It is crucial to encourage the consumption of feed in production animals with some type of condition or disease. In the particular case of digestive problems, for example, such as diarrhoea, which may be caused by abrupt changes in diet, the presence of pathogens or stress, not only will the health and welfare of the animals be affected, but a negative effect on growth and feed efficiency will also be found.
In such cases, in addition to promoting intestinal health, it is recommended to implement strategies that encourage feed intake. This includes providing easily digestible and highly palatable diets that can be accepted even by animals with poor appetites. Flavourings, sweeteners and palatants play a crucial role in these situations, as they attract animals to the feed, stimulate feed intake and facilitate the secretion of digestive enzymes and the actual digestion of the feed. On the other hand, if unappetizing drugs or supplements have been added to the feed, they will also help to mask them and maintain a pleasant taste in the feed.
Sensory additives also play a crucial role in the welfare of the sick animal, as they contribute to the regularity of feed intake and digestibility of the feed, which results in a faster and more efficient recovery.
