Supplementing vitamins and other nutrients that may be lacking in the daily feed of animals is essential to meet their growth and production needs. Vitamin premixes can improve the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in livestock, primarily due to the crucial role vitamins play in animal nutrition.
Vitamins participate in various biochemical reactions within the animal's body, including the synthesis and secretion of digestive enzymes, which aid in the digestion and absorption of food. When animals receive adequate vitamins, their gastrointestinal function improves, allowing nutrients in the feed to be more fully absorbed and utilized, thereby enhancing the FCR.
As components of coenzymes or cofactors, vitamins are involved in the energy metabolism processes within animals. An adequate supply of vitamins helps in the efficient use and conversion of energy within the animal’s body, reducing energy waste and thus improving the feed's energy utilization efficiency.
Vitamins have a significant impact on the immune system of animals. Proper supplementation of vitamins can enhance the immune function of animals, reduce the incidence of diseases, and maintain overall health. Healthy animals can more effectively utilize the nutrients in their feed for growth and production, thereby improving the FCR.
Certain vitamins play a critical role in the growth and development of animals. For example, vitamin D helps with the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for bone growth and development. Vitamin A is important for the development of vision, epithelial tissues, and the reproductive system in animals. By supplementing with vitamin premixes, it is possible to ensure that animals receive sufficient vitamins to support their growth and development, thereby improving the FCR.
There are various vitamin premix products available on the market designed for different types of livestock and growth stages. For instance, vitamin premixes for piglets can supplement the vitamin needs in their feed, improving their survival rate and FCR. Meanwhile, vitamin premixes designed for breeding pigs or lactating sows may contain additional ingredients that enhance reproductive performance. These products are formulated and produced using scientific methods to meet the nutritional needs of different livestock and improve their FCR.
Vitamin premixes significantly improve the FCR in livestock by promoting digestion and absorption, enhancing metabolic efficiency, boosting immunity, and supporting growth and development. The reasonable application of vitamin premixes in animal husbandry is one of the important means to increase feed utilization efficiency, reduce production costs, and promote sustainable development in the livestock industry.