To improve feed conversion and body weight for livestock there are several elements to consider. Looking at each element, individually, can better help you achieve your desired results. Feed conversion and body weight are of course primary, but immune response methods must factor into any successful operation and are often overlooked.
Let’s take a step back. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) is a measure of an animal’s efficiency in converting feed into increased body mass. Specifically, FCR may be defined as weight gain divided by feed intake over a given period of time. It’s a measure of how efficient an animal converts feed mass to the desired output. This may be eggs from laying birds, milk from dairy cows and goats, or meat from meat animals.
According to Dr. Rajesh Singh, in his article, Tips to Improve Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) in Poultry, there are several factors affecting FCR:
Genetics – The natural ability to produce more output from less feed
Age – Young animals grow faster than adult animals, hence a lower FCR
Feed quality – Animals that are fed a diet that meet their nutritional requirements will have a lower FCR; this also varies with the age of the animal
Management method – Basically, the welfare of the animals. Are they well-protected from the elements or extreme temperatures? Are there measures in place to avoid infections?
In addition to these variables, Mark K. Williams, Ph.D., Biochemistry, highlighted the health benefits to chickens as revealed in a recent study wherein their diets were supplemented with AgTonik AGT-50™, a natural source fulvic-acid extract, that contains a full spectrum of approximately 70 minerals, 33 naturally occurring organic acids including amino acids, trace minerals, trace elements, electrolytes, and antioxidants. Through this study, several health benefits were found:
Improved feed conversion rate and body rates
Improved immune responses
Less emissions/runoff/better remediation
To improve feed conversion, increase body weight, and achieve optimal health, we recommend considering the outstanding results of the above scientific findings. Science has proven again and again that a well-rounded health and growth program can no doubt help reach your desired outputs.
For more information on AgTonik for livestock, soil, specialty produce, and more, please contact matt@agtonik.com.
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