IT3 FOR RUMINANTS:
BETTER PRODUCTION THANKS TO A FEED RATION INDEX FOR FATS
Developed by Valorex, IT3 (Omega-3 technical index) is a formula for calculating the amount and availability of Omega-3 fats in: fodder, concentrates (raw material or mixed feed), or the entire ration. It also takes into account the proportion of Omega-3 in comparison with other fatty acids.
How is the IT3 index calculated?
Each ingredient in a feed ration (raw materials, food concentrates, fodder) has an IT3 value expressed in grams on the feed datasheet, or that can be confirmed by laboratory analyses of fodder. So it’s simply a matter of multiplying the IT3 value of each ingredient by its dry substance amount and adding all the values obtained together to arrive at the totalIT3 index of the feed ration.
Optimum IT3 level improves feed ration outcomes
Valorex has calculated the optimum level ofIT3 required to obtain the best possible outcomes for each type of farm: dairy cattle or beef cattle.
It is a mistake to think that the higher the level of IT3, the better the livestock outcomes. In actual fact, the IT3 target level varies according to:
- for dairy cattle, the length of the supplementation period and lactation stage;
- for beef cattle, the breed and type of cow.
With the help of a Valorex technician, each farm can assess its IT3 target level for achieving its performance goals.
Get in touch with us; we will explain how to calculate the ideal IT3 index for your feed rations and its use on a daily basis.