A deeper understanding of the localised intestinal immune response to a variety of pathogens has led to the development of specific antibodies for feed applications. Of these, hyper-immunised eggs have emerged as the most successful, not least because of their low processing requirements and extensive availability.

Silage is- and will remain for a long time– a major part of the ruminant's ration. Considering all the new constraints concerning animal nutrition today, we can imagine that both farmers and the authorities will begin to pay more attention to silage quality. Feed producers have to lead the way because selling their premium feeds on top of premium silage will yield better results.

What's the recipe for the success of rumen-protected methionine? Having been protected in the rumen, methionine has to be liberated optimally in the intestine. Result: supplying bio-available methionine increases milk protein content. And that's not all…

Antioxidants and MOS feature at Alltech's European lecture tour Alltech'smarathon lecture tour this year visited 29 countries in the EU and Eastern Europe between Feb. 10 and March 6. The focus was on antioxidants and mannanoligosaccharides.

Enzyme use in animal production shows tremendous promise to improve production efficiency and minimise nutrient wastage. Enzymes are already an important component in the processing of many plant and animal by products as well as common feedstuffs.

The economic benefits of proper vitamin nutrition in dairy cows, above those supplied for normal metabolism include increased milk production, reduced prevalence of mastitis, improved reproduction, reduced occurrence of milk fever and improved hoof health.

Botanical-based supplements can be used as part of an AGP-free feeding strategy or to improve animal performance in pigs and poultry at all stages of production. Less well known is that they can also be used effectively in milk replacers for pre-ruminants (eg calves) to prevent scours.

Nutritionists and producers should consider the differences between fermented yeast culture and viable yeast products when deciding which product to feed to dairy cattle. The fundamental differences between them can affect performance and efficacy of the products.

In modern feeding scenarios, the conditions within the rumen often fall outside the range for maximum fibre digestion by the rumen microflora. A more complete understanding of the mode of action of enzymes will allow development of low-cost enzyme products designed specifically to improve feed digestion in ruminants.