Minerals

What supplements are given to Polyface animals, and why does it matter?

About thirty years ago, Polyface experimented with supplement products for their livestock. 

A small company named Fertrell made a product called “Nutri-Balancer” which came out on top in the experiment. Chickens (both broilers and laying hens) that received the supplement were healthier, reached maturity faster, were larger and more robust, and experienced the least incidence of illness and digestive issues compared to those that did not consume the Nutri-Balancer.

The product contains vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, in a formula that supports immune function, aids digestion, and enhances absorption of nutrients.

In addition to the Nutri-Balancer, Polyface livestock receives kelp and salt (either sea salt or Real Salt). These three supplements are given to the chickens, cows and pigs. 

Why?

After ages of over-grazing, monocropping, and application of pesticides and fertilizers, the soil is depleted of minerals and microbes. Plants and grasses that grow in this weak medium are deficient in nutrients and probiotics that are needed to sustain life. Animals that eat the grass and herbs lack the required nutrient profile for optimum health. 

For ruminants that graze on grass and herbs, the amount of supplementation needed fluctuates throughout the year. The animal knows best what it needs and when. So, the mixture of salt, kelp, and Nutri-Balalncer is always available to them. In the spring when the grass is lush, turgid, and abundant, the cows will consume the supplement in larger quantities. In the late summer and fall when the weather is dry, the grass concentrates nutrients, and the animals will eat less of the supplement.

Manure from well nourished farm animals adds to the layer of topsoil each year, which improves the quality of the soil. Human health and nutrition also improves because the meat from these animals is more nutrient dense.

The fats of pastured animals contain fat soluble vitamins A, D and K, as well as beneficial fatty acids.  One of these fatty acids is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). CLA protects against diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. It is absent in animals that do not consume grass and herbs.

Stock up on a variety of healthful fats for the winter such as butter (and ghee!), lard, beef tallow, lamb fat, and chicken schmaltz. Use them liberally — several tablespoons per day — added to soups, porridge, cooked vegetables, and meat. Use full fat raw milk, cream, and cheese.  

These fats provide the building blocks for hormones and cholesterol, involved in such functions as healing injuries, reducing inflammation, strengthening cell membranes, maintaining brain and neurological function, stabilizing mood, modulating sugar metabolism, and keeping you warm through the winter.

May you be deeply nourished.