Embracing Future Friendly Feeding: adapting to the challenges ahead

Livestock farming is at a turning point. With a growing global population, strained natural resources, and rising consumer focus on animal welfare, it is clear that we need to rethink our approach. The traditional methods that have long supported farmers are now sometimes falling short. The eco-system in which they coexist and thrive with their stock is under pressure. It is time to start adopting practices that not only meet today’s needs but also consider the future. Future friendly feeding is all about preparing for upcoming challenges by developing sustainable solutions that prioritize both animal resilience and the environment.

A shift in perspective: A new way forward
For millions of years, species – including us humans – have developed complex defense systems to protect against viruses and bacteria. However, past farming practices have disrupted the natural availability of crucial nutrients and metabolites that animals once obtained from nature. Since returning all animals back into nature is not always an option, we must aim to reintroduce these essential nutrients into our current farming systems. By focusing on enhancing animal resilience through improved nutrition and management practices, we can help livestock stay healthier and more capable of fighting of diseases.

Adopting future friendly feeding practices involves a trial and error process. As there is not an one-size-fits-all manual that tells us how to handle this transition. Implementing new management techniques, making changes to your additive toolbox and adjusting your approach to animal rearing will be key. Prioritizing animal resilience means paying close attention to the challenges they face throughout their life-cycle and helping them overcome these challenges. This approach will support more robust livestock, that is better equipped to handle various stressors.

Impacting performance
When we prioritize the well-being and resilience of our animals, we provide them with the tools to reach their full growth potential. Two of the key elements that we can control is 1) their feed and 2) their environment. By adjusting them to the needs of our livestock we not only help them cope with various inevitable life-cycle challenges but also impact their performance. Sustainable farming is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the economic viability of farms. Investing in the resilience of your animals does not just improve their health, it can also positively impact results. Healthier animals typically show better growth rates and productivity. And as healthy, resilient animals are less likely to fall ill, this can lead to lower costs for antibiotics and other veterinary treatment.

Long term impact
The transition to future friendly feeding represents a critical step in addressing the evolving challenges of livestock farming. By prioritizing animal resilience and focusing on sustainability, we can create a more robust and future friendly farming system. This approach not only helps farmers adapt to changing conditions, but also ensures a healthier future for all species, people and the planet.
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