9 February 2011

2 minute read

Europe

The bolus, produced by Animax Ltd, a sponsor of next month’s Northern Ireland National Holstein Show, slowly releases selenium, cobalt, copper and iodine over a six-month period.

Dean Wright, who farms in County Armagh and produces a herd average of 10,200 litres, bolused his Holstein herd after his veterinary costs associated with post-calving health issues spiralled.

Mr Wright now reports a healthier herd, no retained cleansings and heifers achieving 35 litres of milk within a week of calving.

Previously, 95 per cent of his veterinary costs were incurred by post-calving problems. He describes the results from bolusing as “phenomenal’’.

“It means my bottom line will be much better due to less vet costs, healthier cows and less management issues. I see my herd peaking in yield three to four weeks earlier,’’ says Mr Wright.

The bolus, he suggests, gives him peace of mind that his herd is getting its trace element requirements of selenium, cobalt, copper and iodine. “When the cows have been bolused I can be 100 per cent sure that it is there, it takes the human error out of the situation,’’ he says.

The Moree herd, run by Bertie Kelso and his sons, Andrew and Jonathan, were bolused with Tracesure Cu/I after major problems with retained cleansings.

For several years the Kelsos had attempted to pinpoint the cause of the problem which had been affecting over a third of the herd.

They started bolusing with Tracesure Cu/I and are convinced it was responsible for the massive reduction in the incidence of retained cleansings. “You can throw minerals to cows but you have to have certain elements in there and that’s where I thought Tracesure Cu/I scored,’’ says Andrew Kelso, of Dungannon, County Tyrone.

The 180-head Moree herd has a 9,800 litre average with 4.2 per cent butterfat and 3.4 per cent protein. One of the cows, producing 16,000 litres of milk and bolused with Tracesure Cu/I, came bulling less than three weeks after calving.

“We have never had a cow with that high a production that has got back in calf so easily,’’ says Andrew Kelso.

Animax is sponsoring the best exhibitor-bred animal competition at the show in Moira on March 18th.

Sam Thompson, Animax’s representative in Northern Ireland, says the company is delighted to give its support.

“Our sales growth in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months has been phenomenal. Animax’s sponsorship at this very important event for the dairy industry in Northern Ireland further demonstrates its commitment to farmers in the region,’’ says Mr Thompson.