Integrators

Integrated agricultural enterprises comprising feed production, farming and in some companies also slaughtering and processing enables the producer to tailor their systems and to maximise their profitability and added value.

The benefits of improvements in performance, product quality and consistency can all be captured by the single organisation, and so the cost - benefit calculation can be more accurately determined.

A key driver for the integrated producer is to improve the consistency of the livestock product in order that their system can be more precisely managed. For example a more consistent pig weight and quality allows the processing operations to be organised and managed in a more efficient way. The nutritional quality of the feed, and the way in which feed is used on farms can have a significant impact on the degree of variability of production on farms.

Optivite's knowledge and expertise in nutrition and feed management allows us to help the integrated producer manage this variability. For example we can help identify variation in raw materials and by recommending improved storage and preservation methods can help reduce deterioration in nutritional value caused by bacteria and moulds.

The finished feed can also be affected by microbial growth and, again, Optivite can help in the management of feed preservation through the Salgard and Moldgard products. Mycotoxins from moulds in the feed can contribute to a major reduction in performance and fertility but Optivite's mycotoxin binders Mycobond and Zetox can help minimise the negative effects. Oxidation of nutrients in raw materials and feed results in reduced level and consistency of the nutritional value of the feed; this can be prevented through the use of Optivite's Antioxidants.

Specific bacterial contamination of animal products such as salmonella in meat requires an overarching management of the whole feed-to-farm-to-processor chain. It is clearly essential that a salmonella reduction program begins with the feed fed to the animal being as free of salmonella as possible otherwise all of the improvements in farm systems and slaughtering will be negated. Optivite's Salgard product is specifically designed to help manage the salmonella status.

Energy is usually the most expensive nutrient in animal feeds. Through the use of Optivite's enzymes, release of the feeds natural energy will be maximised. Wheatzyme and Optizyme are a range of enzyme products for cereal based feeds and the Optimise combination can also release phytate bound nutrients.

The drive to better manage animal production and reduce the dependence on antibiotics, both as growth promoters and therapeutic medicines has lead to the development of our Genex range. These products improve gut health, enhance performance and help the integrated producer meet the requirements of legislation or the preferences of the target customers.

Modern diets are often deficient in omega-3 fatty acids and contain a high proportion of omega-6s resulting in a sub-optimal ratio of these important dietary constituents. The main reason for this is an increasing reliance on vegetable fats for energy. The addition of the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are known to have positive benefits in all aspects of modern animal and bird production. Our own extensive trial work using Optomega omega-3 fatty acid supplement in both breeding and growing species has clearly shown the benefit of including Optomega in the diet.

Additional valuable information for optimising integrated production can be found in the Problem Solving pages of this website.

Email Optivite for additional product information, advice on animal husbandry, or help with specific enquiries.