BONUS SPRING SUMMER 2025

This can be seen in Figure 1, where the blue dotted line represents the cattle numbers in the US, and the red line, the production of meat from those cattle. We can see that cattle numbers are declining (almost at their lowest since the 1960s), but beef production remains relatively stable, which illustrates better production performance. From 1977 to 2007, a 44% increase in beef cattle growth rates occurred (Capper, 2011). In SA: carcass size grewby 60–70% from 1970 to 2019. Animal production has improved drastically over the last few decades, which enables us to supply more food to the world. This was achieved by improvements in genetics and management, a better nutritional approach, and the use of ionophores (antimicrobial growth promoters – AMGP) to improve feed efficiency. These components are safe and efficient in enabling the ruminant to utilise more of the energy and nutrition that is supplied, making it more efficient and economical. A high- producing animal also has a smaller carbon footprint, water footprint, and contributes less methane per kg of meat. There is, however, an increasing awareness of the responsible use of antibiotics in animal production, as they could be linked to antibiotic resistance. The use of antibiotics, either as a curative or preventive measure, is common in animal farming. Many antibiotics used to treat animals are also used in human medicine, but this combined usage can cause bacteria to become resistant to medicines. This presents a threat to human healthcare. Fortunately, it is possible to reverse this trend through responsible antibiotic usage. There are three key factors to mitigate the responsible use of antibiotics that form part of the natural power concept. They are balanced nutrition, effective health, and management strategies. Optimal nutrition and feed management The focus points for the nutrition pillar are optimal nutrition combined with the right feed management strategy. Our technical advisors can advise you on the right feed in combination with the right feed management approach for all your animals across each stage of life. The impact of farmmanagement strategies Since the management pillar is extensive, our focus is on water quality and animal movement control. Take, for instance, the impact that we are currently seeing with foot and mouth disease as well as bird flu. Water is often called “the forgotten nutrient”, and farm water quality is often not optimal. The importance of a robust health strategy The health pillar focuses on three key topics: biosecurity, lowering disease pressure, and responsible use of antibiotics. Maintaining optimal biosecurity is crucial in modern farming to keep out pathogens (external biosecurity), but also to prevent them from spreading inside the farm (internal biosecurity). The De Heus experts work closely with veterinarians to develop carefully tailored plans with the right interventions to support the intestinal health and wider wellbeing of farm animals. Key factors for animal health Healthy animals are more efficient, offering increased production with similar, or even lower, input. This is positive for farm economics and sustainability as fewer resources are needed to achieve a similar output. Healthy animals also enjoy better welfare and require fewer antibiotics, which is important from a societal perspective. However, achieving healthy animals – and keeping them this way – requires time and effort. www.agribonus.co.za Spring/Summer 2025 BONUS 43