‍Understanding ruminant stress

When animals are stressed, their bodies undergo physiological changes that can disrupt their normal functions. This can lead to a variety of problems, including: 

• Reduced feed intake: Stressed animals may become less interested in eating, leading to weight loss and decreased milk production.
• Impaired immune function: Stress can weaken the immune system, making ruminants more susceptible to diseases and infections.
• Metabolic disturbances: Stress can disrupt the body's metabolic processes, leading to problems such as acidosis or ketosis.

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The importance of rumen health

The rumen is a specialised organ that plays a crucial role in the digestion of plant material. It houses a complex community of micro-organisms that break down cellulose and other plant fibres. When the rumen is healthy, it can efficiently ferment feed and provide the animal with essential nutrients.

However, stress can disrupt the balance of micro-organisms in the rumen, leading to impaired fermentation and reduced nutrient absorption, which can impact the animal's overall health and performance.

Supporting rumen health during stress

To help ruminants maintain or regain rumen health during stressful periods, it is important to provide them with a supplement that contains a rich source of carbohydrates, key minerals and vitamins. These essential nutrients can found in AIM Central’s Generade, which is specially formulated to help stimulate rumen microbial activity and support the healthy functioning of the animal's underlying energy, immune and metabolic systems.

Generade is specifically designed to help:

• Improve feed efficiency: A healthy rumen can more efficiently break down and absorb nutrients from feed, leading to improved feed efficiency.
• Boost immunity: By supporting the immune system, the supplement can help to protect ruminants from diseases and infections.
• Support the brain, nerves and muscles: A healthy neuromuscular system means calm and contented animals.

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By understanding the causes of stress and providing appropriate nutritional support, farmers can help to minimise the negative effects of stress on their flocks and herds.

Generade is a convenient, concentrated vitamin and mineral supplement containing a specific combination of macro and micronutrients. By including it in all feedlot inductions, weaning programs, marking, shearing, handling and transport events, Generade can significantly reduce ruminant stress, and so improve animal health and productivity.

 For free advice on how to keep your animals in optimal condition, we’re always only a phone call away. Call us on 1800 106 006.