By Muhammad Saleem
A well-balanced diet for livestock is imperative for improving health, boosting productivity, and increasing yields of milk, meat, and eggs.
Dr. Ahmed, an animal nutritionist, talking to Grand Lines Pk said that the majority of farmers are in the dark about the importance of the animals’ diet. He said that, like humans, all animals need different nutrients to grow.
Addressing the Challenges
Sensing the emerging challenges, he said that it is high time to introduce our farmers to modern practices being adopted globally in the livestock sector.
He said our farmers are leaving no stone unturned to provide food to the consumers; however, they need modern knowledge regarding the animals’ feed.
He noted that it has been observed that the majority of farmers still rely on traditional feed, which is compromising the health of their animals. We need to educate them on how to focus the nourishment of their animals with the help of a balanced diet.
Lagging Behind Developed Nations
Believe it or not, our farmers are lagging behind as compared to the developed nations that are efficiently exploiting the potential of the livestock sector. Every day is changing the livestock sector, but we are turning a blind eye to this transformation, he said.
Benefits of a Healthy Diet
He said that farmers need to be in the know about the importance of healthy feed for their animals. A healthy diet can prolong their lives, improve their health, and boost productivity, he added.
He claimed that livestock is a cash cow, and our rural areas still have sufficient resources and spaces to successfully nurture their animals efficiently.
However, the need of the hour is to educate farmers on how improving livestock feed can significantly enhance their productivity. This will not only improve their financial conditions but also meet the growing demand of people in Pakistan who rely on livestock products.
Only healthy animals can weather the storm of any sort of outbreak, he added.
Components of a Balanced Diet
Dr. Ahmed highlighted that a balanced feed for livestock should include hay and silage, which provides fiber for digestion and concentrates, which contain high-energy feeds such as grains.
He said that farmers can boost the health of their animals by combining these elements efficiently.
Farmer’s Experience
Bilal Ahmed, a livestock farmer, said he has been providing a balanced diet to his animals. The diet is creating a positive impact on their health, enabling him to earn handsome profit.
He acknowledged that the diet is putting a strain on his wallet compared to traditional feed; however, it is ultimately good for their health and productivity.
He asserted that ever since I started using a balanced diet for my animals, I have noticed that their health has improved, and their productivity is increasing.
For example, I have observed an increase in the milk production of my cows. Earlier, I often had to get them checked because of some health issues. Since I began using a balanced diet, my expenses on their veterinary care have significantly decreased, he claimed.
“Although the balanced diet has put a dent in my expenses, the reality is that I am saving my hard-earned money by avoiding their veterinary care costs.”
Economic and Social Impact
Dr. Ahmed said that the livestock industry contributes significantly to Pakistan’s GDP and provides direct and indirect food for a vast number of people. He claimed only properly fed animals can provide high-quality meat, milk, and eggs.
He pointed out that the importance of livestock products cannot be ignored, as they play a crucial role in nourishing children by providing them with essential protein.
We can easily put the brakes on the unbridled trend of inflation by raising healthy livestock. He said livestock has tremendous potential to boost farmers’ earning and ensure self-sufficiency in food.
