Currently, more and more studies indicate that tannins play a crucial role in animal nutrition and the efficiency of animal protein production. With the growing demand for sustainable and efficient methods in agriculture, these natural compounds are gaining importance.
With this in mind, this content will explain how the incorporation of tannins into diets can benefit animal well-being and, consequently, improve the quality of animal protein.
Continue with us to understand the advantages and effects of tannins in feeding strategies and obtain a qualitative leap in your animal protein production.
Good reading!
What is animal nutrition?
What is animal nutrition?Animal nutrition is the area dedicated to understanding the dietary needs of animals, especially those raised for food production. Furthermore, this area of knowledge also encompasses the nutritional management of companion animals and aquatic organisms.
In this sense, it is understood that nutrition is fundamental, as it involves the biochemical and physiological processes through which an animal uses food to stay alive. Evidently, balanced nutrition guarantees health and productivity in production systems.
The importance of good animal nutrition
The importance of good animal nutrition cannot be underestimated. Properly nourishing animals contributes significantly to their overall health and well-being, resulting in more robust organisms that are less susceptible to disease.
Furthermore, correct nutrition enhances productivity and performance in the context of livestock production. And it doesn't stop there, when considering animal nutrition, we are also talking about reducing environmental impact, as sustainable food practices help reduce the sector's ecological footprint.
So, investing in animal nutrition is investing in the future of livestock production. Adequate nutritional management not only ensures an improvement in the quality of life of animals, but also results in safer and healthier animal products for human consumption.
What are tannins?
After understanding a little more about animal nutrition, it is time to address a subject of great relevance to this topic: tannins.
Tannins are phenolic compounds that play a role in animal nutrition. These substances have the ability to bind to proteins, which can directly impact feed efficiency in animals.
In livestock feeding, for example, if used in adequate quantities, tannins can improve feed conversion by protecting animal protein in the rumen and allowing it to pass to the small intestine. For non-ruminants, the antimicrobial action and improvement in intestinal integrity is a differentiating point to consider regarding the use of tannins. On the other hand, in high concentrations they can lead to a reduction in food intake and animal growth.
Therefore, the application of tannins in animal nutrition requires accurate technical knowledge so that the use is made in the best possible way, improving the productivity and health of animals through the benefits that tannin can bring to the herd.
The effects and benefits of tannins in animal nutrition
Increased dry matter consumption
Tannins have been associated with an increase in dry matter intake in animals, due to their ability to stimulate saliva production and thus increase rumen activity. This increase in dry matter consumption can enable better use of nutrients present in food, contributing to animal performance.
Live weight gain
The inclusion of tannins in the animal diet may be related to an increase in live weight gain. This can be attributed to the ability of tannins to promote better digestion of food and, consequently, greater absorption of nutrients essential for growth and development.
Daily weight gain
Tannin consumption has also been linked to an increase in daily weight gain. The presence of this substance can positively influence the metabolism of animals, resulting in an increase in daily growth, which is of great importance for animal production.
Food efficiency
Another effect that has been observed is a contribution to the improvement of feed efficiency, as tannins can act in the regulation of the intestinal microbiota, facilitating the digestion and absorption of nutrients, which is reflected in better feed conversion and more efficient use of foods consumed.
Carcass gains
Tannins can also influence animal carcass gains, being positive for the development of muscle tissues and reducing fat accumulation. This provides better quality carcasses and greater commercial value. In addition to quantitative gains, gains in carcass quality are pronounced with the addition of tannins to diets, as well as improvements in fatty acid ratios, for example, linoleic acid.
Antimicrobial effect
In addition to nutritional effects, tannins have antimicrobial properties, promoting the intestinal health of animals. The antimicrobial activity of tannins can help reduce the occurrence of disease and maintain a microbiological balance in the gastrointestinal tract.
Ruminal function
In the ruminal environment, tannins are related to fermentation and microbiota. They promote favorable conditions for better food digestion and nutrient absorption, contributing to ruminal health and animal performance.
Intestinal health in non-ruminants
To conclude, tannins have the ability to improve intestinal health through their action on intestinal villi, increasing the nutrient absorption area for non-ruminant animals, such as chickens, layers and pigs.
Count on Arrow
Seta is a pioneer in the extraction and export of tannins from Black Acácia and uses different extraction processes, using its own technology.
In addition, we have numerous certifications, such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, HACCP, FSC and GMP/GMP, as well as registration with the Ministry of Agriculture for Animal Feed. In other words, Seta always seeks to guarantee its responsibility, from inputs to delivery to the customer.
Therefore, now that you have learned a little more about the importance and effects and benefits that tannins have on animal nutrition, count on Seta to provide this solution and always obtain the highest quality.
Browse our website and contact us for more information about tannin for your livestock production!
Understand a little more about the benefits of tannin and its applications
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