Seasonal Advice - September 2008
Welcome to the Monthly Mineral Clinic for September. We have been receiving calls from farmers experiencing conditions not usually associated with this time of year.
Copper Deficiency
We have had several calls regarding gingery coats and retention of last year’s winter coat. With modern applications for pasture improvement, antagonists such as sulphur, iron and molybdenum can reduce absorbed copper by up to 95%. Mineral interactions occur in the rumen, so to avoid “lock-ups” we suggest a product with ‘protected’ copper added. Tub CP (Cattle Protected), Tub SLS (Suckler Licking Stone) & Ex-Sel Advance Cow & Calf Drench all contain protected copper.
Drench 50 ewes for free
Although grass quantity may not be an issue this autumn, the quality of nutrients and trace elements may well be questionable. One easy way to ensure the trace element and vitamin status within animals bodies is kept at an optimum level is to drench with Ex-Sel Advance Tupping. Drenching ewes with 20ml 4-6 weeks prior to tupping will meet their requirements over the tupping season. Our unique formulation is based on seaweed extracts which spells an end to gun blockages and ensures that all the trace elements are totally utilised by the ewe. Until the end of October, we are offering one litre free with every 5 litres purchased – enough to treat 50 ewes free of charge!
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.
Staggers Risk
There is a prediction that staggers could be a major problem this autumn. Moist ground is the catalyst for rapid grass growth which is a major contributor to the problem. Cows cannot store magnesium in their bodies therefore need a constant supply that can be drip fed over periods of stress. Our big Stokblok Mag Plus and Easi Mag syrup are two of the most popular and widely used ways to fight the risk. Don’t leave it too late to only wish you had acted earlier.
Something to consider...
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.
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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