Whether calving or drying off the time is right for trace elements

Animal wellbeing and the duty of care are high priorities for New Zealand farmers. To achieve longevity in our herds, and increase cow selection flexibility, trace element and mineral nutrition must remain integral to the farm’s best practices.

Whether autumn herds that have started calving and are planning mating or spring herds that are near drying off, the herd needs essential trace elements and minerals year-round.

Data serves as a valuable tool for identifying areas of lost productivity, poor reproductive outcomes, reduced days in milk, and high animal health costs. Trace elements and mineral deficiencies are often underlying issues that are difficult to detect without further investigation.

Blood and/or liver testing; count the number of cases of animal health issues; review empty cows for underlying health issues, and herd testing results provide data to identify where profitability is being eroded.

Selenium, copper, cobalt, iodine, zinc, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus can impact cow health. Blood tests to understand how deficiencies in these may be contributing to animal health issues in your herd, such as mastitis, lameness or cows not cleaning well, are an investment. Working with your local Farm Source Rep, Bell-Booth Territory Manager or vet to interpret results along with the other relevant herd information can help resolve the problem.

For spring herds their best opportunity to build their trace element status is well before calving. For autumn herds, the focus is on preparing for reproduction early and ensuring cows have recovered well from calving.

This is also the time to consider the next group of heifers to enter the herd. They are likely to be on marginal land; therefore, they have less pasture nutrient availability and often have limited access to trace elements that support their rapid growth rates. A blood test for these future productive animals is advisable to avoid any post-calving problems.

The range of formulations offered by Bell-Booth will address deficiencies, enhance liver storage, and support production and reproduction. Drawing on decades of experience delivering high-performance trace elements, Bell-Booth has developed formulations suitable for water medication via a Dosatron inline dispenser, feed-out wagons, ad-lib dry supplements or added to in-shed feeding system.

Formulations to suit the needs of the current or future herd

Start a Bell-Booth Intense 240 trace element programme immediately. The formulation of Intense 240 is specifically designed to address deficiencies of seven essential trace elements. Additionally, a further recommendation is to dose Bell-Booth Iodine in preparation for reproduction. Magnesium is also a priority.

R1, R2 and wintering cows

Whether the delivery method for minerals and trace elements is through medicated water or feed bins/troughs, it's essential to provide these animals with a source of key elements. Bell-Booth Intense 5 is one option; alternatively, offer a highly palatable ad-lib dry feed, such as Bell-Booth Crumble, for young animals or those on a fodderbeet or kale diet. For these animals, feed Bell-Booth Just Beet It, which contains the necessary phosphorus levels.

Organic registered dairy farms

When BioGro registered trace elements are required, Bell-Booth also offers a range of formulations to address animal health issues, fertility concerns, or support milk production.

All Bell-Booth trace element products in an orange jerry can or bag bear the Dosatron Approved Product tick of approval. This guarantees that the formulation is suitable for water medication. The high-grade raw materials used in the formulations ensure solubility and keep the formulations in suspension, so cows have access to key elements every day through their drinking water.

Look on the shelves for Bell-Booth individual trace elements that have been concentrated to lower the cost per dose, help reduce the number of plastic containers on farms, and ensure farmers have the essential trace elements needed to respond to seasonal variations.

Contact your Bell-Booth Territory Manager to review your data and blood test results, so they can provide you with clear direction and discuss a plan.

Article supplied by Bell-Booth