Animal nutrition in a 360-degree view and a framework for future R&D work: towards sustainable livestock production

Abstract

Abstract. As a result of a growing population, national economies and urbanisation the consumption of animal products has risen sharply and will also rise substantially in the future, leading to a huge demand for animal feed. This paper illustrates that feed impacts almost all sectors and services of the livestock sector and its sustainability hinges on how feed is produced and fed. A 360-degree view of animal nutrition is presented, illustrating linkages between animal nutrition and various other domains of the livestock sector, for example productivity, reproductive efficiency, environment including biodiversity, land degradation and land-use change, animal welfare and health, food-fuel-feed competition, product safety and quality, among others. Based on the 360-degree view a framework for future research and development work in animal nutrition is presented. This framework has three components: the first one seeks better knowledge and in-depth analysis of the impact of feed and feeding on various domains of the livestock production system; the second one focuses on the impact of ongoing changes such as climate change, increases in cost of and volatility in feed prices, decreases in water and arable land availability, global trade of feedingstuffs, and high food losses; and the third one deals with providing solutions to challenges through technology, policy and institutional development measures. A multi-and trans-disciplinary approach is suggested for implementation of the framework. Application of the framework would contribute towards producing adequate, safe and nutritious food in a humane way in the face of rapid population growth; reducing impact on the environment and biodiversity; and promoting social equity. Additional keywords: feed and feeding, holistic animal nutrition, R&D framework, sustainable livestock production.

Potential adverse effects on animal health and performance caused by the addition of mineral adsorbents to feeds to reduce mycotoxin exposure

“…Feed is an integral part of the food chain, and it plays an important role in the growth, welfare, and productivity of farm animal as well as in the composition, safety, and quality of livestock products (milk, meat, and eggs) in the food supply chain (Guerre 2016;Makkar 2016). A complete or finished feed is manufactured from a mixture of raw materials of plant, animal, industrial, and pharmaceutical origin, and formulated to achieve a range of objectives in animals regarding health and performance (Ittiphalin et al 2015;Guerre 2016).…”

The effect of partial substitution of rapeseed meal and faba beans by Spirulina platensis microalgae on milk production, nitrogen utilization, and amino acid metabolism of lactating dairy cows

“…Sustainable feed production and feeding are key factors in achieving resource-efficient and resilient livestock production systems with minimal environmental load and high product quality (Makkar, 2016). A sustainable animal diet is characterized as a diet that is balanced in all nutrients and free from harmful components, meets production objectives, generates animal products safe for human consumption, and integrates the planet, people, profit, and ethical dimensions of sustainability (Makkar and Ankers, 2014).…”

Productivity and Profitability of Cereal-Legume Forages Vis-a-Vis Their Effect on Soil Nutrient Status in Indo-Gangetic Plains

“…To maintain or raise the performance of current available livestock population and its productivity, we need to enhance the quality forage production and its productivity to achieve minimum optimum balanced feeding of livestock's. Feeding in dairy farming is the utmost important management factor because it is attributed to around 65-70% of the total input cost of animals (Makkar, 2016). Surve et al (2011) also reported that availability of green fodder with good quality is the key to success of dairy enterprises and without supply of quality fodder it is difficult to maintain the health and milk production level of the animals.…”