Additives that enhance feed intake

ADDITIVES THAT ENHANCE FEED INTAKE 

Antioxidants

  • Antioxidants are compounds that prevent oxidative rancidity of polyunsaturated fats. Rancidity once develops, may cause destruction of vitamins A, D and E and several of the B complex vitamins.
  • Breakdown products of rancidity may react with lysine and thus affects the protein value of the ration. Ethoxyquin or BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) can serve as antioxidant in feed.

Flavouring Agent

  • Flavouring agents are feed additives that are supposed to increase palatability and feed intake.
  • There is need for flavouring agents that will help to keep up feed intake
    • When highly unpalatable medicants are being mixed
    • During attacks of diseases
    • When animals are under stress, and
    • When a less palatable feedstuffs is being fed either as such or being incorporated in the ration.
  • Ruminants prefer sweet compounds. Additionally cattle and goats respond positively to salts of volatile fatty acids.
  • Horses will often refuse musty feed when there is so little mould that the owner fails to detect it.
Last modified: Thursday, 12 August 2010, 5:16 AM