Frequently asked
Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if my animal is receiving the right amounts of trace elements?
Trace elements can be toxic, and this can have serious consequences on the health of an animal.
The levels and release of the trace elements are critical, so Animax calculations consider both recommended supplementation levels (from the National Research Council) and release profiles for each Copasure (USA) and Tracesure bolus to ensure all supplementation is safe, but also highly effective.
Animax manufactures a range of boluses so farmers can give the right size bolus to the right size animal (to accurately supply minerals) for quicker and easier supplementation.
When do boluses and capsules start releasing trace element(s) and how do they work?
Tracesure selenium, cobalt and iodine boluses
The trace elements are released immediately after administration, and within 24 hours there will be an increase in blood levels of all three trace elements.
1. boluses are inserted orally with a specially designed Animax applicator
2. boluses enter the rumen/reticulum and lodge there. Their optimum density minimises the chance of regurgitation.
3. the unique and proven leaching technology releases the essential trace elements at a consistent rate, compatible with animals’ daily requirements for approximately six months.
4. spent boluses eventually become enlarged and shed naturally, by being regurgitated or excreted, usually after about 12 months.
Copper capsules and boluses
The copper oxide needles are released in the rumen within 30 minutes of administration. The needles pass slowly through the ruminant stomachs for a period of 2 to 3 months and the liver reserves are topped up.
1. capsules and boluses are inserted orally using a specially designed Animax applicator
2. the copper oxide rods are released and lodge in the folds of the stomach lining
3. stores of copper build up in the liver, as the copper is absorbed in the abomasum (fourth stomach) at a steady rate
4. the copper reserves that have built up in the liver are released gradually for approximately 6 months
To minimise labour requirement, boluses and capsules can be given when sheep or cattle are already gathered for other management tasks.
Why do Tracesure boluses only contain selenium, cobalt, iodine and if required copper?
Animax’s bolus manufacturing process requires heat that would destroy any vitamins if they were added. This may apply to other bolus manufactures as well.
Trace element analysis of different forage and soil types usually indicates a deficiency of one or more of the following – selenium, cobalt, iodine and copper. Zinc deficiency is very uncommon and many bolus types supplying this would not adhere to National Research Council guidelines.
How do Tracesure boluses and Animax’s copper boluses compare to other trace element supplements?
Other ways to supplement are bagged minerals (minerals added to a ration), drenches, injections, in the water, licks and applied in fertiliser on the forage. There are pros and cons to all of these, but the main disadvantages include:
- Often short lasting, so need to be given frequently
- Release rates are variable, meaning they regularly contain lower levels of copper to avoid toxicity so animals will not get want they need
- Provide a quick but short term ‘hit’
- Controlling the intake of individual animals is a challenge as some will consume more than others
- No matter how thorough the mixing appears to be, there is a risk of unpredictable particle dispersal in TMRs
- Essential trace elements are needed in such tiny quantities that small day-to-day inconsistencies can affect animal health
- Often more expensive
One method that will overcome these disadvantages is a Copasure (USA) or Tracesure leaching bolus. Even if silage or hay is plentiful enough to cover the need for bulk feed, most will be deficient in some trace elements, affecting all ruminants’ abilities to utilise forage nutrients fully. A Copasure (USA) or Tracesure bolus:
- No withhold period for milk or meat
- Is a time and cost-effective method: no double handling Administer alongside other medications and management tasks
- Provides certainty: no injections, abscesses, pain or stress to the animal
- Accurately supplies minerals: with the right size bolus for the right size animal, for a quicker and easier application
- Supplements for 6 months: product available with and without copper
- Consistently releases: flutes (cattle boluses only) and unique leaching bolus technology for a consistent and safe supply of trace elements, compatible with animals’ daily requirements
- Safer way: unique leaching bolus technology for a safer way to supply trace elements, without toxicity
Can your boluses and capsules be given to pregnant cows and ewes?
Yes
What product can I give to pre-ruminants?
Pardevit Small & Young Ruminants and Pardevit E Small & Young Ruminants, multi mineral and vitamin drenches are ideal to use before Tracesure boluses can be given.
They rapidly increase levels of essential vitamins and minerals for growth and development, giving small and young ruminants the best start. A functioning rumen is needed to give Tracesure boluses and copper capsules and boluses.
Do you sell any products that reduce the risk of milk fever?
Our Easycal Capsules and Easycal Paste do exactly that, as well as reducing the risk of subclinical calcium deficiency.
These products also contain 40% more calcium than most other supplements, and in the form of calcium carbonate which is non-irritant, so can be given as often as needed, even every 12 hours.
What is the difference between a forage analysis and blood test? When are they useful?
A blood sample can be useful to confirm deficiencies but some of the parameters measured can be a snapshot at one time point, reflective of the supplementation situation a few months ago or require interpretation of plasma copper and liver copper.
Different types of blood samples are required to measure different trace elements and energy levels. Blood samples can be more useful when there is an issue or clinical problem but may not always predict what is going to happen.
Forage analysis will indicate what the diet is likely to be and therefore predict possible deficiencies. They can also provide information about energy, protein and quality as well as macro and trace elements.
Knowing your soil type will indicate what is in the forage and allow better understanding of the antagonists for example.
How sustainable is your product packaging?
Without compromising the high quality of our products, we are working to build an ever more sustainable business, with the aim of making our products and packaging more carbon neutral.
Look out for our ‘Packaging 100% recyclable’ statement and logo. Animax also continue to generate electricity from solar panels on every roof of our factory.
Will the trace elements pass through to the unborn and through the milk?
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Cattle FAQs
Why can coat change (colour for example) vary in both calves and cattle?
Both colour and texture are complicated and while a brown/foxy or poor coat can indicate copper deficiency there are other factors to consider.
If copper has been given according to guidelines, then do not administer more copper unless veterinary advice and or tests indicate to.
When is the best time to bolus calves?
Copper capsules and boluses
- New Zealand: at weaning, then 4 – 6 months later
- USA: at weaning, and 4 – 6 months later
- Other:
nutritional: prior to start of grazing season, then at 6-month intervals
medicinal: for treatment and prevention of copper deficiency
Tracesure boluses
- New Zealand: at weaning, then 4 – 6 months later
- Other: at weaning, when ruminating, when on solid food or before turning onto grass
Please see product label for full information
What benefits have other farmers found by giving a Tracesure calf bolus?
With the essential trace elements included in a Tracesure calf bolus farmers can:
- hit target weights earlier
- save on feed costs and get more from grass
- support development
- avoid growth check at weaning
- supply copper which is critical for born strength in growing animals
What benefits have other farmers found by giving a Tracesure cattle bolus?
With the essential trace elements included in a Tracesure cattle bolus farmers can:
- increase milk yield
- reduce the risk of retained cleansings
- support post calving, to get back into calf quicker
- hit fertility targets
- support foetus development/colostrum supply
- hit target weights earlier
- support immune response
- supply copper which is critical for born strength and fertility
When is the best time to bolus cattle?
Copper capsules and boluses
- USA: at spring calving and 6 months later
- Other:
nutritional: prior to start of grazing season, then at 6-month intervals
medicinal: for treatment and prevention of copper deficiency
Tracesure boluses
- New Zealand: pre-calving and 6 months later
- Other:
Cattle 200 – 500 kg
- dairy heifers: pre-bulling and pre-calving
- spring calving dairy: pre-calving and fertility
- all year and autumn calving dairy: housing and pre-turnout
- suckler cows: pre-calving and fertility in spring and autumn
Cattle over 500 kg
- spring calving dairy: pre-calving and fertility
- all year and autumn calving dairy: housing and pre-turnout
- suckler cows: pre-calving and fertility in spring and autumn
Please see product label for full information
Are your products suitable for organic farms?
Animax trace element products comply with European Union and National Research Council (NRC) guidelines regarding advisable levels for daily intake.
Animax Tracesure cattle and sheep bolus range contain salts of trace elements, binder (rosin) and inert metal ballast of zinc and copper which is not available to the animal. The trace elements are cobalt sulfate heptahydrate, calcium iodate, selenium selenite, potassium iodide The copper oxide needle bolus contain copper oxide and a wax binder. None of these products are genetically modified.
As the products are listed on the permitted nutritional list they are not classified as medicinal. There is no need for a withdrawal period with regards residues in food producing animals. This is only applied to products classified as medicinal and where residues may pose a safety issue to people consuming the product.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Sheep FAQs
When is the best time to bolus lambs?
Copper capsules and boluses
• New Zealand: for treatment and prevention of copper deficiency
• Other:
nutritional: prior to start of grazing season, then at 6-month intervals
medicinal: for treatment and prevention of copper deficiency, and prolonged release of copper
Tracesure boluses
• Other: at weaning and when finishing
Please see product label for full product information
What benefits have other farmers found by giving a Tracesure lamb bolus?
With the essential trace elements included in a Tracesure lamb bolus farmers can:
• finish quicker
• give lambs the best start
• hit target weights earlier
• support development
• for growth and vitality
• for healthy immune responses
• support thyroid activity
• for improved vigour and cell function
• save on feed costs and get more from grass
How essential is copper pre lambing with regards to preventing swayback in lambs?
It is extremely important to supplement prior to and during pregnancy in sheep to prevent swayback. We offer a range of medicinal copper products.
When is the best time to bolus sheep?
Copper capsules and boluses
• New Zealand: for treatment and prevention of copper deficiency
• Other:
nutritional: prior to start of grazing season, then at 6-month intervals
medicinal: for treatment and prevention of copper deficiency, and prolonged release of copper
Tracesure boluses
• Other: pre-breeding and pre-lambing
Please see product label for full product information
What benefits have other farmer found by giving a Tracesure sheep bolus?
With the essential trace elements included in a Tracesure sheep bolus farmers can:
• give lambs the best start
• hit target weights earlier
• for growth and vitality
• hit fertility targets
• support ovarian function
• for healthy immune responses
• for improved vigour and cell function
• save on feed costs and get more from grass
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Goat FAQs
Is Copasure used to control Haemonchus infections (Barber Pole Worms)?
Yes
Will it pass through to the unborn kid and will it pass through the milk?
Yes
What does copper deficiency lead to?
Poor growth, poor fertility, and increased risk of other diseases
Can too much copper be toxic to animal?
This depends on how much copper is in the rest of the diet. Discuss with your Nutritionist or Vet.
Can Copasure two 2 gram be given in place of one 4 gram?
Yes
Can it be given to pregnant nannies?
Yes
How long before results are noticed?
The copper is released straight away, it may take a few weeks for all deficiencies to be remedied for example fertility
How long will the effects last?
Give every six months, dependent on the diet and other factor such as growing stage of animal, pregnancy and lactating.
Is a prescription required?
No prescription is required, this is a feed supplement
Superior Performance
Advice & results
We continue to offer trusted advice and supplements whatever the weather, since 1982.
World champion Garret Behan chooses Animax's cattle boluses
NFU stockman of the year Gary Howells chooses Tracesure cattle boluses
Animax specialists explain how to reduce risk of milk fever
Award winning John Donohoe chooses Animax's sheep boluses
