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.
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.
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.