Take Care of the Basic Essentials of a Nutritional Program Before Worrying About Minor Features
by Dr. Ron Rompala
Sometimes people go overboard worrying about the most menial features of the food given to their animals and at the same time neglect some major essentials. Worrying about the details concerning food quality is not necessarily bad. However, these minor concerns become mute when certain basic essentials of feeding are overlooked. It is not good when there is more concern about the level of copper in rabbit feed when the quality of the water is overlooked. Worrying about the level of selenium in the grain concentrate for a horse is a minor issue compared to the nutrient profile of the hay. People with fast-growing puppies should be more concerned about the protein and energy level of the food than trace mineral content. Here are some basic essentials of feeding that are often overlooked.
Water
The most obvious and essential nutrient is too often overlooked. Clean water is essential for proper nutrition. Animals will not consume the proper amounts of water if an off-taste is present. Keep water bowls clean. In addition, dirty water may contain high levels of minerals like sulfur or iron that can cause imbalances in essential minerals.
Know the Nutrient Value of All Feed Components
People with horses often overlook the importance of knowing the nutrient value of the hay. In many cases, the hay is the major component of the ration for a horse. Horse owners should have an idea of the protein, fiber or energy value and the calcium and phosphorus levels of the hay.
Feed Lactating Animals Generously
Milk production creates a huge demand for nutrients. Lactating animals often do not reach their maximum potential for milk production because of not receiving enough nutrients from the ration. Animals with large litters (dogs, rabbits etc...) can benefit greatly from good lactating diets. Don't skimp on feeding mom.
Do Not Encourage Animals to Consume Feed Rapidly
Imagine the consequences resulting from people engorging food. Someone is going to get sick. This is no different with animals. Many problems associated with bloat, colic and ulcers can be related to rapid feed consumption. Rapid consumption of feed is not necessarily a sign of a healthy and happy animal.
Do Not Over-crowd and Skimp on Feeding Space
Overcrowding at feeding time causes some animals to eat more than they should and others not getting enough. Consequently, animals either become too fat or too skinny. Give animals plenty of room especially when feeding. Over-crowded conditions create stress that in turn makes animals more vulnerable to other problems.
Adapt to New Feeds
Giving animals new feed without a period of adaptation is like playing with a loaded gun. You're just asking for trouble.
Make Adjustments for the Weather
Animals will consume more feed when exposed to colder temperatures. Keep drinking water from getting too cold in the winter. Keep plenty of water available during hot periods.
Balance the Diet When Adding Supplements
If a little bit is good, more must be better does not hold for nutrition. Adding nutritional supplements without thinking about possible interactions with the ration can create nutrient imbalances that can be detrimental to the animal.
Have a Good Health Program
Nutritional adequacy can be compromised by insults to the health of the animal. An immune system that is active due to disease or allergies uses a lot of nutrients. In addition, disease and other pathogenic problems are more opportunistic when animals are nutrient deficient.
In summary, being concern and thorough about minor components of a nutritional program is good. However, worrying about the minor features of a nutritional program is mute if the major essentials that affect the nutritional health and performance of the animal are not properly addressed.
© December, 2001. Blue Seal Feeds, Inc.
© Blue Seal Feeds – December, 2001