This research information should interest to any animal health pro as whose focus is on prevention and managing disease. The immunes system has high biological priority. When pathogens are detected, the immune response becomes the animal’s energetic priority and changes how dietary nutrients and calories are utilized.
Source: National Hog Farmer, October 2017.
Any energy that is partitioned toward an immune response is not available for growth. Consequently, health challenges impair production efficiency and profitability.
INSIGHTS: John Sterling once wrote, “Instinct is intelligence incapable of self-consciousness.” For many animal health pros, this information will confirm instinctive experiences developed during years of working to keep swine healthy. If we apply this thinking to the care of all species, prevention measures that preempt infections become an increasingly important priority for animal health.