As the colder months approach, the challenges of keeping livestock healthy and thriving during winter become a priority for farmers and pet owners alike. While traditional feed provides the necessary energy, incorporating dried botanicals into animals’ diets can offer significant health benefits, boosting immunity and overall wellness during the harsher season. At Joseph Flach & Sons, we specialise in high-quality dried botanicals that can complement animal feed and support their wellbeing through the winter.
Immune System Support
Winter is a time when animals, like humans, are more susceptible to infections due to the cold and damp weather. Dried herbs such as Nettle leaves and Elderberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can enhance immune function. Nettle is rich in vitamin C and iron, which is known to help maintain strong immune responses, while elderberries are recognised for their antiviral properties.
Benefit for Livestock: Incorporating these botanicals into your animals’ feed could help them better fend off seasonal illnesses, creating a healthier and more resilient herd or flock.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The cold weather often exacerbates joint pain and inflammation in older or more active animals. Clivers herb and Nettle Root are thought to have anti-inflammatory benefits. These herbs are thought to help reduce swelling and discomfort, promoting better mobility for livestock and pets alike.
Benefit for Livestock: By reducing inflammation, these herbs could help animals maintain activity levels during the winter, promoting better overall health and preventing conditions that can worsen in cold, damp conditions.
Digestive Health
Dried botanicals such as Buckthorn Bark and Nettle Root could play a crucial role in maintaining digestive health, which is essential for nutrient absorption and overall vitality, especially during the winter when digestive issues can become more common. Buckthorn berries are thought to act as a gentle laxative, helping to keep animals’ digestive systems functioning smoothly.
Benefit for Livestock: A healthy digestive system ensures that animals get the most out of their feed, allowing them to maintain their energy levels and weight throughout the colder months.
Natural Stress Relief
Winter brings with it changes in routine, colder temperatures, and sometimes more confined living conditions for livestock, which can increase stress levels. Clivers herb is known for its believed calming and soothing properties, helping to alleviate anxiety in animals.
Benefit for Livestock: Calmer animals are less likely to experience stress-related issues such as weight loss or a weakened immune system. Clivers are thought to help maintain a more relaxed and healthier environment during winter.
Rich in Essential Nutrients
Dried botanicals are packed with essential nutrients that can often be lacking in regular feed, especially during winter when fresh forage is limited. Nettle leaves, for instance, are high in calcium, magnesium, and iron, and are thought to support bone health, milk production in dairy animals, and overall energy levels.
Benefit for Livestock: Including nutrient-dense botanicals in feed ensures that your animals get a well-rounded diet, which is especially important during winter when their nutritional needs increase.
Boosting Respiratory Health
Respiratory issues can become more common in winter due to the cold, damp air. Certain botanicals, like Elderberries, have been traditionally used to support respiratory health. Elderberries are believed to help soothe irritated airways and reduce the severity of coughs or colds in livestock.
Benefit for Livestock: By supporting respiratory health, you can minimise the risk of winter colds and respiratory infections, which can spread quickly in confined living conditions.
The integration of dried botanicals into animal feed during the winter months is a natural and effective way to enhance their diet and overall health. At Joseph Flach & Sons, we offer a range of high-quality, organic dried herbs and botanicals that are known for their potential to boost immune function, improve digestion, and support your animals’ overall wellness during the cold season.
Our commitment to sustainability and our new range of certified organic products ensures that you’re giving your animals the best nature has to offer, even when the temperatures drop. Explore our range of dried botanicals and see the difference they can make to your livestock’s health this winter.
Do you need premium animal feed for this winter? Reach out to our team at +44 (0)1733 371221 or email us at sales@josephflach.co.uk to discover how our high-quality ingredients can enhance your feed formulations and support the health and vitality of your animals. While we’re not herbalists and can’t provide advice on the use or effectiveness of materials for herbal remedies or specific product applications, we do specialise in sourcing exceptional botanicals. If you’re searching for a reliable partner to provide the finest ingredients, get in touch with us. Let’s work together to meet the demands of the season!
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