Bridging the Forage Gap: The Rising Need for Animal and Equine Supplements

Poor harvests hit the headlines, but for grazing animals, it's not just a quantity issue; it's also a quality one. Forage (grass, hay, haylage and silage) is the primary diet for the majority of the UK's ruminant animals and horses. So, any decline in the nutritional value of that main food source can have serious consequences for the UK's livestock-centred businesses. 

How does extreme weather affect forage nutrition?

The last decade was 1.24°C warmer and 10% wetter than the previous 40 years, with 2025 being the hottest on record, according to the Met Office. This extended period of drought, heat waves, and flooding has exacted a heavy toll on the UK's forage. A study run by Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) found that protein values fell and fibre levels increased at higher temperatures. 

These findings were echoed by research from Aberystwyth University, which showed that forage has lower nutritional value and is harder to digest in hotter years. As extreme heatwaves and flash floods become more common in the UK, the rate of nutritional crop decline has increased. This lowering of pasture quality is hitting agri-business hard.

How are agri-businesses affected by the decline in forage nutrition?

There is a heavy economic impact when livestock gets less nutrition per kilo of forage. It means reduced weight gain in beef cattle and lower milk production for dairy herds. It lengthens reproduction cycles, which means fewer offspring each year. The net result is a decrease in revenue for hard-pressed agri-businesses.

Poor forage quality means costs can increase, too. Higher fibre levels make forage harder to digest, lessening meat and milk quality. It can also lead to health issues and increased veterinary costs. For the many UK grazing farms already operating on tight profit margins, the situation is serious.

How can animal and equine supplements support forage?

Animal and equine dietary supplements play a crucial role in bridging that nutrition gap. In the UK, tailored supplements can mitigate many of the issues caused by subpar forage. 

One of the most important roles of supplements is to improve the digestibility and energy of livestock. Nitrogen and carbohydrate diet additives feed the bacteria in the rumen, which helps to break down high-fibre forage more quickly. This means that animals can effectively consume about 10% more energy, preserving their strength and milk production.

The other option is to add bypass proteins; these proteins are designed to be absorbed directly into the small intestine.  This targeted protein hit can help boost growth and protect milk output, which is so essential for dairy farmers' income.

Animal supplements can also be used to redress nutritional imbalance, correcting mineral and vitamin deficiencies left by poor forage quality. Immune support, high-magnesium, calcium and phosphorus supplements can support skeletal and metabolic health, helping prevent illness and disease.

As extreme weather events become the new normal and their toll on the UK's pastures becomes normal too, the need for animal supplements is likely to grow. In today's volatile geopolitical climate, protecting the UK's food security matters more than ever, making agri-supplements an essential area for research and development.

As forage quality declines, livestock feed supplements are helping to bridge the nutrition gap

Invopak's livestock feed and supplement packaging

Airtight, watertight and pest-proof packaging is a must to keep agri-supplements safe when they are shipped and stored. Rigid packaging, such as Invopak's plastic buckets, is ideal. Our industrial buckets are durable, strong, lightweight, easy to open and close, and gnaw-proof! They are also available in a wide range of sizes from 1 litre to 30 litres.

We also offer a range of other livestock supplement packaging options, including plastic bottles and jerry cans, as well as bulk storage containers, including plastic drums, kegs and IBCs. Please get in touch with the team if you'd like a tailored quote for your animal supplements or to find out about printed packaging options. Our printed buckets and tubs are a popular option for wholesalers and manufacturers, and our MOQs are low.