New Product Launch – Milk Shield

Nutribio are delighted to announce the launch of our latest product  – Milk Shield, a milk acidifier for calves which helps to support the health and immunity of calves fed whole milk.

Milk Shield is an additive for whole milk which aids digestion. Calves receiving whole milk must produce acid and enzymes in order to allow the milk to be digested. At times, this production is inadequate, and some of the milk can go undigested. This is not an efficient use of nutrients and can lead to sub-par growth performance, reduced immunity and greater susceptibility to disease.

Milk Shield improves the absorption of whole milk, allowing for improved growth rates. As a result of improved growth rates, immune function is boosted and this can lead to reduced incidences of scour and infection. In the 8 kg Milk Shield bucket, there are 533 feeds. One 15g scoop should be added to one gallon of whole milk. It can be used in both bucket and automatic feeders. One bucket in total will treat 533 gallons of whole milk (or 2423 litres).

Click here for full product details

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The Vital 90

Issue Identification

• The transition period is the biggest challenge to herd immunity and health
• The highest level of veterinary interventions is in this period (80% of yearly total = €48.00 per cow) Source: Teagasc (2015)
• Stress levels are also at their highest (for farmer and animals)
• There is a large gap between minerals supplied from feed and those required

The factors that contribute to the above issues include:

• Management
• Environment
• Nutrition

The importance of the correct mineral supplementation is well established. Proper mineral supplementation prior to calving gives easier calvings, reduces metabolic disorders and improves the health of the cow and calf.

Early Lactation Stress

Following calving, many cows fall into negative energy balance (NEB) due to the stresses of producing milk and a restricted intake capacity of the cows. Also at this time, the immune system of the cow is weakened. Dry matter intake, including supplementation, is therefore vital in order to ensure that the cow returns to an optimum health condition to prepare them for the lactation ahead and the breeding season.

Failure to administer the appropriate mineral supplemention in both the dry and post-calving period can lead to metabolic and health problems, which can worsen as time goes on.

What Minerals are Required Pre-Calving (60 days pre-calving)?

In the pre-calving transition period the objective is to minimise sub clinical and clinical milk fever. Milk fever is known as the ‘Gateway Disease’, as it leads to a number of other disorders including retained placenta, displaced abomasum and increased levels of mastitis in early lactation.

Milk fever can be prevented by feeding a good dry cow mineral, with high levels of Magnesium and Vitamin D3, along with other trace elements and vitamins that support a healthy immune system.

What Minerals are Required Post-Calving (30 days post-calving)?

In one kg of concentrate, there is typically 25g of minerals. Typically, 4-5 kg of concentrates are fed in the post calving period, along with grass and ad lib silage. This will provide approximately 100-150 g minerals, which is significantly less than the 200 – 250 g required. This gap can cause potential serious issues for the health of the herd. For the post-calving period, it is critical that calcium and magnesium are in plentiful supply in the diet in order to negate the effects of metabolic disorders. Calcium and magnesium ensure strong muscle contraction of the rumen and gastrointestinal tract. These contractions stimulate appetite and rumination, increasing dry matter intake, preventing displaced abomasum, and also prepare the animal for cycling. Calcium levels dip at calving as the cow begins milk production. It is important that blood calcium levels increase within 48 hours post calving. Concentrate supplementation will increase calcium levels in the diet although this is not always sufficient and other sources of calcium should be provided.

Trace elements such as selenium, iodine, manganese, copper, zinc all play important roles in body function and should be supplemented through the a quality post-calving mineral. The same is applicable for vitamins such A, D3 and E.

Vital 90 Summary Points

60 Days  – Pre-Calving

• Minimise sub clinical and clinical milk fever

• Milk fever leads to retained placentas, displaced abomasum and increased levels of mastitis in early lactation.

• Magnesium supplementation ensures mobilisation of calcium leading to more powerful calving and improved immune function.

• Strong immunity is achieved with antioxidants, especially selenium and vitamin E

• Potassium to magnesium ratio in the diet of the dry cow should be between 4.5/5.0:1

• Vitamins A and E, Copper, Selenium, Zinc, Iodine and Cobalt are all essential for the immune function of cows, colostrum quality and the health of the new-born calf

30 Days  – Post-Calving Period

• It is critical that calcium and magnesium are in plentiful supply to reduce the effects of metabolic disorders.

• Calcium and magnesium ensure strong muscle contraction of the rumen and gastrointestinal tract.
• These contractions stimulate appetite and rumination, increasing DMI, helping to prevent displaced abomasum, and also prepare the animal for cycling.

• Imbalances of major elements may cause rickets, lameness, milk fever, lambing sickness, tetany, reduced appetite and milk yield.

• Deficiency of trace elements may cause ill thrift, abortion/placental retention, perinatal calf death, reduced immunity in calves and cattle

• Selenium, iodine, manganese, copper and zinc all play important roles in body function and should be supplemented through a quality post-calving mineral.

• In addition to vitamins such A, D3 and E.

Dr Michael Reid (Nutribio)

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Transition Period Management for the post calving cow and newborn calf

The calving season is now well under way, and monitoring the close-up cows, the calvers and the freshly calved cows is vital to ensure a smooth transition both for the cows and the calves. During the period in the run-up to calving, the dairy cow faces a number of physiological challenges, many of which can be linked to the increasing demand of the rapidly growing calf. The cow will partition a large proportion of her energy to the unborn calf, leaving her requiring additional energy, which she mobilises from her fat reserves, leaving her predisposed to negative energy balance and under conditioning, even before calving and the beginning of the lactation. Furthermore, a negative energy balance prior to calving tends to cause difficult calvings and can lead to the cow suffering from one or more metabolic disorders.

Calving is one of the most stressful events a cow will undertake and poses a risk for both the cow and calf. A difficult calving can affect the future performance of the cow, both in terms of milk production and fertility. In the days and weeks following calving, cows dry matter intake is reduced, with it not recovering until 6 weeks post-calving. This can cause the cow to be in a state of ketosis (negative energy balance), leading to metabolic disorders such as hypocalcaemia (milk fever), metritis and fatty liver disease. All of these can negatively affect the health, immunity and future milk production.

One way to mitigate against the stresses placed on the cow during this period, and thus reducing financial loss, is the administration of one sachet of YMCP mixed with 19 litres of warm water immediately after calving. YMCP contains Yeast, Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium as well as Niacin, Zinc and other Vitamins.

• Yeast serves to “activate” the rumen and kick start the rumen of the freshly calved cow, helping to improve DMI , increase rumen fill, which reduces the risk of Displaced Abomasum occurring.
• Magnesium helps to improve calcium metabolism and can buffer the rumen to help prevent acidosis, which can occur as the diet changes from a Dry Cow mix to the Milking Cow ration.
• Calcium aids in the prevention of Milk Fever and Retained Placenta as well as improving the all-important smooth muscle function – contraction of the uterus, correct rumen function and teat canal opening and closure.
• Potassium helps maintain electrolyte balance, regulate blood pH and also impacts on energy metabolism and smooth muscle tone.
• Niacin impacts on liver health and function, while Zinc, Selenium and Vitamins A and E contribute to improved immunity.

YMCP gives the fresh cow the best possible start to her lactation, which in turn leads to less uterine infections and overall improved fertility.

It is also important to bridge the gap in minerals and vitamins in the lactating cow in addition to supporting fertility and post-partum health. ImmuBoost Fertility Post Calver is the ideal solution to this problem. It also helps in the reduction of lameness and ensures that the cow maintains a properly functioning immune system, while supporting udder health and contributing to lower somatic cell counts.

Calf Growth and Health

With regard to the calf, it is vital to give them the best start to life. Heifer rearing is a crucial component of any dairy system. It can determine future profit and sustainability of the dairy farm. There are many factors associated with calf rearing, specifically relating to environment, nutrition and management. There are also critical periods in the time from birth to breeding to first calving. From birth to weaning is one of the most crucial periods in terms of development of the calf and future performance.

Achieving target bodyweights is an integral part of rearing replacement heifers. Critical stages, such as weaning and breeding should be based on weight, rather than age. Research indicates that breeding should be completed at 60% of mature liveweight (360kg for a 600kg mature liveweight) and calving at 90% of mature liveweight (540kg for a 600kg mature liveweight). A more economical heifer rearing program can be achieved by reaching these targets earlier, with the aim of calving the heifers at 24 months.

It has been shown that during the pre-weaning period, nutrient intake can influence the development of the rumen and the mammary gland, which can determine health and future performance of the calf. Calves fed a higher plane of nutrition have improved growth performance, reach sexual maturity at an earlier age and produce more milk as lactating animals.

There are many factors that can cause issues to arise in the early stages of a calf’s life, many of which can be related to general husbandry, such as colostrum management, housing, vaccinations and disease prevention. Diseases associated with replacement heifers fall into two categories, regulatory diseases (TB and brucellosis) and non-regulatory diseases (including BVD, IBR, leptospirosis, salmonella and neosporosis). Research suggests that by reaching target weights earlier, susceptibility to such diseases is reduced.

ImmuBoost Advantage Calf Start is an easy-to-use milk additive containing a unique blend of ingredients that enhance the development of the rumen and promote increased growth rates. It can be added to whole milk or milk replacer and is used from birth to weaning. Trial data has shown sustained improvement in average daily weight gain (>200g/head/day) compared to untreated calves from birth to weaning, with a continued effect up to 38 weeks. By achieving the target weights earlier, the lifetime value of the replacement heifer is increased, with improved yield, reduced disease susceptibility/digestive upsets and improved persistency in the herd.

For more information on Fresh Cow YMCP, ImmuBoost Fertility Post Calver, ImmuBoost Advantage Calf Start or any of our product range, please contact us by submitting a contact form, call us on 021 4507303 or speak to your rep.

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Nutribio and CAHL deliver ImmuBoost Calf Grower buckets to local school

Students at Coláiste Mhuire Buttevant were recently the lucky winners of five Angus calves, when they came first in a Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition. Organised by the Irish Angus Producer Group along with its processor partners ABP Food Group and Kepak Group, the five winning students were Sharon Griffin, Annie Cronin, John Roche, Madeleine O Connell and Aoife Buckley. They all have an avid interest in agriculture and in livestock in particular. They initially had to submit a 200 word essay based on Angus Breed after which they were invited to present their findings to an interview board. They were announced as the winners in March last and were presented with the five calves by RTE’s Miriam O’Callaghan at the National Ploughing Championships last year.

Nutribio and CAHL recently delivered some free ImmuBoost Calf Grower mineral lick buckets to the students to help them rear their calves.  ImmuBoost Calf Grower contains generous levels of protected trace elements and helps growing animals perform to their full potential while maintaining healthy immune function.

Pictured are Mr. Pat Curtin, teacher; Noel Daly, Marketing Co-Ordinator, Nutribio;  winning students Sharon Griffin, Annie Cronin, John Roche and Madeleine O Connell as well as Avril Kearney, Technology Transfer and R&D, Nutribio.

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Calf Rearing – Maximising Genetic Potential and Lifetime Performance

Heifer rearing is a crucial component of any dairy system. It can determine future profit and sustainability of the dairy farm. There are many factors associated with calf rearing, specifically relating to environment, nutrition and management and there are critical periods in the time from birth to breeding to first calving. From birth to weaning is one of the most crucial periods in terms of development of the calf and future performance.

With calving now started on many farms round the country, calf rearing will become a big part of the daily routine for the next 3-4 months. It’s critical that calves get the best possible start in life, and this can be achieved through optimum intake of good quality colostrum. Following the 3-2-1 rule (3 litres of colostrum fed within 2 hours of birth from the 1^st milking after calving) will enhance the calf’s immune system in the early weeks of life. Disease pressure should also be kept to a minimum throughout the busy spring period, with calves housed in clean, dry, well ventilated sheds that are sheltered from draughts.

Achieving target bodyweights is an integral part of rearing replacement heifers. Critical stages, such as weaning and breeding should be based on weight, rather than age. Research indicates that breeding should be completed at 60% of mature liveweight (360kg for a 600kg mature liveweight) and calving at 90% of mature liveweight (540kg for a 600kg mature liveweight). A more economical heifer rearing program can be achieved by reaching these targets earlier, with the aim of calving the heifers at 24 months. Any incidence of disease throughout the first 6 months of life can have significant negative impacts on growth rates, with research showing a decline in growth rates of 8% for calves with pneumonia alone, 18% for calves with diarrhoea alone, and 29% for calves with both pneumonia and diarrhoea.

Growth rates in the first 8 weeks of life have also been shown to have profound effects on milk production later in life. A number of studies from around the world have identified a link between average daily gain in heifer calves from 0-8 weeks of age and first lactation milk yield in the same animals. Results of these studies indicate that an additional 100g/day of average daily gain in the pre-weaning period results in between 225 and 500 litres extra milk in the first lactation.

These well-documented effects of growth rates in young heifer calves on subsequent fertility and lifetime milk production show the critical importance of calf rearing during the next 3 months on Irish dairy farms. The calves born on farms in the coming weeks will have the highest EBIs (Economic Breeding Index) in the herd. Prevention of disease and achieving optimal growth rates in these calves will ensure that this genetic potential is not wasted.

Dr. Michael Reid and Dr. Ian Hutchinson.

Nutribio’s new ImmuBoost Advantage Calf Start is the ideal solution to help you maximise your calves’ genetic potential and to optimise their lifetime performance. For more information, contact us on (021) 4507303 or send us a request form. You can also speak to your rep.

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Albencare Liver Fluke Treatment Pre-Calving

1.     Fluke dosing for post-calving performance

While most studies agree that elevated liver fluke antibody levels in bulk-milk tank samples are associated with decreased milk yields, a reduction in milk solids has also been reported on some farms. Furthermore, herds with higher bulk milk antibody levels tend to have a longer calving interval, reflecting the potentially negative effects of liver fluke infections on conception and pregnancy rates. Liver fluke treatment is now an investment for freshly calved cows to return to heat earlier.

2.     Fluke dosing for Immunity

In addition to negatively affecting production, liver fluke has been identified as an immunosuppressive agent. More specifically, fluke is thought to increase susceptibility to certain bacterial infections such as Salmonellosis, and may inhibit the inflammatory response to a TB test. The immunosuppressive effect on liver fluke infestation in cows should not be underestimated. It can affect appetite and intake, with reductions of up to 12% in DMI reported. This can increase the risk of ketosis, or negative energy balance at calving, reducing the immunity of the cow and in turn reducing the immunity of the calf.

3.     When to dose for liver fluke?

Pre-calving treatment of all cows with Albencare for liver fluke is an additional boost for the calving season. The selenium aids the immune system of both the cow and calf. At this time of year, animals have been housed for three to four months and there should only be adult fluke present in the cattle. Treatment now will kill adult flukes in the bile ducts and prevent those laying eggs that will contaminate pasture. The fluke treatment, together with selenium will elevate the cows pre-calving immune system, providing for less post-calving problems and a calf with a stronger immune system.

This dose is in addition to the routine autumn/winter dosing of cattle. Contact Nutribio/CAHL for more information.

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Dry Cow Management – Hygiene and disease prevention

The current mild, damp weather conditions provide the ideal situation for diseases to thrive on Irish farms this winter. Prevention of problems is far easier and more cost effective than cure and it is important that farmers take steps now to prevent outbreaks of disease and infection on farms. The first step is hygiene in cubicle houses. Cubicles should be scraped and limed twice a day – the lime is an important factor in keeping the lying areas dry, and can also be used in straw beds. Disinfectant limes, or weekly treatment of a fine mist of disinfectant spray onto clean cubicles before liming will help to reduce the bacterial load and infection pressure. Any dry cows that pick up infections now are likely to calve down with mastitis, and will be starting the next lactation on the back foot. This is particularly important to avoid in heifers calving down in the spring.

Sheds must be well ventilated, to prevent the build-up of stale air, and it is important not to over-stock sheds. Adequate head space at the feed barrier is a vital aspect of dry cow nutrition – if space is limiting, group cows where possible to ensure all cows have access to fresh feed. Where dry cow minerals are being top-dressed on silage, ensure all cows have access to the minerals, and that supplementation is even throughout the herd.

Prepare calving pens well in advance of first expected calving date, and ensure they are cleaned and disinfected regularly throughout the busy calving period. Where possible, maintain a separate calving pen for heifers to minimise the risk of infections being passed from older cows.

Nutribio supply a range of cubicle limes including Hy-Cal 10, Bacticube and Agrical.

Contact us for further advice or information or see your local stockist.

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Severe Weather – Advice to Farmers

Farm safety

Following the recent heavy rainfall some farmland may be severely flooded. Please be extra vigilant if you have to go into water logged/flooded fields as there are hidden risks. Do not attempt to rescue stranded animal yourself. Do not go into flooded land if you can avoid it and if you do have to ensure that you tell someone where you are going.

Flooded farmland

In the event of severe flooding of farmland the following arrangements may be put in place for the movement of animals.

• In general, there is no restriction on the movement of cattle within the same holding, including onto parcels within the same holding.
• The movement of animals that are ‘in test’ from herds which are not restricted due to TB can be effected relatively easily on the basis of a Compliance Certificate which can obtained from the DVO, the local mart, the herd PVP (if registered to do so) or printed out by the herdowner himself.
• In the case of ’out of test’ animals or herds which are restricted due to TB, the movement of such animals or cattle out of these herds is prohibited except where they are going direct to slaughter.
• Exceptions to the above rules can be made where the welfare or lives of animals is threatened. Every effort must be made to prevent, if possible, and if not to limit the exposure of such animals to other TB susceptible animals.
• In the case of non-restricted herds, where the animals are at risk, the herdowner should move the animals to higher ground on his/her own farm if this is possible. If this is not possible and the herdowner is unable to get a compliance cert from the DVO or print one out himself/herself, the animals may be moved out of the holding.
• In the case of TB restricted herds, where the animals are at risk, the herdowner should move the animals to higher ground on his/her own farm if this is possible. If this is not possible and the herdowner is unable to get a movement permit from the DVO the animals may be moved out of the holding. In these circumstances the herdowner should notify the DVO as soon as possible after movement.
• Every effort must be made to prevent / limit the exposure of such animals to other TB susceptible animals.

Flooded Slurry Tanks 

In the event of flooding of slurry tanks the following emergency measures may be put in place

• In emergency cases farmers will be permitted to pump some water out of flooded tanks but only for animal welfare reasons. This concession will apply only in those areas that have been severely affected by flooding.

• Tanks should not be agitated before pumping. Use a sludge pump if possible rather than a vacuum tanker. The suction pipe should be inserted almost to the bottom of the slurry tank so that solids are not removed.

• Pump out no more than is necessary to alleviate the immediate animal welfare problem.

• If water is already above the level of the central passageway or the apron, then there is no point in pumping at all because water will continue to flow into the tank. In these cases, animals will have to be removed from the sheds.

• The water should not be discharged directly to a watercourse but onto the driest field available.

Animal Welfare Helpline

For other animal welfare issues connected with severe weather please keep in touch with your Teagasc adviser or contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Animal Welfare Helpline on:

• Call Save: 0761 064408
• Phone: 01 6072379

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Nutribio and CAHL recently sponsored 2 awards at the CIT (Cork Institute of Technology) Faculty of Business and Humanities awards 2015. The awards sponsored were the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, which went to Alan O’Mahony and the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agriculture which went to Caroline O’Sullivan. Caroline’s sister accepted the award on her behalf.

Noel Daly, Marketing Co-Ordinator for the Co-Operative Animal Health Group presented both awards on the night and said  “This is something we commit to every year and we are delighted to be able to contribute to the further education of our young people, particularly within the agri sector.”

Congratulations to all students who accepted these special merit awards on the night from all the team at Nutribio and CAHL.

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