“Since using Tracesure, there has been a noticeable improvement in conception rates, and we’ve lowered our empty rate as well”.
Watch Ben’s bolusing story
Ben Ridgeway milks 230 crossbred, spring calving cows close to Clonakilty in Co Cork. For the past three years production has averaged between 500 and 520kg of milk solids across the herd.
This level of performance is achieved from exceptionally high-quality grazed grass, silage and approximately 800kg of meals per cow. The herd is managed in order to secure the highest possible levels of milk output from grazed grass. Cow and heifer fertility is extremely high at the present time. But that wasn’t always the case.
“Up to four years ago, fertility had been an issue within the herd”, explained Ben. “I knew there was a fundamental issue impacting on the cows. So, working with my vet, the decision was taken to have a high proportion of the animals blood sampled and their trace element levels accurately assessed. The results that came back confirmed extremely low levels four key minerals – copper, cobalt, selenium and iodine. In a number of cases the concentrations detected were verging on clinical deficiency levels.”
“The decision was then taken to bolus the cows to readdress the trace element deficiency. It was agreed that the Tracesure Cattle XL best suited our needs. We went ahead on that basis and have never looked back. Fertility levels within the herd immediately improved.
“Delivering the trace elements that cows and heifers need prior to calving ensures that calves are born with lots of vigour and colostrum quality is excellent Metabolic problems; including retained cleanings, milk fevers and ketosis; have been kept to an absolute minimum”.
“The Tracesure boluses are applied twice yearly: in the run up to drying-off and prior to the breeding season. Tracesure boluses can be easily placed in the animal’s rumen. And they remain active for a full, six month period.”
Tracesure advocated by vet
Ben works closely with his veterinarian: Howard Kenny, from Faxbridge Veterinary in Clonakilty. It was their close collaboration that led to the confirmation of the trace element challenge on the Ridgeway farm in the first place.
“Trace element deficiencies are a differential diagnosis for us when looking at reduced herd fertility levels”, explained Howard. Trace element deficiencies are also associated with issues around calving, from retained foetal membranes, still births, poor calf performance and the onset of metabolic problems in freshly calved cows.”
“But it’s a case of knowing the facts. In Ben’s case several of the cows were blood sampled and a forage analysis was carried out and subsequently analysed. It was on analysing the information from both of these tests that we identified copper and selenium deficiencies in the cows along with the possibility of cobalt and iodine deficiencies due to low levels in the forage analysis.”
Howard is strongly urging dairy farmers to contact their veterinary surgeons and have a similar process followed where cases of poor herd fertility and issues around calving time have arisen.
“Once it was identified that a trace element deficiency could be potentially impacting the performance of the cows, using a bolus to address the problem was decided as the course of action to take. With individually bolusing each cow you can be confident she is getting the required supplementation needed in a highly efficient manner over a prolonged period of time”.
“Ben has been using the Tracesure boluses for the past four years. Their use along with other management changes have led to a boost in herd fertility and in the general heath of the cows and calves on the farm”.
Waxed-groove diffusion technology
Mark O’Brien, commercial manager (Ireland) at Animax, takes up that story. “Almost all forage is short in one or more essential trace elements to satisfy immune, digestive and reproductive needs. “Under supply of these nutrients can result in costly clinical or sub-clinical health and production-related issues: over supply will lead to over excretion of these mineral into the environment and/or the creation of toxicity problems for host animals”.
Tracesure boluses feature unique patented diffusion technology for a controlled release and low risk of premature passing. In practical terms this means that rumen fluid is allowed to enter the blouses and displace the trace minerals into the rumen. The diffusion gradient created allows the trace elements to be released over time in a wholly controlled manner. In contrast, dissolving or eroding boluses will break up over time. This process increases the risk of regurgitation.
“Tracesure boluses now feature waxed-grooves coated with natural beeswax, providing a partial barrier that regulates release. The outer wax starts to wear off within the first day of the bolus being administered into the reticulum, beginning the process of trace element release. However, the wax remains in the grooves up to two months, further ensuring a consistent and safe release.”
“Specifically where copper is concerned, Tracesure® boluses contain copper oxide needles that are manufactured to a pharmaceutical standard by ANIMAX”
