The Complete Liquid Mineral Solution
Modern Irish dairy cows are bred to be efficient converters of forage to milk. Efficiency, by definition means getting more from less, and with current milk process, that means maximising forage intakes and optimising the use of the relatively expensive inputs. This leads to tough decisions when it comes to choices and levels of feed and fertiliser purchased. In the face of such uncertainties, there is need for an option that allows flexibility and control when it comes to the performance of your livestock.
Farmers are being pushed more and more to maximise the productivity of their land, to grow as much grass as possible and to utilise as much of this grass as possible in order to maintain increased stocking rates and produce as much output (kgs of production per hectare) as possible. Improving soil fertility is a key factor in increasing the total yield of grass grown per hectare; however increased soil fertility does not necessarily mean that the grass itself will have higher trace element content. Mineral imbalances and deficiencies are quite common in Irish grazing scenarios, while supplementation at grass can prove difficult, especially where little or no concentrates are fed.
Grazing as much grass as possible is a noble aspiration and undoubtedly will lead to improvement in performance at a farm level. However increased stocking rates, faster growing grass varieties, improved grassland management and reduced “imported feed” and concentrates results in an increased demand for trace element supplementation. If left unmet, this demand for trace elements can manifest itself as a mineral imbalance which could seriously undermine the efforts being made to maximise farm performance. Increased incidence of illness and ill thrift are direct results of mineral deficiencies and imbalances and will ultimately impact the productivity of the farm.
The FlowMag & FlowTrace range from Nutribio, part of the Co-Operative Animal Health Group, is an ideal partner in this context. They deliver a consistent supply of minerals and trace elements through the drinking water. To reduce the risk of grass tetany and/or trace element deficiencies, concentrate supplementation and mineralised or un-mineralised rations can be supported by the variable application rate.
Mineral imbalances may be noticed in isolation or in combination. Imbalances or deficiencies of trace elements may cause ill thrift, abortion/placental retention, calf death at or around birth, reduced immunity in calves and cattle. Susceptibility to bacteria and parasites, infertility in cows, reduced fertility in bulls, lowered milk yield, lameness, slow healing of wounds and poor skin/hair quality are also key issues.
The FlowMag range supplies magnesium to aid in the prevention of Grass Tetany with optional Trace elements added and is ideal for periods of tetany risk (Early Spring, Autumn) while the FlowTrace range is an ideal partner where specific deficiencies have been identified or high levels of performance are expected.