Animal Performance Not Matching Feed Quality – Field Results & Agronomic Interpretation
Supporting Livestock Growth and Gut Health.
Even when feed quality is high, livestock may underperform due to gut health issues, nutrient inefficiencies, or digestive stress. Field observations show that supporting gastrointestinal function with DCT products helps improve feed utilisation, enhance growth, and maintain overall animal health.
This approach focuses on supporting natural gut microbiology to optimise nutrient absorption and animal performance.
Field Observation Summary
Livestock given DCT Animal Boost showed improved weight gain, milk production, and overall condition.
Animals exhibited better digestion and nutrient utilisation, even when feed quality remained constant.
Field monitoring indicated enhanced gut microbial diversity, supporting long-term health and performance.
Evidence Context
Important context
Observations were recorded across various livestock types and farm systems. Outcomes may vary depending on feed type, health status, and management practices.
International research supports the role of gut microbial support in improving nutrient efficiency, digestion, and animal growth, aligning with field observations.
Agronomic Interpretation
Animal performance depends on feed quality, digestive efficiency, and gut health:
Poor gut microbial balance can limit nutrient uptake and reduce growth.
Digestive stress from feed changes or environmental factors slows feed conversion.
Nutrient inefficiencies reduce the benefits of high-quality feed.
Supporting gut microbiology enhances digestion, improves nutrient uptake, and increases growth and production.
Where This Fits in the Farming System
DCT Animal Boost supports digestive health and feed efficiency, complementing existing feed and management strategies.
While feed quality remains important, field evidence shows improved animal performance through enhanced gut microbiology.
Works best as part of an integrated system including balanced nutrition, herd health monitoring, and consistent management practices.
Products Used in the System
Animal Boost – Enhances gut microbiology, improving nutrient uptake, digestion, and animal performance.
Lazerhume – Supports overall farm system health, indirectly improving feed quality utilisation.
Turbo N (where appropriate) – Supports pasture growth, which improves feed quality for livestock.
Restore (where appropriate) – Supports pasture growth and enhances feed quality for improved livestock performance.
Agronomy Insight
Agronomy insight
Gut microbial balance is crucial for efficient nutrient utilisation. Field evidence and research indicate that supporting gastrointestinal microbiology improves feed conversion, growth rates, and milk or meat production, even when feed quality is high.
When This Approach Has Limits
Extremely young, sick, or stressed animals may require veterinary support.
Feed deficiencies or imbalances may still limit performance.
Even in these cases, supporting gut microbiology improves digestion, nutrient uptake, and long-term animal resilience.
Key Takeaway
Field observations show that supporting gut microbiology with DCT Animal Boost improves feed utilisation, growth, and overall animal performance, helping livestock achieve their genetic potential even when feed quality is high.