How to Use the Feed Additive in Beef Cattle Farming?

In beef cattle farming, the feed additive plays a crucial role. It not only meets the nutritional needs of the cattle but also enhances feed palatability, utilization, and promotes the growth and health of the cattle. This article will explore how to effectively use the feed additive to ensure optimal results in cattle farming.

Types and Functions of the Feed Additive

A nutritional feed additive is mainly used to supplement and maintain the basic physiological functions of cattle. The nutritional components included in the feed additive, such as non-protein nitrogen, minerals and trace elements, vitamins, and amino acids, play essential roles in the daily diet of cattle. For instance, mineral additives like sodium chloride and calcium phosphate help maintain bone health and electrolyte balance in cattle. Vitamin additives such as Vitamin A and Vitamin D3 help improve the cattle's immunity and growth rate.

A non-nutritional feed additive, although it does not directly provide nutrition itself, is crucial for maintaining cattle health and improving feed quality. For example, enzyme additives such as amylase and cellulase help cattle better digest the nutritional components in their feed. Antioxidants like ethoxyquin can extend the shelf life of feed, preventing oxidation and spoilage during storage.

Precautions for the Use of the Feed Additive

Control the amount and mixing techniques of the additive: When adding a feed additive to cattle feed, it's essential to strictly control the amount. If the additive is not mixed evenly, it can lead to an uneven distribution of nutritional components in the feed, impacting the cattle's health and growth. Therefore, proper mixing techniques are essential to ensure the effectiveness of the feed additive.
Consider the interactions between additives: Different types of the feed additive may interact antagonistically, reducing their effectiveness. For example, some minerals and vitamins may affect each other, limiting the absorption of certain nutritional components. Therefore, when formulating the feed, it's necessary to consider the interactions between various components to maximize their utilization.
Select the appropriate feed additive: The feed additive used must be an approved and safe product by the Ministry of Agriculture. According to the latest regulations, feed-grade vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants are recognized as safe additives. These additives have been thoroughly validated to effectively enhance the nutritional value of the feed and the health level of the cattle.

Proper Use of the Feed Additive

To ensure the effectiveness of the feed additive in practical operations, the following steps must be followed:

Accurate formulation: Based on the specific needs of the cattle, develop a scientific feed formula. Choose a suitable feed additive and ensure the proportions are accurate.
Proper addition: When adding the feed additive to the feed, ensure even mixing so that each portion of the feed receives balanced nutritional components.
Monitor effectiveness: Regularly monitor the cattle's health status and growth performance, and adjust the type and amount of the feed additive according to the actual situation to ensure the best results.

By scientifically and reasonably using the feed additive, cattle farmers can not only improve the growth efficiency and health levels of the cattle but also optimize the utilization of feed, ultimately enhancing the economic benefits of farming.