Grading

Grading parameters in animal production include backfat measures, shell quality, live weight and carcass weight.

The achievement of grades directly affects the price paid for animal production so the optimisation of grading profile has a significant and direct effect on total farm profitability.

Optivite's nutritionists can advise on appropriate diet specification and feeding strategies using our Vitamin Mineral Premixes to optimise your grading profile and improve conformity.

Bacterial challenge can affect grading by increasing variability and reducing the proportion of the farm output achieving top grade. Animals that are subject to such a challenge utilise nutrients less efficiently, so Optivite's antimicrobial products Genex and Salgard can be very effective in reducing this problem.

As an example of our work in this area, changing early diet specifications of broiler diets in conjunction with the inclusion of Genex Poultry in feed has reduced variation in breast meat yields from 6.3% to 1.2%, coupled with a 0.6% increase in carcass yield. This gives an overall Return On Investment of up to 5:1.

Shell quality, particularly later in the laying cycle, has a major effect on egg- grading with broken or cracked shells depressing overall flock profitability. Independent research has shown that Genex Poultry can positively affect critical factors involved in maintaining egg shell strength and integrity.

Optivite's specialists can help analyse grading profiles and propose cost-effective programmes designed to reduce variation and maximise grading results.

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