What You Can Learn from the Experts

on April 1, 2013

Give the right nutrients at the right time

Animals have different needs based on their level of activity, age, health issues and other factors. So constant nutrition formulation (modifying the amount of ingredients based on nutritional content), rather than fixed formulations, is essential for them to perform their best. Actually, the same goes for people.

Visit the Purina Animal Nutrition Center

Improve digestion by sticking to a schedule

Horses should be fed on a consistent schedule to keep them from going off feed or developing undesirable stall habits. Horses fed on inconsistent schedules may get hungry and bolt their feed, which can lead to digestive upsets. Also, spacing meals evenly throughout the day is better for digestion.

Visit the Purina Animal Nutrition Center

Measure feed by weight, not volume

A 3-pound coffee can of oats isn’t the same amount of feed as a 3-pound coffee can of corn. In fact, the can may hold about 2 pounds fewer oats than corn. Using a fish scale is a great way to make sure you’re feeding the right weight of feed.

Visit the Purina Animal Nutrition Center

Good feed can help prevent behavioral problems

Getting your horse the right nutrients does more than just keep it in good physical condition, it helps your horse mentally, too. In fact, research shows horses are less likely to have behavioral problems if they have access to adequate pasture or are fed high-quality hay.

Visit the Purina Animal Nutrition Center

Make sure your horse is getting enough nutrients

Not all hay is created equal. Alfalfa is high in protein, energy, vitamins and minerals. Orchardgrass, on the other hand, doesn’t have as many nutrients, but it is high in fiber. Use the amount and quality of the forage you have available to help you choose the right feed. <br><br> <p><a href="http://purinamills.com?utm_source=americanprofile&amp;utm_campaign=masterbrandlaunch&amp;utm_medium=display-site&amp;utm_content=655x393-slide5">Visit the Purina Animal Nutrition Center</a>

Nutrition has an impact on egg quality

Egg quality is influenced by nutrition, so you may want to consider a feed that contains omega-3 fatty acids if your birds don’t have access to flaxseed. This will also boost omega-3 levels in the eggs, which can be good for you, too.

Visit the Purina Animal Nutrition Center

Feed chicks differently

Chicks aren’t chickens. So for the first few days after hatch, put the feed in multiple small containers placed throughout the pen rather than in feeders. And be sure to keep them full at all times.

Visit the Purina Animal Nutrition Center

A chicken’s diet can affect egg production

Nutrition is an important factor in the rate of lay. Giving your laying hens supplements, like oyster shell, grit, scratch and table scraps, can help increase production. But research shows these should make up no more than 10% of the diet.

Visit the Purina Animal Nutrition Center

Scratch does more than you might think

That cracked corn and those other small grains you toss on the ground for chickens to peck at and eat can do a lot. In fact, scratch can help keep chickens warm during cool weather. And you can use it to lure them into the chicken coop.

Visit the Purina Animal Nutrition Center

Provide adequate nutrients during pregnancy

Up to 75% of calf growth occurs during the final two to three months of pregnancy, so make sure the mother’s getting the increased protein, energy and minerals she needs. This will also help her be ready when it comes time for calving.

Visit the Purina Animal Nutrition Center

Feeding a calf’s needs

As a calf nears 3 months of age, its mother’s milk production begins to decrease. And the calf is now also competing with her for limited quantities of grass. Adding barley, maize and vegetative sweetclover to his diet can help meet his added demands for protein and phosphorus.

Visit the Purina Animal Nutrition Center