Many farmers use raw maize to improve weight gain in cattle, sheep, and goats. While effective, improper feeding can create serious digestive problems. Feed wisely, not excessively.

Too much maize encourages rapid fermentation, producing excess acid inside the rumen. This condition, called rumen acidosis, reduces appetite, damages health, and lowers productivity. Prevention always saves costs.

A better option is incorporating maize into a properly balanced concentrate while considering whether animals are growing, lactating, or being finished for market. Balanced nutrition delivers lasting performance.

Introduce maize gradually and provide enough roughage to support healthy rumen microbes. Reducing maize particle size also improves digestion and minimizes digestive discomfort. Careful feeding protects animal welfare.

Good feeding management improves productivity, protects animal health, and increases farm profitability. Knowledgeable nutrition decisions produce stronger, healthier ruminants and sustainable livestock enterprises. Smart feeding secures future success.

Abdullah Opeyemi Akande

B.Agric. (FUNAAB)
GAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Animal Sci. (UI)
RAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Int’l Business (UU, UK)
Ph.D. in view