What does feed conversion mean and why is it so important?
Feed conversion describes the relation between the amount of feed consumed and the amount of output produced. In practice, this means: how many kilograms of feed does an animal need to gain one kilogram or produce one liter of milk?
Even small improvements have big effects: If the feed conversion ratio is reduced from 2.9 to 2.6, several tons of feed can be saved for large groups of animals, with direct benefits for the cost structure, environmental balance and animal health.
How to recognize poor feed conversion
In practice, inadequate feed conversion often manifests itself in the following ways:
- Feed intake is irregular or stagnant
- Animals put on less weight despite high-quality feed
- Feces are conspicuous (e.g. too soft or too firm)
- Performance data falls short of genetic potential.
These signs can occur in any barn, in pigs, cattle, poultry or other farm animals, and are often an indication of a disturbed digestive balance.
Essential oils - from prevention to increasing efficiency
Essential oils offer a natural way to specifically support feed conversion, not only in problem cases, but also as a strategic element of modern feeding concepts. The plant substances they contain promote stable digestion, improve feed intake, and help to make better use of nutrients.
What are the benefits of using essential oils in general?
Continuous digestive support: A stable digestive system is a basic prerequisite for good feed conversion, essential oils help to maintain this balance in the long term.
Prevention instead of reaction: Problems such as a drop in performance or refusal to eat often occur gradually. Continuous support can prevent such developments.
Cost benefits through better feed utilization: Using less feed for the same output reduces operating costs in the long term, even without any noticeable problems in the barn.
Improve sustainability and animal welfare: Efficient feed conversion leads to less feed loss, lower emissions and more stable animals, which are also important arguments in organic livestock farming.
Flexibility in different feeding systems: Supplements based on essential oils can be easily integrated into existing rations, whether conventional or organic.
How are essential oils used?
DOSTOFARM® products can be used flexibly, as a liquid, powder or in capsule form, depending on the product line. The dosage depends on the animal species and feeding phase and can be easily integrated into existing processes, even on organic farms. Essential oils and their properties:
Oregano oil: Has an antibacterial effect and also has fungicidal and anti-parasitic properties.
Thyme oil: has an expectorant effect, makes it easier to cough up and relaxes the respiratory muscles.
Aniseed oil: Stimulates the appetite. It also has an antispasmodic and flatulence-relieving effect on the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.
Chamomile oil: Has a calming, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect and can regulate acid production in the stomach.
Improve feed conversion - with scientifically sound solutions
DOSTOFARM® products such as DOSTO® Oregano and PHYTOsolvan® were developed together with research institutes, veterinarians and farmers with the aim of promoting the natural processes in animals without interfering with their hormonal balance.
With DOSTOFARM®, you are choosing a partner that relies on natural active ingredients, comprehensive expertise and the highest quality. Our essential oils come from controlled cultivation, are carefully processed and are precisely standardized for maximum safety and effectiveness.
If you want to improve your feed conversion in the long term, we can support you with the right solutions, proven worldwide and scientifically based.
