Effective dry cow mineral boost

THE dry cow period is a crucial recovery period for cows.

How you feed and manage your herd during this critical transition period will influence subsequent yields and fertility, along with conditions which manifest post calving, such as milk fever, metritis, ketosis, and displaced abomasums.

Many of these conditions are linked to negative energy balance where the demands for milk production exceed the energy intake of the animal. This results in the cow mobilising excess fat to meet this demand.

The dry period is a crucial time to provide appropriate supplementation. Vitamins which are critical for dry cows include vitamin D (essential in calcium and phosphorous metabolism) and vitamin E. Feeding dietary vitamin E levels of at least 1,000iu/day significantly increases health and immunity, reduces retained placenta levels, decreases milk SCC levels and aids the uterine involution (cleansing) process post calving, thus contributing to a healthier and more productive cow.

In order to combat the ever increasing threat of mineral deficiencies in modern farming systems, Agritech, through their WelminMineral Supplements range, have developed a selection of dry cow minerals to address such challenges.

It is now widely accepted that the inclusion of elements from multiple sources significantly enhances the absorption of each element. Agritech have embraced this superior approach as their Welmin Mineral range includes Copper, Selenium, Iodine and Zinc from multiple sources to ensure optimum bio availability of these key elements.

For further advice or to order from the Welmin Mineral Supplements range, visit www.agritech.ie