Bagged minerals are the go-to for many livestock production systems. And, being precisely formulated to cater to each herds needs, they certainly have their place.
But with trace elements required in relatively miniscule levels on a daily basis, there is a risk that livestock won’t get a consistent supply of trace elements from their diet.
For example, the daily selenium requirement for 180 cows would fit into a salt sachet (the type you get at the fish and chippy!).
To disperse trace elements in bagged minerals within, let’s say a 5-tonne TMR mix, is a pretty tall order. No matter how thorough the mixing appears to be, there is always a risk of unpredictable particle dispersal in TMR’s, which can jeopardise animal performance.
There’s also the challenge of ensuring every animal eats enough every day. Intakes can be impacted by:
- Appetite suppression, in the dry cow period for example
- Animals bulling and/or unwell
- Inadequate feed space
- Inadequate water intakes
- A pecking order within a group
Recommended read: AHDB vitamin and mineral tables
Trace element “insurance scheme”
Bolusing is most commonly utilised in more extensive grazing systems, where supplementary feeding with TMR and bagged minerals or free-access licks is not required because the base diet is offering sufficient macro nutrients.
However, there is certainly a place for bolusing when the system is more intensive. In fact, there is arguably a stronger case, as these systems tend to be focussed on the marginal gains that can be accomplished through precision management.
ANIMAX Tracesure is the premium bolus offering precision, efficiency and ease:
- Consistent supply from the featured diffusion technology
- Slow release from the waxed-groove outer shape and coating
- Quality copper from in-house manufactured copper oxide needles
- Single application from the trace element-dense composition
Leaving you rest-assured that every animal has enough trace elements every day for up to 6 months. No if’s, but’s or maybe’s.
FIND YOUR LOCAL ANIMAX TRACESURE STOCKIST
