Gut health is critical as the gut wall serves as a barrier between the animal and the environment and allows the animal to absorb important nutrients. A healthy gut allows the animal to put nutrients to use for functions like growth, health and reproductive development, leading to healthy profits. Novus International says poor gut health is sometimes not recognized because its effects are often subclinical, but it can affect an animal’s ability to absorb nutrients and digest feed, cause decreased feed intake, diarrhea, generally reduced performance, inflammation of the small intestine, oxidative stress, increased nitrogen production and gut barrier failure. Antioxidants, chelated trace minerals and plant extracts can play important roles in reducing the local effects of inflammation reducing bacterial challenges in the intestinal tracts and reducing gut barrier failure.

Role of methionine
Novus says that beef cattle can benefit from 5 to 15 grams of supplemental methionine per day. Methionine plays several roles in a cow’s metabolism, and the cow cannot produce enough of this essential amino acid on its own. It is essential for the synthesis of proteins, and required for growth and development. Methionine also protects proteins and cells from oxidation, and contributes to immune system function.

Supplementing with 15 grams of methionine hydroxy analogue is an economical way to improve performance in beef cows, including maintenance of body condition score, increased reproductive efficiency, increased milk and milk component production. In calves, it increases average daily gain and consequently calf weaning weights. In heifers, it improves gains and reproductive tract scores.
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