Enriching Early Nutrition in Animals - The First Feed

Author: Luiz Storino Filho Director CD&D Animal Nutrition, APAC

Early nutrition plays an important role in rearing livestock profitably. Increasing knowledge around key factors influencing robust development in animals catalyzes the development of targeted nutritional interventions for the early life stages. This can have long-lasting benefits for health and productivity in poultry, pigs, ruminants and aqua species.

Early Nutrition Requires Tailored Solutions

In the same way that early nutrition plays an integral part in human development, ensuring optimal nutrition during the initial stages of animal life is equally important. Today, farmers and producers increasingly prioritise tailored nutritional solutions and comprehensive care for animals. For example, the implementation of specialised feed programmes that cater to the unique dietary needs of young animals to promote better health outcomes.  

Despite these improvements, approximately $140 billion is lost annually due to animal health challenges[1] in the APAC region alone. This staggering loss underscores the critical impact that early life conditions have on the long-term health of animals, influencing their development, physiology, behaviour, and susceptibility to diseases.

We believe that the adoption of early nutrition interventions is a pivotal strategy that farmers and feed manufacturers can adopt to enhance the health and productivity of livestock, poultry, and aquatic species, contributing to robust growth and resilience, building a sustainable industry.

Build a strong foundation through maternal and early nutrition

The journey to robust animal health begins even before birth. A developing foetus is acutely sensitive to changes in the maternal environment, responding to stimuli which can potentially impact its health and development – positively or negatively. By ensuring optimal maternal nutrition during the gestational stage, we provide the foetus with essential nutrients, laying the groundwork for proper growth and development.

Once born, the maturation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in young animals becomes a critical focus. The transition from milk to solid foods presents significant challenges, often leading to digestive disturbances and reduced nutrient absorption. Our research has shown that targeted nutritional interventions during this period can enhance gut health, improve nutrient uptake, and support overall development.

Ensuring Robust Development

As animals grow, their immune systems gradually develop and play a central role in defending against pathogens—an inescapable component of the farm ecosystem. Due to  their immature immune systems young animals are particularly vulnerable to infections.

At this stage, it is crucial to prioritise immunity-strengthening strategies to enhance their resilience against health challenges and improve survivability. For instance, incorporating immunity-boosting additives into feed can fortify their natural defences, reducing reliance on antibiotics and mitigating the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Transitioning from this critical immune-boosting phase, young animals move on to the weaning phase, where they often experience reduced nutrient intake and digestive disturbances. To minimise the time to first feeding, producers can motivate their animals by improving ration appeal with customised flavours and sweeteners.

Our research reveals that piglets show a strong preference for red berry flavours, while calves favour vanilla-based options. Implementing these flavour preferences has led to noteworthy positive results, where we observed enhanced gut maturation, better digestion, and more efficient nutrient absorption.

Optimising Early Life Stages in Aquatic Species

While the first days and weeks of an animal’s life are marked by heightened sensitivity to fluctuations in their environment, some species are more vulnerable to these changes. Aquatic species, such as fish and shrimp, are particularly sensitive to environmental conditions and nutritional needs. In fact, between 2011 and 2020, floods in Bangladesh caused estimated losses of around USD 93.0 million, with approximately 53,604 tons of aquaculture production lost[1].

To mitigate these challenges, we believe in the value of tailored feeds that meet the specific nutritional requirements of aquatic species. Such feeds not only support physiological growth but also bolster immunological development. By investing in these advanced nutritional solutions, the aquaculture industry can further enhance the healthy development of aquatic species.

Driving Progress in Early Nutrition for Animal Agriculture

Across the value chain, investing in early nutrition solutions is a cornerstone for the long-term health, productivity, and sustainability of animal agriculture. We believe that by providing high-quality nutritional solutions during critical early stages of an animal’s life, producers can harvest improvements in animal performance and economic returns. Embracing a forward-thinking approach to early nutrition will not only enhance animal welfare but also pave the way for a more resilient and successful future in animal farming.

References

[1] WOAH, ADM MCI, Rabobank

[2] Economic valuation of climate induced losses to aquaculture for evaluating climate information services in Bangladesh