Seasonal Advice - October 2008
Welcome to our October issue of the mineral clinic. The weather has been creating havoc again this year, leaving some farmers with no other alternative but to house stock and begin to feed a winter ration. Some farmers have been unable to get the harvest in, and many farms are going to be left short of both forage and cereals this year, Crimping has been a popular choice for many. Please read on for advice on this months topics...
Improving Cattle Fertility
This year we have seen a steep rise in infertility, particularly in cattle. There are several factors that could be the cause of this, not least of all the weather we have been experiencing. In warm, moist conditions grass will grow at a very rapid rate, this means that the uptake of minerals from the soil is reduced, meaning that deficiencies may occur. Also after wet weather the grass may become contaminated with soil, this can lead to higher levels of mineral antagonists being ingested, for example molybdenum or iron. A higher uptake of these can cause mineral interactions in the gut, reducing the availability of trace elements even further. To avoid this, protected trace elements should be used. Bad weather can also upset the metabolism in high yielding Dairy cows, which in turn upsets the hormone balance. Orvec Stimulus is a unique fertility aid for all farm stock. It can be fed as Orvec Stimulus Granules which can be top dressed or fed in mix (cattle only), alternatively it is available in a free access tub form Tub QS (Quick Serve) for cattle or Tub ST (Super Tup) for sheep. These products all contain hormone stimulants & energy catalysts as well as a complete spectrum of Minerals, Trace elements (many protected) & Vitamins. Feed for a period of 6 weeks for maximum benefit.
Have you crimped?
Several farmers have had to crimp their cereals for the first time, if only to get the crop off the field this year. Crimped grain is an excellent home grown feed, with a higher feeding out value compared to conventionally harvested crops. When feeds are crimped or are moist, the preserving process destroys the Vitamin E. Therefore this important vitamin must be supplemented when crimped crops are fed. Moist Grain powdered mineral has been specifically formulated for all moist feeds. As well as a high Vitamin E content, it contains all the major minerals and trace elements in a combination designed to balance moist cereal diets for optimum performance.
Improve your flock’s feet
With the wet weather that we have been experiencing the condition of your sheeps feet may be suffering. Poor hoof quality can lead to a variety of lameness problems, which can have an adverse effect on the performance of your flock, effecting both finishing lambs and tupping/in lamb ewes.
What we would recommend is a combination of Tub SF (Sheep’s Feet), Aquatrace Sheeps Feet Footbath and good foot husbandry. Tub SF contains high levels of protected zinc & biotin to help harden the horn, as well as a full compliment of trace elements, vitamins & minerals. Aquatrace Sheeps Feet Footbath can also help fight the problem and is the ideal partner for Tub SF. Please bear in mind that improving the quality of the structure of the feet will take time, and it may be 6-8 weeks before ay improvement is seen.
Reduce housing stress
With the wet weather looking to continue, many farmers are bringing stock in. With the atmosphere being warm and damp, respiratory problems can add to the stress of housing. We would recommend incorporating Breath-Ezee into the diet. The coarse, granular powder can be sprinkled onto feed or top dressed, and will help to clear nasal passages, stimulate appetite and voluntary feed intake, to ensure growth rates aren’t affected by respiratory stress. Breath-Ezee is also incorporated in Tub CF (Calf Tubby).
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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