Seasonal Advice - November 2008
Welcome to our November issue of the mineral clinic. Hopefully the improved weather in October will have allowed for an uneventful start to the maize harvest this year. The true cost of the poor summer will start to show when feeding out begins. Please read on for advice on this month’s topics...
Maximising your forage
The quality of this years forage is going to prove questionable. Analyses received show a wide variation level of protein, energy and intake values. This will have a major impact on stock performance. For rumen bugs to breakdown forage they have an absolute requirement for ammonia and energy in a measured supply. By using a fully formulated liquid feed, you will be providing the rumen bugs with the essential protein and energy with a compliment of vitamins and minerals to ensure that the rumen functions to its full potential. When fed on a free access basis, not only will you reduce labour costs, but you will be allowing the animal to top up their daily requirements therefore balancing the variations in the forage. By incorporating a liquid feed in the diet you can reduce the amount of concentrates used, meaning less bulk in the digestive system. This will increase dry matter intake and maximise production from forage. More information is available from your local Territory Manager or the Mineral Clinic.
A complete answer to infectious calf scours
Last month we launched a new product, 5in1 Calf Paste. This product has been designed to provide antibodies against the 5 causes of infectious scours, Rotavirus, Coronavirus, E-Coli K99, Salmonella and Cryptosporidium. This immunoprotein paste if given up to 8 hours after birth will maintain calf health in a scour risk environment and reduce the risk of a possible scour outbreak on farm. 5in1 Calf Paste is the answer for all farms that have been using our very effective Calf Caps, but have had to use the Crypto Caps as well, as many outbreaks of scour are complicated with combined infections. This paste is more cost effective than blanket vaccination of the dams, as you have the choice of which calves to treat.
And until the 30th November 08, we can offer a promotional pack of 11 for the price of 10, so you can treat one calf free.
Early Lambing Flocks
For those of you that are lambing early this year, now is the time to start thinking about pre-lambing nutrition. We would recommend Tub PPL to be made available to ewes 6-8 weeks prior to lambing. Tub PPL contains the correct balance of calcium and magnesium to ensure good milk production and acts as an aid to the prevention of calcium deficiency (lambing sickness), prolapse and ringwomb. It also contains a very high vitamin E and selenium content for healthy, vigorous lambs that get up and suckle quickly. For all flocks with a previous history of post-parturient Coccidiosis, please consider Tub PLDX, containing all the benefits of Tub PPL with the added benefit of Decoquinate to help clear up the environment providing a window of protection for all newly born lambs.
Home mixing this year?
With cereal prices dropping, many of you may be considering feeding a home mixed ration. With the available protein from cereal being lower this year, and the price of conventional protein sources increasing, you may be looking to add a more cost effective protein concentrate into your mix. The Masterfeed range offers a complete spectrum of protein concentrates, from 100% natural protein sources to 100% urea sources there is something to fit into every ration for all stock. Please speak to your local representative or call the mineral clinic on 0800 374325 for further information on this range.
DENIS BRINICOMBE GROUP
Registered Office: Fordton Industrial Estate, Crediton, Devon, UK EX17 3BZ
tel: 01363 775 115 | fax: 01363 772 114 | enquiries@brinicombe.co.uk
Company Number: 4309124 | VAT Registration Number: UK 785 4166 95
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