Boost the health and productivity of your ruminants!

As a livestock farmer, you know: healthy and strong ruminants are the foundation of a profitable business. But how do you ensure that your cows and cattle not only stay healthy, but also deliver top performance? 💪

The answer? 👉 The right nutrition and smart supplements! In this blog, you’ll discover how Ruval®, Glycoboost and Acibet® TMR take your ration to the next level.

🚨 Heat Stress in Ruminants: Recognition and Consequences

🌡️ What is Heat Stress?

Heat stress occurs when an animal’s ability to dissipate heat is overwhelmed by environmental conditions. Unlike humans, ruminants have limited mechanisms to regulate their body temperature. They rely primarily on respiratory cooling and behavioral adaptations. 

⚠️ Recognize the signs of heat stress

The most common signs of heat stress in cattle are:

🫁 Increased respiratory rate and panting: Animals breathe faster to facilitate evaporative cooling
🍽️ Reduced feed intake: Can result in lower energy intake and decreased productivity
🌡️ Elevated body temperature: Normal temperature ranges between 38.5°C and 39.5°C
🥛 Decreased milk production: Energy is redirected to cooling mechanisms instead of lactation
💧 Higher water consumption: Animals drink more to regulate body temperature
😴 Behavioral changes: Seeking shade, standing instead of lying down, general lethargy

📊 When does heat stress occur?

Researchers use the temperature-humidity index (THI) to determine heat stress:

• 🟡 THI above 72: mild heat stress
• 🔴 THI above 80: severe heat stress

Factors such as direct sunlight, wind speed, and air circulation also influence the severity of heat stress.

🛡️ Strategies against heat stress: environment and nutrition

🏠 Environmental adjustments

Providing shade is one of the most effective ways to reduce heat stress:

• 🌲 Natural shade through trees
• 🏗️ Artificial shade structures
• 🏚️ Well-ventilated barns
• 💨 Cooling systems such as fans and misting devices

🍽️ Nutritional adjustments

During heat stress, ruminants often experience reduced feed intake. Therefore, it’s essential to optimize the diet with:

• ⚡ Energy-rich, highly digestible feeds
• 💊 Specialized feed supplements for cattle
• 🌡️ Additives that improve thermal tolerance

🚀 The power of smart supplementation

🥛 Ruval®: the protein wonder for strong rumen function 

Ruval® is a liquid protein-rich supplement that perfectly meets the needs of ruminants under stress:

• ✅ Stimulates rumen function through optimal protein supply
• ✅ Keeps rations fresh longer thanks to preservative properties
• ✅ Contains low phosphorus content for sustainable nutrition
• ✅ Improves feed efficiency and creates stable rumen flora

Thanks to the high concentration of natural betaine in Ruval®, cellular hydration is also regulated, which is crucial during heat stress! 

⚡ Glycoboost: energy hero against ketosis 

During the transition period and after calving, your cow needs extra energy.  Glycoboost provides:

• ✅ Prevents energy deficits during critical periods
• ✅ Stabilizes blood sugar levels for optimal health
• ✅ Significantly reduces ketosis risk
• ✅ Accelerates recovery after calving for faster production start 
• ✅ Increases resistance to heat stress 

🌿 Acibet® TMR: fresh feed, optimal performance 

Heating in TMR is a common problem that affects feed quality.  Acibet® TMR solves this by:

• ✅ Effectively preventing heating in TMR and roughage 
• ✅ Maintaining palatability for better intake
• ✅ Stimulating microbial protein synthesis thanks to natural betaine 
• ✅ Optimizing feed efficiency for better results 

🧪 The science behind natural betaine in heat stress

Natural betaine, a key component in these supplements, acts as an osmolyte to regulate cellular hydration. Research shows that betaine in cattle rations:

• 🔥 Reduces negative effects of heat stress
• 🔄 Improves rumen fermentation and saves metabolic energy
• 📈 Increases digestibility of dry matter and crude fiber
• 🍽️ Promotes dry matter intake during heat stress
• 🥛 Increases milk production (milk, milk protein and lactose), especially under heat stress
• 😊 Significantly improves welfare under heat stress

🎯 Practical application: maximum results

🤝 The synergy of combination

By smartly combining Ruval®, Glycoboost and Acibet® TMR, you create a powerful nutritional package: 💪

🎯 Ruval®: Protein boost and healthy rumen function 🥛 🎯 Glycoboost: Energy and ketosis prevention ⚡ 🎯 Acibet® TMR: Fresh feed and optimal feed efficiency 🌿

📊 Results that count

This combination delivers measurable benefits: 

• 📈 Increased milk production even at high temperatures
• 🩺 Better animal health and reduced veterinary costs
• 💰 Optimal feed efficiency for better profitability
• 😊 Improved welfare of your herd
• ♻️ Sustainable production despite climate challenges

🌍 Future-proof farming

With climate change continuing to influence agricultural practices , it’s essential to remain proactive. By implementing comprehensive management strategies and using smart supplements, you protect your animals and optimize performance, even under extreme weather conditions. 

The investment in high-quality feed supplements is an investment in the future of your business. 💰✨ Healthier animals mean more stable production, lower costs, and better profitability. 📊💯

🏆 Conclusion: invest in success

Heat stress doesn’t have to be a threat to your business results! 💪 With the right knowledge, environmental adjustments, and smart supplementation like Ruval®, Glycoboost and Acibet® TMR, you take your livestock farming to the next level. 🚀

Start today with optimizing your feeding strategy and experience the difference in health, welfare, and productivity of your ruminants! 🐄