Challenges

We know how important the health of your herd is. Use our Challenges Directory below to quickly identify your herd’s challenge and confidently take action.

Choose a farming challenge below to explore the options.

Agvance Nutrition works with dairy herds across New Zealand to sort common (and uncommon) issues like acidosis, toxins, facial eczema, transition and dry cow management. Choose the challenge that looks most like what you’re dealing with, or get in touch with an Agvance consultant for clear advice on how minerals can help get your cows back on track.

Acidosis / SARA

Sub acute ruminal acidosis happens when cows eat high energy, low fibre diets, often in early lactation.

Lameness

Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is a highly infectious bacterial skin disease affecting the heels of dairy cows.

Facial Eczema

Facial eczema is caused by ingestion of Pithomyces chartarum spores, which produce toxins that damage cows' livers.

Fertility / Reproduction

Impaired fertility in dairy cows results from metabolic, nutritional, or health-related issues. High milk production weakens immune systems, leading to reproductive diseases.

Metabolic Issues

Metabolic issues in dairy cows, like milk fever, ketosis, and hypocalcaemia, often occur post-calving due to nutrient imbalances, leading to "down cows" that can't stand.

Heat Stress

Heat stress in dairy cows occurs when they cannot efficiently dissipate body heat, reducing milk production and reproductive performance.

Ketosis

Ketosis arises from an energy deficit, typically post-calving, when energy intake cannot meet the demands of milk production.

Toxins

Toxins such as mycotoxins found in pasture, maize, and silage can harm dairy cows and place strain on their systems.

Liver Function

Liver stress in early lactation often comes from metabolic issues such as ketosis or fatty liver disease.

Mastitis / High Somatic Cells

Mastitis, an udder inflammation caused by bacterial infections, leads to high somatic cell counts (SCC) in milk.

Ill Thrift

Ill-thrift in dairy cows refers to the failure to grow or maintain weight, often caused by poor nutrition, infections, or chronic disease.

Dry Cow Management

Cows need time out of milk to rebuild body condition before calving. Good dry cow management supports their health and helps set them up well for the coming season.