the dival feed diversity index:

promoting nutritional diversity and protein self-sufficiency in the feed trough

Designed by Valorex, DIVAL is the only existing feed ration index that enables the diversity of a feed ration to be assessed. The aim is to highlight good feed practices on cattle, pig and poultry farms to consumers.

A first in France: assessing feed diversity in rations

Just as dietary diversity is recommended for humans, the scientific literature makes a solid case for extending this principle to livestock feed. The positive impact of this approach is recognised in three areas:

• Zootechnical:
  Promoting diversity in animal feed through the addition of oilseeds and protein-rich plants optimises its content in valuable nutrients such as fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins. It has been proven that these compounds have multiple physiological functions and are particularly beneficial for animal body condition, breeding capacities and strengthening the immune system.

• Economic:
  There is a link between feed diversity and the quality of products from livestock farming, particularly in ruminants and non-ruminants, as proven by research on the benefits of a balanced intake of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

• Environmental:
  Through promoting the inclusion of locally produced legumes in feed rations, neglected crops can be replanted on arable land with a view to replacing imported soybean. This reduces consumption of fossil fuel and greenhouse gas emissions.This is the focus of the Proleval national research programme.

The aim of DIVAL is to encourage livestock farmers to diversify, using an original and innovative method for assessing their feed ration quality.

How is the DIVAL index in a feed ration calculated?

The DIVAL index of a feed ration is calculated on the basis of its raw material quality. Valorex has drawn up an objective list of DIVAL values for each raw material available for use in animal feed, organised by sector, for each of the 3 essential criteria below:

• diversity in the feed trough and nutrient bioavailability
• digestible protein content
• acceptability to society, i.e. raw material origin (where produced, GMO-free, etc.)

The

DIVAL index of a feed ration is therefore the total score obtained for all its raw materials and each of the aforementioned 3 criteria.

Winning recognition for the work of livestock farmers

DIVAL is a meeting point between profitability for livestock farmers, the expectations of society as regards human food, and environmental requirements. Its purpose is to help livestock farmers win consumer recognition of their good farming and feed practices and to enable them to make a living from them. This is achieved by including DIVAL in the specifications used by associations known by general public, such as Bleu-Blanc-Coeur or GMO-free associations.