead to increased protein and mineral excretion. This waste can contain potentially harmful amounts of nitrogen and ammonia, which can pollute the water and endanger both fish and shrimp.

When selecting feed, pay closer attention to protein utilization than to protein content, as this can save both time and some of the labor costs associated with treating water and overall management.

4. Develop a best-practices management program.

This is essential for achieving optimal farm performance. A well-implemented management program will support better feeding and biosecurity practices.

• Review feeding tables for accurate information on the frequency of feedings, feeding rates, ration sizes and timing.
• Communicate well with team members doing less technical work; this is crucial for successful implementation. Make them aware that both overfeeding and underfeeding can negatively impact the FCR — and that, alternately, accurate feed management can greatly improve farm results.
• Automated feeding technologies require an initial investment, but they actually help reduce labor costs over time and put an end to feeding practices that can contribute to poor water quality.

The proper management practices mentioned above will also create greater opportunities for scaling.

5. Implement technology.

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are a relatively recent innovation. Designing an RAS facility gives producers more control and allows for the heightened management of aquaculture systems. Having complete control over all of the elements of production helps ensure a stable environment, as well as a reduction in the stressful conditions that can impact and weaken the animal’s immune system. Choosing the correct feed is equally important with these types of systems.

The mechanical filter in an RAS facility will remove large and firm feces. Producers should know, however, that providing a feed that is not suitable for this environment can result in the production of excess waste, reduced nutrient uptake and poor water quality.

Profitability relies on optimized FCR. Fish are sensitive to several external factors, including fluctuating water temperatures, water quality and oxygen levels — all of which can impact growth and performance.

Alltech Coppens is a leading developer and producer of fish feed. The Alltech Coppens team performs trials studying the digestibility of feed formulations to understand how raw materials interact with each other and affect certain characteristics. Once the ideal ingredient combination is determined and paired with Alltech’s nutritional solutions, we formulate and develop a diet specifically tailored to your unique species and farming environment.

To learn more about reducing costs on your farm, contact us at aquasolutions@alltech.com.

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Dairy producers cannot control the effect of low milk prices on the dairy economy, but they can control how farm resources are utilized to make their dairies more efficient. Properly managing these resources can help reduce the struggle brought on by the current markets.

For all producers, one of the most important resources is farm labor. While it may not be easy to find people willing to work long hours — especially long hours of performing the physically demanding task of milking cows — we should make every effort to attract and retain people to work on our dairies. Although this is not an easy task, with the right conditions and the right tools, employees will see the dairy industry as a unique place that supports and cares about them.

First, dairy producers and industry supporters must change their mindset about human resources and start dedicating time and effort to this area, regardless of the size of their dairies. This does not require a big investment, but it does require time and securing the right information about how to reduce the challenges around labor and the workforce. Attracting and retaining employees is not a new problem, but the current circumstances are different than before, mainly driven by immigration challenges and competition for labor with other industries.

The ability to attract and retain employees is not complex, but to be successful, one must take into consideration and embrace the basics of working with people. The following formula is a concept that empowers a good work environment and creates good company culture:

• R = Recruit using a structured system
• T = Train to educate and motivate
• R2 = Reinforce and review, investing in the future
• B = (Offer) benefits that are inclusive and beneficial for both parties

To create a positive culture on a dairy, the organizational basics must be in place, and there should also be a reset in the way employees are managed. R.E.S.E.T¹ the business to create the right organizational structure for reducing turnover and minimizing employee management frustrations.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK is the first and most important part of any hiring process. Don’t think of this as just another piece of paper for new employees to read and sign; instead, think of the handbook as an opportunity to share some of the most important information with a new employee, including the history of the farm and the farm culture and expectations. The handbook is also a way to show new employees how the dairy cares for the individuals who are part of making an operation successful. This is an opportunity for new employees and dairies to get to know one another — and also to realize that both the dairy owner and their employees share something in common: the desire to work to support a family.

EDUCATE AND INFORM

Now that the individual has been hired and knows his or her expectations, take this opportunity to train him or her correctly, and make sure that he or she understands the protocols and procedures in place. The best way to train new employees is by explaining the “why’s” and “how’s” behind any procedure, because they value this information. Take the time to invest in training and utilize the proper communication channels, such as training videos, educational posters, internal meetings, hands-on demonstrations or external training resources from individuals with experience in teaching and motivation.

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT

Individuals like being part of a society that provides a culture of inclusion, and they also enjoy feeling and knowing that they are integral to that society. A culture can be defined in so many ways, and every business should define their own. Creating and maintaining a culture of respect, communication, safety and security, among other traits, should be important to each dairy in order to attract and retain employees. By not providing a clean environment for employees to eat in, for instance, or bathrooms that represent a culture of caring, the dairy may send a discouraging message to individuals looking for a place where they intend to remain employed long-term. In the same way that dairies invest in animal comfort and environment, it is also important to provide a safe, clean, inclusive and respectful environment for employees.

ECONOMIC INCENTIVES

Economic incentives are important, but they should be tailored based on clear goals and the reality of the economy of each dairy operation. Incentives, such as bonuses based on SCC, must be clear and clearly understood by employees, and every incentive should be given with meaningful intentions. Don’t just give a bonus; rather, explain the reason behind the bonus and make sure employees understand those goals. Celebrate success with them. Incentives need to be visible, accessible and achievable.

TOOLS PROVIDED

Always provide the right tools to achieve the assigned jobs. A common example of this guideline not being met is when employees are asked to perform a consistent milking routine in the parlor, although some of the milking units are not properly working — and perhaps haven’t been for some time. How can stalls be properly cleaned and groomed if barn technicians don’t have the right tools to perform this job? Always provide the necessary tools, not only for the purpose of getting the job done but also to earn respect from employees.

Finally, view your dairy as any other strategic business, for which human resources are highly important. Sell the dairy’s image to attract new employees and maintain a reliable workforce. Remember to INNOVATE, INCLUDE, INVEST and IMPLEMENT programs with employees in mind.

Click here to learn more about how the Alltech On-Farm Dairy Support team can support your dairy farm needs. 

Diarrhea in pigs has always been a challenge for the swine industry. When combined with a move to a new facility, the stress of weaning can often trigger an enteric challenge in the nursery. When considering the causes of diarrhea in piglets and newly weaned pigs, focus on these three areas: sanitation, pathogen control and proper nutrition.

1. Sanitation

Freshly weaned pigs have just experienced an incredibly stressful change, and that stress can be highly detrimental for their already immature immune systems. On top of this, any maternal antibodies that were conveyed to the pig from the sow will be waning within the first two weeks of placement, thereby elevating their risk from any exposure to environmental pathogens. Effective power-washing must be completed between every group entering the facility — especially if previous groups have faced a challenge. De-greasers and/or hot water will be a great help at eliminating any biofilm on floor and feeder surfaces, which cold water alone may not be able to remove. A post-washing inspection is also helpful, as spaces in the floor, under the lip of the feeder or underneath water bowls are commonly missed — and these areas can all harbor enough pathogens to make a weaned pig sick.

Once the pens have been sufficiently cleaned, it is important to also select a disinfectant that will effectively eliminate the pathogens present in the facility. There are several product options on the market, all of which have their pros and cons. Select one based on its coverage, the time needed to take effect and its ease of application. For example, some disinfectants must be fully dry to achieve their maximum effect, while others work directly on or shortly after contact. Some disinfectants even have residual action after they have fully dried. It is important to ensure that you are using the correct dosage for the product to complete proper disinfection. The Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University is a great resource for obtaining a better understanding of disinfectants.

Water lines are often a frequently overlooked area of the barn in need of proper sanitation. It is a good practice to evaluate the water quality in the facility. Oftentimes, water lines are full of biofilm that harbors bacteria that can be carried from group to group, meaning that a newly weaned pig’s first drink could be full of stagnant water potentially laden with bacteria. A good practice is to purge the lines with a chlorination or peroxide product between groups — but keep in mind that this could break sediment free within the lines and potentially cause plugging. There are also safe options that can be completed when an active group is present, allowing for continual flushing of the lines while the pigs are consuming water.

2. Pathogen control

Of course, other equipment in the facility could also be responsible for the presence of pathogens. To avoid tracking in pathogens from the outside world, boots should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before workers enter the rooms of newly weaned pigs. Gruel feeders and bowls should also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between groups. Mats are a great way to start pigs on solid feed, but if the mats are aging and fraying significantly, they can be difficult to disinfect effectively, making them a haven for disease. Feed carts, scoops, coveralls, hoses and even hats are examples of other items that could potentially harbor disease. Wooden surfaces are almost impossible to disinfect sufficiently and should be painted with latex paint to seal off any potential hiding spots for bacteria and coccidia.

Next, make sure you have a full understanding of the pathogens present in the facility that are contributing to the presence of diarrhea. There are three main categories of gut bugs: bacterial, viral and parasitic.

Parasitic organisms can include coccidia, roundworms and whipworms. Coccidia are an uncommon cause of disease in weaned pigs, and sanitation of both the source farm and destination farms should be evaluated if this is a primary challenge. Round- and whipworm infections take some time to develop in a group and are very rare in newly weaned pigs. A proper deworming protocol will need to be put in place if these are identified as the source of the challenge.

Some examples of viral pathogens that can cause diarrhea in weaned pigs include porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE), rotavirus types A, B and C, and even porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome (PRRS). Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, so therapies are commonly aimed at keeping pigs hydrated and encouraging them to eat despite their abdominal discomfort. Prevention techniques include improving immunity in the sow to reduce shedding of the virus during lactation and the use of dry disinfectants over scouring groups to reduce chilling and lower environmental virus exposure.

Antibiotics can be used for infections that are bacterial in nature. Some common bacterial causes of diarrhea in newly weaned pigs are E. coli, Salmonella and, occasionally, Clostridium perfringens or C. difficile. Ileitis and Brachyspira infections in recently weaned pigs are very uncommon but are possible in saturated environments. If a bacterial agent is suspected to be the cause, then a sample should be collected and cultured by a veterinarian, followed by a sensitivity test to understand what antibiotics are effective against the pathogen. It is a good practice to repeat this periodically, especially in unresponsive situations, to make sure no changes have taken place within the barn or herd. Antibiotics should always be used according to the instructions of the prescribing veterinarian in order to ensure that the treatment is effective both currently and in the future. If an infection is not responsive to treatment, then the cause should be re-evaluated to make sure there is not another factor complicating the challenge. Of course, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so good sanitation and biosecurity practices are paramount to preventing the exposure of pathogens to young pigs. 

3. Proper nutrition

A young pig has very specific nutritional needs, and if we expect too much of them, they will often fail. A big challenge with starting pigs is making sure that they all have access to the proper diet stage. In large facilities that can take weeks to fill, the amount of starter ration that the first pigs get is often much different than the amount allowed for the last pigs. Of course, bins and feed lines should be emptied between groups, as a pig’s last diet is not fit to be the first feed a recently weaned pig will eat. Finally, animals that are not eating in the pen — either because they are sick or just slow learners — will have looser stools because of their decreased solid feed intake. These animals should be placed in a separate hospital or special-needs pen so they can receive more intensive care to get back to a full feed intake.

There are many factors to consider when evaluating the cause and treatment of diarrhea in a group of recently weaned pigs. Be careful not to fall into the trap of missing all of the influencing factors; otherwise, a small challenge could quickly become a crisis. Ask questions, make sure the environment is correct for the pigs’ group size and weight, get your veterinarian and nutritionist involved, and make sure to record your successes and failures as you go. With patience and understanding, even the biggest challenges can be overcome!

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As a horse owner, there are few things more stressful than dealing with a hay shortage. Hearing the dreaded words, “I’m sorry, but I’m all out for the year,” can leave even the most prepared owner scrambling. Unfortunately, changing weather patterns have caused hay shortages to become increasingly more common throughout the U.S. Some areas have experienced sustained droughts, making it nearly impossible for crops to yield adequate supplies, while other areas have experienced several consecutive years of extremely wet spring and summer seasons, making it difficult for producers to cut hay in a timely manner. This has resulted in decreased supplies, lower-quality forages and record high prices. While some parts of the country are still producing ample supplies of high-quality hay, accessibility for those experiencing shortages can be limited by the challenge and expense of shipping.

Things would be far less challenging if we could just increase concentrates to make up for the decreased amount of hay in our horses’ diets. While it may be tempting to do this when hay supplies are limited, we must keep in mind that horses require forage in their diets; removing it could have major health and behavioral consequences. A constant supply of fiber is required to keep the microbial populations in the horse’s intestinal tract happy, and limiting or removing forage can result in issues such as colic and gastric ulcers. In addition, limiting forage can result in increased occurrences of unwanted vices, such as wood-chewing.

If possible, at least part of the fiber in the diet should come from long-stemmed forages, like hay or pasture grasses. Horses are grazing animals that have evolved to consume small amounts of forage throughout the day — and long-stemmed fiber provides them with much-needed “chew time.” Short-stemmed and processed fiber sources take less time to consume, which can lead to boredom and, in turn, the development of stereotypical vice behaviors. Research has shown, however, that horses can survive on a diet featuring only short-stemmed or processed forages as the source of fiber. As long as care is taken to decrease the horses’ boredom — which can be done by feeding multiple small meals, among other strategies — these alternative forage sources can be used to stretch your limited hay supply.

What steps can you take if you are a horse owner facing a hay shortage?

1. Get the most out of your hay supply. Purchasing higher-quality hay gives you an upper hand because it allows you to meet your animal’s nutritional requirements with less than what would be required if you were feeding a lower-quality hay. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and using hay nets and feeders can greatly reduce the amount of hay that is wasted.
2. Increase grazing. Depending on the availability and time of year, increase the time spent on pasture to allow for the increased consumption of fresh grass, which can help to reduce your hay burden. A rotational grazing strategy, along with a carefully organized pasture maintenance plan, can help thwart the detrimental effects increased grazing time can have on pasture quality.
3. Consider purchasing bagged pelleted, cubed or chopped hay. These items can be purchased at many local feed supply stores, making them easily accessible alternative forage sources. They can be made from grass or legume hay, but the most common sources are timothy and alfalfa. Although they are more expensive than traditional baled hay, these alternatives are both dust- and mold-free, can be easily stored for long periods of time and often come with a minimum basic nutritional analysis on the bag. Pellets, which are formed from dried, ground hay, provide the nutrition and fiber of standard forage but do not provide the same bulk for gut fill as long-stemmed forages. Cubes are simply pressed chopped hay, but caution should be used when feeding cubes to horses that are prone to choke. For senior horses or those with dental issues, soaking pellets and cubes can make this source of forage somewhat easier to consume. Chopped hay — often called chaff — is simply hay that has been cut into short pieces prior to bagging. At one time, chaff was made primarily from straw that provided little nutritional value, but higher-quality grass and legume chaff is now commercially available.
4. Haylage may help. Although they are not a popular feed choice in the U.S., ensiled forages can also be safely fed to horses, provided that some precautions are taken. Haylage should only be purchased from reputable sources, as incorrect preparation or storage can result in contamination by mold or botulism bacteria. Because of its unique taste and smell, it may take time for horses to get used to eating haylage. It is important to note that haylage can actually provide more nutrients than baled hay, as the ensiling process retains nutrients better than traditional hay curing.
5. Extend your hay supply with a commercially available product. While beet pulp is not appropriate as the sole source of fiber in a horse’s diet, it is a good, palatable source of digestible fiber. It is also relatively inexpensive. Hay stretcher pellets and soy hulls are also good sources of fiber, and they, too, can be used as a partial replacement for hay — but, once again, they should not be used as the only source of fiber in the diet. In addition, many feed producers offer lines of complete feeds, and while these are often marketed for senior horses, they can be found and used for horses at all stages of life. When fed according to manufacturer guidelines, these complete feeds may be fed as the sole ration, requiring no additional forage source. Complete feeds often contain hay meal and are fortified to meet all of the nutritional needs of the horse. They also contain a higher amount of crude fiber than a standard commercial feed.

No horse owner wants to face the headache of a hay shortage. Ensuring that your horses are receiving adequate nutrition during these times can be challenging no matter how well you have planned. Fortunately, several options exist that can help you stretch your hay supply and keep your horses happy and healthy through these stressful times.

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“If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have the safest way to health.” – Hippocrates

India is the second-most populous country on the earth and is home to more than 400 million children, who account for 37 percent of the entire population of the world. Unfortunately, India is no exception to the global struggle to feed its younger generations a nutrient-dense diet. Around 73 percent of all Indian diets are protein-deficient, and the shortfall is even more alarming among vegetarians (IMRB survey, 2017).

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends a daily intake of 200–300 grams of milk for children, and many states are still striving to achieve this goal. India is a leading producer of milk, but, in many regions, elevated agricultural performance does not necessarily equate to an improved diet.

As part of its commitment to serve people and to improve the nutritional status of children, Alltech initiated its Nutri Milk Project in November 2017, partnering with the Thribhuvandas Foundation in Anand, Gujarat, to supply milk to young students in the region.

“It is an absolute honor to be associated with Thribhuvandas Foundation in this project,” said Dr. Aman Sayed, managing director of Alltech India and regional director of Alltech South Asia. “As a nutrition company, we feel it is our responsibility to provide practical and proven solutions to enhance the nutrition level of children, who are tomorrow’s future.”

Alltech initiated the project in Gujarat, a mostly vegetarian state where milk is the main source of animal protein. Milk, a whole food that provides many essential nutrients, is a crucial part of the diet of growing children in this region. In the selected schools, 98.5 percent of school children can be categorized as undernourished on the body mass index (BMI) scale.

Five schools in the Tarapur cluster were selected for the program, as children in this region were noted to be especially malnourished. Alltech began providing 150 ml each of flavored, fortified milk every day to around 1,200 children, aged 5 to 13, as well as a weekly supplement of iron. The sole aim of this is to improve the nutritional status of these children — and, by doing so, to build a healthier India. On its journey to nourish the children of Tarapur, Alltech has delivered 1,78,754 milk pouches in the project’s first year alone.

Along with a 5.45-percent average improvement in the BMI of their students, the schools involved in this program have also experienced a considerable increase in attendance. These results inspired Alltech to expand the project, and in 2018, six more schools were added. Alltech plans to expand the program even further.

“Childhood is a critical time in the growth and development of a person and is a key stage in the establishment of their physical and mental abilities,” said Sayed. “We are proud to see the positive impact Alltech is having on the lives of children in the program. These children are benefiting daily from Nutri Milk, not just by improving their nutrition but by increasing their attendance and education, and this is a proud moment for Alltech.”

Alltech is committed to improving the health and performance of people, animals and plants around the world through natural nutrition and scientific innovation. At a global level, Alltech works extensively with local schools to build science labs and encourages students to pursue science with a greater curiosity about the world around them.

Every second, of every day, there are people thinking, trying, testing, flying, inspiring, and applying new ideas, with insatiable drive to guarantee a world where people, animals and plants can thrive. Together, we can build a more sustainable world. Learn more about Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^TM.