What could be a possible risk of poor herd health management?

The identification of "Higher risk of disease affecting nutrient utilization" as a possible risk of poor herd health management highlights a critical aspect of livestock nutrition. When herd health is not properly managed, animals are more vulnerable to various diseases and health issues. These health problems can impede the animal’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients effectively.

Diseases and health challenges can disrupt metabolic processes, leading to decreased absorption of essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This impairment can significantly impact not only the health of the individual animal but also the overall productivity of the herd. For instance, an animal that is sick may have reduced feed intake or altered digestive function, which can contribute to inefficient nutrient utilization and ultimately affect growth rates, reproduction outcomes, and overall herd performance.

In contrast, the other options—such as increased feed efficiency, improved overall animal performance, and lower feed costs—are typically associated with good herd health management rather than poor management. Good health allows for optimal feed utilization and better performance outcomes, while poor health management can lead to increased costs due to veterinary care, lower production rates, and poorer returns on feed investments.