Mineral deficiencies can present themselves in various ways, some more noticeable than others. Panic usually sets in when we see major problems such as fertility issues or even worse mortalities. Minerals have an important role to play in the overall health of cattle and proper prevention with the correct supplementation at the right time can help avoid these pitfalls.

Although required in much smaller amounts than energy and protein, minerals and vitamins have a huge effect on animal performance. Ensuring that both ewe and tup requirements for these essential nutrients are met is vital to optimise tupping success and ultimately lamb output. In some situations, access to high-quality grazing might be sufficient to meet […]

June was mainly cool and dry, with average temperatures of 13°C. Large volumes of rainfall in the earlier spring months may have negatively impacted soil health, which can compromise grass quality in terms of its nutrients. Our results reflected this; grass was very low/deficient [...]

Mineral and vitamin deficiencies, or indeed too much of a good thing can alter various components of the immune system. The later effects of mineral deficiencies usually show in the form of ill thrift because of a weakened immune system. If these animals are challenged by disease or artificially via vaccination they will have a poorer response [...]

Having a clearly defined 12-week calving period, with the objective of targeting a 365-day calving interval and limiting calf mortality to less than 3% from birth to weaning should form the cornerstones in optimising farm output and the overall profitability of your suckler herd. The average gestation length for a suckler cow is 285 days […]

Minerals are the basic components of all matter, being a component part of enzymes, hormones, all cells, bone, blood and body fluids. They function in all aspects of life, from hormone and energy production, digestion, muscle contraction, regulation of body fluid and pH levels, to digestion and reproduction [...]

The final six weeks of pregnancy is the most critical phase in both the dairy and suckler cow production cycle. Nutritional management during this period has a major influence on the health and performance of both the cow and unborn calf, including post-calving fertility, which is fundamental to overall herd profitability [...]

Copper is an essential trace element, meaning it is required by animals in very small amounts (mg/d) for normal body functioning.  We often talk about copper as essential for cattle, but potentially toxic for sheep. Here, we will discuss this topic, to help you optimise copper supply [...]

Selenium is an essential trace element, meaning it is required by animals in very small amounts (mg/d) for the maintenance of normal bodily functions. Selenium acts in the body as a component of selenium-containing enzymes, or selenoproteins. Three groups of these selenoproteins are particularly important for stock health and performance [...]