For nearly 40 years, when protection from Grass Staggers (Hypomagnesaemia) is vital, the Denis Brinicombe Group has been at the forefront of supplying an easily absorbable form of magnesium in a molasses base to be made available to vulnerable stock on a free access basis.

The grazing ruminant is known to be particularly at risk from Grass Staggers because, at certain times of the year, the magnesium content of herbage can fall well below normal requirement levels.

Although the animal's skeleton contains about 70% of the total body magnesium it is only released very slowly and certainly not quickly enough at times of high demand. Additionally, magnesium is rapidly excreted in the urine so when the requirement is high there is a need for a continuous supply in an easily absorbed form.

But as grazing animals respond quickly to magnesium supplementation prevention is better and easier than cure.

Palatability can be a problem but by offering the supplementation on a liquid molasses base the natural bitterness of the magnesium chloride, a very easily absorbed form of magnesium, is overcome and the sugars (a source of energy in the rumen, where the magnesium is absorbed) help to lower the rumen pH. improving the uptake of the magnesium itself.

Along with the magnesium the Group also adds a full range of minerals, trace elements, including selenium, the 'anti-stress' element, as well as vitamin E to their Easi and Blend range of magnesium liquids.

Today, by using the modern range of feeders, labour input is reduced to a minimum while the availability of the liquid is maintained for the whole 24 hour period.

In summary the benefits of supplying magnesium during times of high demand in the form of a molassed liquid are:

•  As it is molasses based it is highly palatable
• The sugars provide almost instant energy for the animal at a time of severe stress
• The sugars lower the rumen pH, improving absorption
• There is 24 hour access - no stress period
• Zero waste, as the animals only take what is required
• Complete peace of mind that the animals are getting all their needs met