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What are feed additives?
According to the Act that regulates the Farm Feed manufacturing industry “Act 36/1947” “additive means any intentionally added substance to feedstuffs, premixes, feed or food, not normally consumed as feed by itself when in combination with other substances, whether or not it has a direct or indirect nutritional value and is not classified as a medicine or an essential nutrient, which affects the characteristics of feedstuffs, feed, food, animal products, animal production or animal performance and is generally recognized or proven to be safe under the conditions of its intended use.”
Feed additives are ingredients included in small amounts to improve feed conversion, gut health, nutrient absorption, and overall productivity. While many are functional rather than nutritional, some (such as amino acids) directly contribute nutrients.
Functions of feed additives:
Enzymes:
Break down complex feed components to make nutrients more digestible (e.g., phytase for phosphorus release).
Probiotics and prebiotics:
Improve gut health and immunity, reducing the need for antibiotics.
Organic acids:
Lower pH in the gut and act as natural antimicrobials.
Amino acids:
Supplement essential building blocks for growth.
Palatability enhancers:
Encourage feed intake in young or stressed animals.
Why it matters
In South Africa, where feed represents 60–70% of livestock production costs, feed additives allow livestock producers to do more with less. They help animals better utilize available nutrients, improve animal welfare, reduce the environmental impact of farming, and boost the quality and safety of animal products. Feed additives are key ingredients to improve productivity and profitability across the value chain – from farm to fork.
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