Nutrition plays a fundamental role in the health and productivity of livestock like pigs and poultry. Ensuring these animals receive the correct nutrients not only supports their growth but also influences their ability to reproduce and resist disease.
Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka is operations coordinator at Afrivet Training & Technical Services, and JD Mostert is a swine nutritionist at CSVet.
Together they highlight the common issues related to poor feed management and the best practices for ensuring feed safety and effectiveness.
WHY ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS MATTER
Nyeleka and Mostert emphasise the importance of providing pigs and poultry with well-balanced diets that include necessary nutrients like proteins, energy sources, vitamins and minerals.
"If pigs and poultry do not receive these nutrients, they can suffer from stunted growth, the slow development of organs, including reproductive organs, and a weakened immune system," says Nyeleka.
The consequences of nutritional deficiencies are far-reaching. Animals that are not adequately nourished not only have slower growth rates but also face other significant challenges.
"A poor immune system means an animal struggles to fend off diseases, which ultimately affects their productivity," she explains.
Farmers should pay close attention to the nutritional needs of their livestock at every stage of growth to ensure optimal health and performance.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ENERGY AND PROTEIN IN SWINE NUTRITION
Mostert elaborates on the specific nutritional requirements for pigs. "Energy and protein form the backbone of a pig's diet. Maize, which constitutes about 70% of a pig's diet, serves as the primary energy source.
"This energy is essential for all bodily functions, from maintenance to growth. Protein, derived mainly from soya bean meal, is vital for tissue development and muscle growth," he says.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
