Feed additives used in veterinary practice

There are various modern intensive veterinary practices having increased stocking densities which place different domestic animals in close proximity on single site and various chemicals are used to make the condition healthy and comfortable. Moreover, load of increased productivity requires balanced and least wastage diets to produce to their maximum potential. The nutrition of an animal is therefore of great importance if this is to be achieved in practice. In modern day farming, the nutritional requirements of farm animals are well understood and all requirements can be met through direct dietary supplementation of the limiting nutrients in concentrated form. Foods and feeds are the edible substances consisting of large number of macro and micronutrients of either natural or synthetic origin required for the growth, development and maintenance of the animals. In addition to macro and micronutrients the diet also contains thousands of substances naturally present in food and many more are added in the diet when food is prepared. Feed additive is an ingredient or combination of ingredients which are added to the basic feed mix or parts thereof to fulfill the specific need. These are usually used in micro-quantities and require careful handling and mixing. Any chemical incorporated in an animal feed for the purpose of improving rate of weight gain, feed efficiency, reduce methane production, preventing and controlling disease is called feed additives. Scientific evaluation and strict legislative control ensure that feed additives remain safe, effective with public health and food security goals.