Bioactive forages

The animals basic nutritional requirements must be met, with regard to the levels of minerals and vitamins, to ensure their health and welfare. In some countries, supplementation with vitamins, trace elements and minerals is not a routine practice, whether certified organic or not. Another aspect of the interaction between animal health and nutrition regarding worm control is feeding with bioactive forages, which, for example Hoste et al. (2004) and Thamsborg et al (2005) describe, based on an EU-funded project WORMCOPS. 

Cow s milk is a complex and dynamic fluid that contains all nutrients needed for the development and growth of the calf. Milk contains lipids (dairy fat), high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive components. The nutritional composition in milk varies depending on factors such as breed and age of the cow and the forage composition (Haug et al., 2007). Table 1.1 presents the different components of milk and their respective concentration per liter. Also presented in the table is an approximation of the daily contribution (%) of the different components in milk to the diet for adults, as well as the main health effects. 

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