Rehuväli

Rehuväli refers to the time interval between successive feedings for livestock. This concept is crucial in animal husbandry for optimizing digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall animal health and productivity. The optimal rehuväli varies significantly depending on the species, age, physiological state (e.g., pregnant, lactating), and the type of feed provided.

For ruminants like cattle and sheep, the rehuväli influences ruminal fermentation and the microbial ecosystem. Frequent feeding can lead to a more stable ruminal pH, reducing the risk of acidosis and promoting efficient fiber digestion. However, excessively frequent feeding might not always be practical or economically feasible. Conversely, infrequent feeding can lead to periods of hunger, potentially affecting feed intake patterns and ruminal function.

In monogastric animals such as pigs and poultry, the rehuväli is primarily related to gut transit time and nutrient availability. Young animals with faster metabolisms may require more frequent feeding to meet their energy and protein demands. For adult animals, the rehuväli can be adjusted based on the feed's digestibility and energy density. For example, high-fiber diets may necessitate a shorter rehuväli to ensure adequate intake, while easily digestible diets might allow for longer intervals.

Factors like environmental conditions, water availability, and management practices also play a role in determining the ideal rehuväli. Producers carefully consider these elements to establish feeding schedules that support animal welfare and maximize production efficiency. Deviations from the optimal rehuväli can lead to digestive disorders, reduced growth rates, decreased reproductive performance, and increased susceptibility to diseases.