FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Our objective is to offer clear, accurate, and useful information.
If you need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Technical Support & Livestock Farm Management
WHAT IS FLUSHING AND WHAT IS ITS IMPORTANCE IN RUMINANTS?
Flushing is a targeted nutritional intervention applied shortly before and during the mating/estrus period, aiming to improve the reproductive performance of animals. By increasing dietary energy, vitamins, and amino acids, it supports the expression of estrus and ovulation in female animals, as well as the overall reproductive performance of males.
Proper application of Flushing contributes to improved fertility and an increased prolificacy. It is a particularly important practice for small ruminant farming units that aim for higher reproductive performance.
Discover the specialized flushing products of Pharmacell here: RUMINTA FERTILITY GROW PLUS, GK2700 S
What is heat stress and how is it managed?
For all the animals, there is an ambient temperature at which the body temperature can be maintained within a normal range, primarily through vascular mechanisms, known as the thermoneutral zone. Heat stress, or thermal strain, occurs when the body temperature of animals rises and they cannot adequately dissipate body heat to maintain thermal balance. This happens due to the increased ambient temperature—above the thermoneutral zone—combined with high humidity. This accumulation of heat results in:
- Reduced animal performance
- Reduced feed intake
- Weight loss
- Decreased milk production and reproductive performance
- Poor feed conversion
- General reduction in animal welfare
To combat heat stress, Pharmacell recommends the specialized product Stress Relief, which:
- Regulates the osmotic function of cells
- Replenishes lost fluids and electrolytes
- Stimulates the animal’s appetite and maintains normal feed intake
- Activates the animal’s thermoregulation mechanism
- Reduces milk production losses
- Improves fat content and milk composition
- Reduces internal body temperature, providing a sense of well-being
Learn more about Stress Relief.
What are mycotoxins and how are they managed?
Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by certain fungi through their secondary metabolism. Even at very low concentrations, they can have serious effects on animal health and productivity, negatively impacting growth, fertility, and reproduction. Additionally, they result in the production of lower-quality animal products.
Particularly dangerous is the simultaneous presence of two or more mycotoxins, as their synergistic interaction amplifies the negative effects, often to a degree that cannot yet be quantitatively measured.
Preventing these adverse effects can be achieved through the use of a suitable mycotoxin binder, selected based on the type of contamination and the symptoms observed in the animals.
Pharmacell offers specialized solutions with a wide range of mycotoxin-binding products, such as Biotox Activ8, Biotox Farm, and Vitafix Select.
View all our products here: TOXIN BINDERS
What are probiotics and prebiotics, and what is their action?
Probiotics are various microorganisms that contribute to stabilizing the intestinal microflora. They are live microorganisms that work by maintaining a beneficial microflora for the animal. They multiply in the digestive tract and compete with pathogenic bacteria by producing acids and lowering the pH, thus altering the metabolism of pathogenic microorganisms.
Prebiotics are substances that can resist the acidic environment of the stomach, are not hydrolyzed by digestive enzymes, are fermented by the intestinal microflora, and selectively stimulate the growth or activity of intestinal microorganisms associated with the health and well-being of animals.
The combined use of probiotics and prebiotics in the diet of productive animals offers multiple benefits:
- Protection of intestinal health
- Improved digestion and nutrient utilization
- Strengthening the immune system
- Reduction in the need for antibiotics
- Increased and qualitatively upgraded production
Learn more about our specialized probiotics and prebiotics here: PROBIOTICS & PREBIOTICS.
What is the preparation for lambing and what is its importance?
The preparation for lambing is defined as the period of the last 6 weeks before the onset of lambing. Preparing the lambing diet is of utmost importance, as it aims to properly cover the needs of the pregnant animal and the fetus or fetuses being carried. Specifically, this period is characterized by the rapid development of the fetus and the significant increase in the nutritional needs of the mother.
The importance of preparing a targeted diet tailored to the needs of each farm, as well as the productive characteristics of the animals being raised, lies in the following reasons:
- Ensuring proper fetal development
- Production of quality colostrum in increased quantity
- Prevention of Pregnancy Toxemia
- Optimal mammary gland development
- Reduction of offspring mortality
- Maintaining the mother’s desired body weight
The team of specialized nutrition veterinarians at Pharmacell can ensure a lambing preparation period tailored to the needs of your livestock farm.
Learn more about our specialized lambing preparation feed here: GK2600 S, OPTI+EWE PREPARATION OF LAMBING 30%, ENERGY UP+, RUMINTA ENERGY MULTI-MAX F, RUMINTA ENERGY MULTI-MAX.
What is the calving preparation period in dairy cows (close-up) and what is its importance?
The preparation for calving in dairy cows is defined as the last 3 weeks of gestation. The formulation of the close-up ration is of utmost importance, as it aims to fully cover the maintenance and gestation requirements of the animal, while also preparing it for the upcoming calving and subsequent lactation period. The rapid development of the fetus increases the nutritional demands of the dam, while at the same time feed intake capacity is reduced. In parallel, there is an increased risk of metabolic disorders immediately after calving, such as hypocalcemia and ketosis.
Therefore, the objectives in formulating close-up rations are:
- Ensuring proper fetal development and a smooth, uncomplicated calving (eutocia)
- Production of high-quality colostrum in increased quantity
- Optimal mammary gland development
- Gradual adaptation of the rumen microbial population to the lactation diet
- Prevention of ketosis
- Prevention of hypocalcemia and retention of fetal membranes, especially in animals after the second calving
- Ensuring the best possible onset of milk production
The team of specialized nutrition veterinarians at Pharmacell can ensure a successful transition into the subsequent lactation period, in an accurate yet simple way, tailored to the needs of each dairy farmer.
Learn more about our specialized calving preparation feed here: GK5610, ENERGY UP+, RUMINTA ENERGY MULTI-MAX F, RUMINTA ENERGY MULTI-MAX.
About Feed Supplements
What are feed supplements?
Feed supplements are specialized products designed to increase the nutritional value of complete animal feeds. Such supplements tend to fill nutritional gaps in an animal’s nutrition to ensure optimal health. They may include specific vitamins and minerals, proteins, probiotics, and certain herbal supplements, which can be further categorized based on their structure, function, or method of administration.
Product Categories of Feed Supplements
Feed supplements come in a wide variety, each designed to meet specific nutritional needs:
Feed supplements containing vitamins, macro-elements, minerals & trace elements:
- Provide essential vitamins such as A, D, E, and B-complex.
- Play a crucial role in bone development, immune system function, and overall metabolism.
- Common macro-elements include calcium and phosphorus, while trace elements include zinc and selenium.
Feed supplements containing proteins & amino acids:
- Support muscle growth and tissue repair in animals.
- Typically contain soy, soy concentrates, and key amino acids, such as lysine and methionine.
Feed supplements containing prebiotics & probiotics:
- Promote healthy digestive function and enhance nutrient absorption.
- Widely used in ruminant and poultry diets to maintain a balanced gut microflora.
- Help break down complex feed components for more efficient nutrient utilization.
- May include enzymes such as phytase and protease.
Feed supplements containing natural & herbal additives:
- Contain natural herbal extracts that support disease prevention and overall wellness.
- Examples include chlorophyll from herbs, turmeric, and milk thistle.
Feed supplements containing fats & energy-providing substances:
- Boost energy levels in high-performance animals, such as lactating cows and poultry.
- Common sources include plant oils and metabolically resistant fats.
How to Choose the Right Feed Supplement
Choosing the appropriate feed supplement depends on the type of livestock animal, its stage of production and life, and other specific nutritional needs. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Species-specific requirements: Each animal species at every stage of life has unique nutritional needs. For example, young layers require high levels of calcium for egg production, whereas cows need higher fiber content in their nutrition.
- Ingredient quality: Ensure the feed supplement contains natural and easily digestible ingredients for maximum effectiveness.
- Veterinarian advice: Always consult a specialist to determine what will best optimize the health, welfare, and productivity of your livestock.
- Manufacturer reliability: Purchase from reputable brands known for their reliability in animal nutrition.
- Certified and approved products: Make sure the feed supplement is certified and complies with regulations that eliminate harmful additives or contamination.
Benefits of Using Feed Supplements
Implementing proper feeding strategies through well-balanced rations and the correct use of feed supplements can significantly enhance growth, immunity, and overall productivity in animals.
Key benefits include:
- Enhanced growth: Feed supplements provide essential proteins, amino acids, and energy sources that support optimal growth.
- Improved livestock health: Many feed supplements are formulated to promote livestock performance, increasing fertility and offspring survival.
- Higher dairy and meat production: Targeted feed supplements boost dairy production in ruminants and enhance muscle growth in meat-producing animals.
- Complete nutrition: Feed supplements help to ensure that the animal receive all essential nutrients, preventing health complications that could affect performance.
- Prevention of nutrient deficiencies: Feed supplements reduce the risk of deficiency-related conditions such as rickets, weak bones, and low energy.
- Increased productivity: Farmers using appropriate feed supplements report higher weight gains, better reproduction rates, and increased milk production.
- Enhanced immunity: Immune-supporting feed supplements help reduce disease risk, promoting overall health and welfare.
- Lower veterinary and medication costs: While feed supplements have an initial cost, they can reduce future medical expenses, making them a cost-effective solution for maintaining healthy, livestock animals.
Why Dingonatura Pet Food Stands Out
How and where are DingoNatura foods made?
DingoNatura is involved in every phase of its product development, as the company operates its own production centers in various cities across Spain. This includes selecting ingredients and suppliers, designing recipes, acquiring machinery for its plants, supervising and ensuring quality control, as well as distributing and marketing all products.
Whenever possible, DingoNatura collaborates with farmers and ranchers located close to its manufacturing facilities. This approach helps reduce the company’s carbon footprint by minimizing transportation time for ingredients and contributes to better care of the planet.
Are all Dingonatura’s products natural?
All foods produced by DingoNatura for its various brands are made with natural ingredients. This means that no artificial colors or preservatives are used, ensuring that dogs and cats receive the best that nature has to offer.
Occasionally, the kibble may vary slightly in color or size. These natural variations occur because the recipes do not include artificial colors or strong chemical stabilizers. Such differences are normal and do not affect the quality or nutritional value of the food.
What makes Natura Diet Cats special?
Natura Diet Cats stands out for its positive effect on a cat’s emotional well-being and its unmatched taste. Stress is common in cats and often difficult to detect. The use of ingredients such as valerian, catnip, and tryptophan in all Natura Diet Cats recipes helps cats better adapt to stressful situations and express their natural behavior. Gourmet chicken and salmon, combined with selected superfoods such as anise, ginger, cranberries, and fenugreek, fully meet a cat’s needs for aroma, taste, and texture.
See all Natura Diet Cats products here.
What is the difference between fresh and dehydrated meat?
The term “fresh” refers to meat used in pet food production that undergoes no processing other than maintaining the cold chain. In contrast, dehydrated meat contains significantly less water, making it more concentrated compared to fresh meat. The moisture content of fresh meat ranges from 65% to 75%, depending on the type. As a result, the protein content is higher in dehydrated meat, allowing smaller amounts to be used in the recipe compared to fresh meat.
