What does a Strangler Fig and Your Animals Immune System have in common?
July 29th, 2011 by admin
Years of research has revealed that nature applies certain underlying principles in a spectacular variety of life cycles. Nature has many important lessons for us to learn and we need to cherish these lessons. In our pursuit to Feed the Globe we have placed severe pressure on our animals ability to survive in a world of dangerous pathogens, molds and toxins. Our animals are dependent on their immune systems to neutralize and destroy these potential dangers. To achieve this nature has developed many strategies that attack or neutralize these dangers in a wide variety of ways. Nutrition provides a potent array of factors to stimulate and modulate the immune system.
A Strangler fig is a large and fast-growing tree with a fascinating life history. It begins its life as a parasite as its seed lodges in the cracks and crevices of the bark of a host. The seed germinates and sends out air roots. These air roots take in nutrients and water from the air and host tree.
Every second of the day our animals are waging a silent war against billions of Viruses, bacteria, pathogens and parasites. Their Immune System faces many challenges-stress, allergens, nutritional deficiencies, free radicals and medication. Just like the Strangler Fig starts to attack its host, dangerous pathogens, molds and toxins weaken our animals immune system and their ability to recover.
Eventually the air roots grow to reach the ground and develop their own underground root system, independent of the host tree. The stranglers send out many thin roots that snake down the trunk of the host tree or dangle as aerial roots from its branches.
Symptoms of these challenges are:
- A compromised Immune System causes a greater likelihood of infection.
- A decline in feed efficiency followed by weight loss.
- Increased susceptibility to stress and poor reproductive performance.
- Bleeding and ulcers in the digestive tract result in reduced nutrient absorption.
Without a primed and effective immune system your animals health is in serious jeopardy and vulnerable to many diseases.
When the roots reach the ground they dig in and put on a growth spurt, competing with the host tree for water and nutrients They also send out a network of roots that encircle the host tree and fuse together. As the roots grow thicker they squeeze the trunk of its host and cut off its flow of nutrients. Eventually the host dies from strangulation, insufficient sunlight and root competition, and the strangler fig stands on its own. A hollow center is all that remains of the host.
In the end these harmful side effects have a negative economic impact on any operation. Just like the Strangler Fig, when the immune system fails, infections increase and performance decreases. In order for disease to occur the Immune System must have failed. Do not underestimate the importance of your animals having a strong and healthy immune system. We need to utilize the tremendous healing powers available in nature and nutrition and harness them in the correct balance.
