Seasonal Advice - March 2009
When the weather is as unpredictable as it has been this February, it can play havoc with animal health and performance, particularly coupled with the poor quality forage that many farms have been left with. Intakes and requirements of nutrients are likely to increase to enable the animal to remain productive. Thoughts may be turning to turnout and the issues that can arise with this period. Please read on for our advice this month….
Metabolic disturbances in pre-lambing ewes
About 75% of foetal growth occurs in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy. Protein and in particular energy nutrition is of utmost importance during this time. In twin bearing ewes they will often have problems synthesising enough energy to cope with the foetal demand for glucose. This problem is exacerbated in the cold, wet & windy conditions that we have been experiencing, as access to supply of the increased demand for nutrients can be restricted. This is when “Twin Lamb Disease” can be a problem.
There are several preventative measures that can be taken to protect your flock from this debilitating disease. Acetona is a unique high energy supplement, which helps to mobilise the ewes back fat that was laid down throughout the pregnancy. This allows her to have a constant supply of readily available energy at her disposal. Acetona can be incorporated into your home mix or is added as standard to the following products.
Easi-Lamber liquid feed can be introduced 4 weeks prior to lambing, reducing the amount of concentrate that needs to be consumed. Essential when the rumen throughput may be reduced due to the lambs’ size. StokBlok Easi-Lamber a molassed feed block that can be incorporated into the overall ration. Tub TL (Twin Lamb) is designed to be used alongside concentrate feeding to provide the extra energy that may be deficient in the diet.
Staggers prevention
With all the cold, wet weather we have had, and the very real possibility of it continuing into spring, effective, palatable magnesium supplementation is a must for all stock. Easi-Mag is a palatable molassed liquid feed that should be made available on a free-access basis 24 hours a day. Alternatively it is also available in solid form either as a 25kg or 100kg tub, known as StokBlok Mag Plus. Both products are molassed based ensuring good intakes at critical times.
Want to improve next winters feed crop?
This spring we are offering deals on additives for wholecrop & maize silage, additives for crimping and acids for grass silage. These offers are only available until the end of March 2009, and if booked now we can offer delayed payment incentives as well. Please contact your local representative for more details on these offers.
Cattle drinking urine?
We are getting a number of calls regarding cattle drinking urine. This is a sure sign that all is not well with the cows digestion. Tub AUD (anti-urine drinking) helps to restore normal pH and encourages saliva production to optimise rumen fermentation activity. The addition of a rumen-specific live yeast also plays a part in improving forage digestion. If left untreated, urine drinking can become a habit that is impossible to break. If your cattle are drinking dirty water, nip it in the bud, otherwise eventually other costly metabolic disorders will become apparent.
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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