Independent nutritionists from around the world and nutritionists from DSM regularly update the guidelines to reflect scientific advances on animal performance and production, as well as changing industry conditions. Reviewed every 4–5 years on average, the DSM Vitamin Supplementation Guidelines provide an ongoing summary of best industry practice in meeting the vitamin needs of animals under commercial production. They take into account advances in genetics, improvements in husbandry conditions and changes in feeding practices, including those driven by the regulator.

The importance of vitamins to animal performance and animal health and wellbeing has long been known, but discussion of basic vitamin levels continues to this day, influenced by a variety of scientific, commercial and practical considerations.

OVN is cost-effective vitamin supplementation in which the level of supplementation safely meets — but does not exceed — the target for optimum health and productivity of today’s farmed animals.

OVN™ takes into account the many factors influencing animals’ feed requirements, ensuring that vitamin fortification does not limit performance. The DSM Vitamin Supplementation Guidelines provide supplementation ranges that are based on extensive academic and industry research, published requirements, and practical and commercial experience. The DSM Vitamin Supplementation Guidelines can be obtained from here. The application "DSM vitamin supplementation guidelines" for iPhone will be soon available and for free download. The one for android systems will be announced at a later stage.

The use of OVN levels also ensures the nutritional quality of foods of animal origin. Gilberto Litta, Global Category Manager Vitamins - Animal Nutrition & Health at DSM, comments: "In an increasingly competitive market, customers are looking for cost-effective feeding solutions that ensure maximum animal performance while meeting all relevant regulatory requirements. Depending on local conditions and feeding practices, a cost:benefit ratio in excess of 1:4 can be considered a good average picture achieved by the application of OVN™ levels. The DSM Vitamin Supplementation Guidelines provide expert and up-to-date guidance on best industry practice, supporting animal performance, health and well-being while offering an excellent return on the investment represented by vitamin fortification."