04 Dec 2024
Building climate resilience in livestock system –Nutrinsights Dr. Tanika O’Connor
In the latest episode of the NutriInsights series, Alvaro Guzman sits down with Dr. Tanika O’Connor-Dennie, a distinguished poultry nutritionist and multidisciplinary animal scientist with over 15 years of experience. This insightful conversation delves into critical challenges in agriculture, particularly in tropical regions, and explores practical solutions for creating more resilient livestock systems.
Dr. O’Connor-Dennie shares her journey from government work with swine and ruminants to a thriving career in poultry nutrition, offering a wealth of knowledge on the role of microbiota, antibiotic-free production strategies, and addressing environmental challenges like floods and hurricanes. Her approach combines cutting-edge science with the wisdom of generational farming practices, providing actionable advice for farmers and nutritionists alike.
Bridging microbiota and nutrition
Dr. O’Connor-Dennie highlighted the critical role of microbiota management, especially with the rise of antibiotic-free (ABF) production. By leveraging strategies such as probiotics, prebiotics, and water sanitation, she minimized production dips often associated with ABF transitions. “Understanding the interaction between the microbiota, the animal’s physiology, and the environment is vital. Formulation is more than just ingredients on paper; it must reflect real-world conditions,” she noted.
Her commitment to observing animals in their environment reinforced her philosophy that effective nutrition requires both scientific knowledge and practical insight. She emphasized the importance of listening to generational farming knowledge, which can provide invaluable context for implementing nutritional strategies tailored to local conditions.
Practical approaches for environmental challenges
Dr. O’Connor-Dennie also provided practical advice for managing water quality and feed contamination during climatic disruptions like floods and hurricanes. She emphasized the importance of regular water testing and filtration systems, recommending cost-effective solutions such as 55-gallon drum filters with sand, charcoal, and stone layers.
“Water sanitation is crucial, particularly after storms, as surface water can carry contaminants like feces, lead, or oil,” she explained. Farmers should use simple tools like pH meters and chlorine treatments while ensuring water quality is fit for livestock consumption.
When addressing feed contamination, she advised strategies like incorporating mycotoxin binders, raising feed off the ground to avoid water exposure, and sealing feed storage to prevent mold growth. In one example, she shared how a farmer used clay, a natural binder, to mitigate the effects of mycotoxins in feed—a practice that aligns with traditional knowledge and modern science.
Balancing practicality and innovation
Dr. O’Connor-Dennie also stressed balancing technical solutions with affordability. She advocated for practical ventilation systems, such as celestial roofs or solar-powered fans, to improve airflow while managing costs. She cautioned against overlooking moisture control, noting its role in preventing diseases like coccidiosis, which can result in significant financial losses.
Throughout the interview, Dr. O’Connor-Dennie underscored the importance of keeping farmers’ realities at the forefront.
“We’re in the business of making profits, but it’s also about ensuring farmers can sustain their operations,” she explained.
By respecting and integrating their insights, nutritionists can craft solutions that are not only scientifically sound but also practical and impactful.
Her reflections highlight a holistic approach to poultry nutrition—one that bridges science, practicality, and empathy. As Dr. O’Connor-Dennie concluded,
“Formulation is never complete until the animals are thriving. It’s about creating systems that work for both the farmer and the livestock.”
To delve deeper into these insights and more, watch the full interview with Dr. O’Connor-Dennie on NutriNews International’s YouTube channel.
