FAO.org

Feed is in economic terms the single most important element of animal production, since feed cost can form up to 70% of the total cost of production. In addition, animal feeding affects animal productivity, environmental emissions, water pollution, land use and land use change, animal health, product safety and quality and animal welfare. This symposium proceedings address an issue of high relevance, i.e. optimization of feed use efficiency in ruminant production systems. The focus has been on enhancing Feed Conversion Efficiency, through the application of new approaches to feeding ruminants that address both rumen and animal health, and the benefits it holds for farmers, for their livestock and for society.