What do you consider to be normal digestive health? Is that even a word you’d use to describe an animal’s health? Well Dr. Steve Lerner, senior scientific and business advisor at Chr. Hansen says normal in animals is their ability to achieve their full genetic potential.
He says, “The key for any producer is a herd where 100 percent of animals are healthy and also thriving. This renders the hospital pen empty.”
The key in achieving this normalcy lies in probiotics. He says they’re key in supporting animals’ digestive systems in four key ways: aiding nutrient digestion, maintaining a healthy digestive tract for optimal absorption, fortifying barrier functions, as well as bolstering immune responses. As a result, animals efficiently extract nutrients from feed, optimizing resource allocation towards production of meat, milk, or eggs.
From an environmental standpoint, Lerner says it creates a balance. “The more efficiently animals convert feed into consumable products, the lesser environmental impact it imposes. It’s a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, aligning economic success with reduced environmental footprint.”
The benefits of probiotics don’t just stop at economic and environmental realms. Studies in human medicine have shown that a healthy gut microbiome contributes to improved cognitive function.
He adds, “Whether added directly into feed, integrated into concentrates, or provided in liquid forms, the ease of application varies. This allows producers to choose based on their specific needs and circumstances.”
In regions like Wisconsin, where forage plays a vital role, Chr. Hansen’s inoculants for silage preservation emerge as a crucial tool. Properly fermented silage retains up to 50 percent more nutrients, aligning with the ethos of efficient and also sustainable agriculture by optimizing nutrient utilization.
“Probiotics aren’t just a tool for efficiency; they’re also a pillar supporting the trifecta of economic success, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare,” says Lerner.
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