Beef and dairy herds could benefit from supplementary trace elements before and after calving this spring.
Most foetal development takes place in the eight weeks to calving. Supplementation of essential trace elements and vitamins during this period can help support adequate growth, health and reproduction of both the dam and her calf.
“For dams, the balance of these nutrients will reduce calving issues, aid in quicker recovery after calving and support hormone production for better conception rates,” says Emily Hall, product manager for Nettex.
Immune system
“Unborn calves will optimise growth and development and have support in developing a healthy immune system.”
The addition of EnduraBol Pre-Calver and EnduraBol High Iodine to Nettex’s EnduraBol Cattle bolus range means cattle farmers have new options for their trace element supplementation programmes.
EnduraBol Pre-Calver consists of two boluses that provide a sustained release of six trace elements and three vitamins for up to 120 days. Nutrients include high levels of copper, zinc, iodine, cobalt, selenium, manganese and vitamins A, D3 and E.
EnduraBol High Iodine contains high levels of copper, zinc, cobalt, selenium, manganese and vitamins A, D3 and E, and has an average daily supply of 17.60mg of iodine to overcome likely deficiencies.
“Iodine is not stored within the body, so a continuous supply from the diet is required for normal production of the thyroid hormones, which control energy metabolism and metabolic rate,” says Ms Hall.
“If deficient, calving can be delayed and slowed, calves can have poor vigour and the risk of still-births increases,” she adds.
“Pastures and forages are often deficient in iodine, while brassicas and legumes contain compounds that block iodine absorption – therefore requiring a higher level of supplementation in some circumstances.”
Using a bolus rather than a drench means trace elements are delivered slowly and consistently over time – enabling the animal to optimise absorption over a longer period, says Ms Hall.
