Rumen health and fermentation

Nowadays we expect excellent performance from our livestock animals. The key in livestock production is to optimize performance without compromising animal health. Further improving lactation parameters of dairy cows or growth performance of beef cattle, is only possible when taking rumen health into account. Therefore, when formulating rations for ruminants, the balance in the rumen is key. Balancing available nutrients in the rumen, balancing pH of the rumen and balancing rumen microbes. Rations need to be formulated with the correct finetuning of roughage and concentrates, with usage of good quality raw materials. Supply of both energy and crude protein in the correct ratio will optimize microbial fermentation processes. Next to this, different feed additives can be offered to further balance rumen health. A healthy rumen will lead to healthy animals, higher production efficiency and less usage of antibiotics.