Dr. Federico Podversich: Probiotics vs. Postbiotics | Ep. 62
The Feed Science Podcast Show
Optimizing Nutrient Utilization in Ruminants
Efficient nutrient utilization is critical for enhancing animal performance and sustainability in ruminants. The degradation speed of feed in the rumen correlates with nutrient uptake; faster degradation allows for more nutrient absorption from the same feed. However, increased feed consumption can lead to a high passage rate, resulting in nutrient loss, particularly when animals are overfed. For instance, if a portion of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) is not fully degraded due to rapid passage, there can be substantial waste, undermining feed investment and sustainability goals. Studies indicate that nutrient utilization improves significantly when ruminants consume optimal amountsโabout 3% to 3.5% of their body weight. At these higher intake levels, the fiber component, which is often lost in excess feeding, benefits from enhanced digestibility, leading to reduced nutrient loss. Incorporating specific feed additives, like sprigillus, can mitigate the drop in nutrient degradation even at higher intake levels, thereby maximizing nutrient uptake and minimizing waste.
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