Ioannis MavromichalisIoannis Mavromichalis, Ph.D., is an animal nutrition industry consultant. To contact Mavromichalis, email [email protected].From the Author - Page 32Poultry Nutrition & FormulationWhy is everyone confused about feed additives?Today, most additives are marketed with several claims. Even enzymes that have absolutely nothing to do directly with gastrointestinal health are often marketed with indirect (albeit, true) health claims. Many nutritionists and producers use many additives to compensate for the low-health status of certain farms. This is counterproductive, as the real problem is not resolved, but rather more money is spent on the wrong cause.HomeAdditives that make sense sell betterEvery day, suppliers from companies selling or marketing additives visit nutritionists at local feed companies, veterinarians responsible for nutrition in pig farms, and pig producers. Their aim is to convince that their product is beneficial for our animals and our profit line, and superior to competing products of similar nature. But, given the plethora of similar additives, selecting the right one is a difficult task, even for trained nutritionists, who often prefer not to do anything if they don’t receive a clear message they can trust.HomeDoes it matter which whey to use in piglet feeds?One of the first things I learned when I started as a nutritionist in a brand that specialized in piglet feeds was that quality of raw materials is king. And, among them, it is whey that can make or break any piglet feed.HomeCan high-fiber levels offset effects of high-protein diets?There is a notion that high-protein diets can be used along with high-fiber levels, without sacrificing performance, but is it possible to actually enhance performance by using the right mix of fibers?HomeWhat is wrong with feeding pigs, poultry animal by-products?It all depends who you ask, as they all have a say in this case: the animal, the producer, the renderer, the consumer. Let's examine each case more closely.HomePhytase-3 or -6 and why it does (not?) matterIs it a 3-phytase or a 6-phytase? What does this mean, and does it really matter in feed formulation?Home5 organic acids in piglet, broiler feeds -- too much?I just reviewed another feed formula, and it contained at least 5 different acids. Is having a bit of everything better? Or, is it worse?HomeTotal mixed ration system for dairy cows: benefits, drawbacksThe many benefits of total mixed ration are weighed against their disadvantages for farmers to decide whether such feeding system is for them to adopt.HomeFeed formulation: health, nutrients, and ingredients in balanceFormulas are often over-fortified with nutrients, ingredients and additives, which make them not only very expensive, but also ineffective. Let me explain.HomeAmino acids versus crude protein in animal feedI recently received an email from a client in Canada. He had read some reports that stated there should be a specific ratio between lysine and protein -- something like 7.5:1, which is very close to the lysine concentration in lean tissue. His question was how to achieve this level without overdoing it with crude protein or lowering the total lysine in the diet.HomeRethinking zinc and copper in animal dietsIt's high time to rethink zinc and copper requirements, before others do it for us.HomeWhy don't dairy cows like fats and oils?Dairy cows evolved to consume large quantities of fresh grass that contains negligible amounts of fats. As such, the risk for metabolic disorder increases when supplemental fats are used in their diets.Previous PagePage 32 of 55Next Page