SOUTHAM, U.K. - eTradeWire -- 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. 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.

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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?

Tailored supplements can mitigate many of the issues caused by subpar forage, as Invopak's (https://invopak.co.uk/) CRO, Scott Sandilands, explains, "Animal and equine dietary supplements play a crucial role in bridging that nutrition gap, and we've seen a jump in demand for packaging in the sector, as a result of the UK's extreme weather in recent years."

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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.