Customizer – take the guesswork out of animal nutrition

Customizer is an innovative, powerful software program from Agvance that enables vets and animal nutritionists to formulate custom mineral and vitamin blends and premixes, specific to a customer’s herd requirements. In the past, blood and liver biopsy results have been supplied to farmers with simple recommendations to supplement the elements found deficient, without any professional advice on what type of element or which product would be most suitable.

Once a blend is confirmed and approved by all parties, each formulation is blended and bagged. Bags are well-labelled, indicating ingredients, daily dose rate and other relevant information.

Advantages

  • Utilise expertise – Only qualified vets or animal nutritionists have access to the program and can formulate blends. 
  • Custom blends – Target the specific deficiencies that may be affecting the health of a herd.
  • Premixes – A feed module within the program that accurately calculates mineral requirements for a transition cow.
  • Accurate reporting – Keeps accurate records so that you can track changes from season to season and make any necessary changes.
  • Easy and quick to use.
  • Total flexibility – Wide range of minerals, vitamins and additives to choose from.
  • Highly soluble blends – Easy to administer through water, feeds and drenches.
  • Access to a library of information on Customizer itself.

Timing and risk windows

Routine herd planning

Main risk: Ongoing, undetected mineral imbalances that quietly reduce productivity and fertility. Regular testing and tailored formulations prevent chronic shortfalls.

Transition periods (close‑up, calving and early lactation)

Main risk: Sudden mineral demands (especially calcium, phosphorus, magnesium) and rapid diet changes. Customised close‑up mixes reduce milk fever and down‑cow risk.

Seasonal shifts (autumn vs spring or drought vs lush growth)

Main risk: Feed quality and composition change quickly. Custom formulas adapt to higher sugar pastures, low‑fibre summer feeds or low‑phosphorus winter diets.

Youngstock and special groups

Main risk: One mix for all can under‑ or over‑supply youngstock, bulls or dry cows. Custom mixes let you target life‑stage needs.

What to do this week

  • Talk to your vet or Agvance consultant about running a Customizer review for your farm.
  • Gather recent herd data: Feed types and proportions, BCS trends, production and fertility records, and any recent blood or liver test results.
  • Identify groups that most need tailored support (close‑ups, springers, youngstock, problem mobs).
  • Decide the delivery method you can manage reliably for each group (free‑choice, dusting, water, in‑feed).
  • Arrange sampling (blood/liver) with your vet if you haven’t tested recently; this gives the Customizer data to work from.
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What to monitor

In the paddock

  • Intake consistency at breaks and at the feed pad; any shy feeders or group variability.
  • Clinical signs: Down cows, milk fever, scouring or sudden drops in appetite.
  • Group performance changes after a formula change (BCS, milk yield, temperament).

On paper

  • Results from blood and liver tests and the dates they were taken.
  • BCS and production trends by mob before and after customisation.
  • Records of formulations from Customizer and any follow‑up lab or herd responses.
  • Incidence of metabolic disease, fertility outcomes and replacement performance.

Matching products to your system

Customizer produces formulations you can deliver through the methods you use. Pick the method you can control, and Customizer will adjust ratios and carriers accordingly.

  • Free‑choice licks

Custom mixes for grazing herds where intake varies, Customizer adjusts mineral ratios to account for pasture and supplement makeup.

  • Dusting onto supplements

 Useful when cows get consistent daily supplements, Customizer recipes can be tailored to dusting concentrations and application rates.

  • Water‑soluble mixes

 Custom formulations designed to meet target doses via water systems, this system requires reliable water delivery and calibration.

  • In‑feed / premix (TMR or in‑shed)

Best for exact dosing, Customizer creates premix specs for accurate inclusion rates in feed blends.

  • Boluses / drench / targeted products

Customizer can recommend group‑level formulas and indicate when targeted individual treatments (under vet guidance) are needed for high‑risk animals.

FAQs

What is Customizer and how does it help my herd?

A. Customizer is vet‑led software that uses herd data and lab tests to create site‑specific mineral formulations so you supply the right nutrients in the right ratios for each group.

A. Recent feed breakdowns (what cows actually eat), BCS and production records, and ideally blood or liver mineral test results for the groups you want to target.

A. Some improvements (more consistent intake, fewer acute down‑cow events) can show within weeks. Herd‑level production and fertility gains take a few months and depend on follow‑up monitoring.

A. Yes, Customizer tailors formulations for free‑choice, dusting, water, in‑feed or targeted treatments based on what you can reliably manage.

A. Yes. Ongoing testing and record keeping let your vet refine formulas and confirm the herd response over time.

A. Ask your vet about Agvance Customizer or contact your Agvance Consultant to arrange a farm review and sampling plan

THE PROCESS IS SIMPLE SCIENCE
Blood and liver samples | Agvance Nutrition New Zealand
Vet Analysis Report | Agvance Nutrition New Zealand
Vet builds mineral blend | Agvance Nutrition New Zealand

Your vet takes blood and liver samples from your herd to complete biopsies for their nutritional needs

Your vet identifies herd mineral requirements, by examining analysis reports and utilizing their knowledge of the herd

Your vet builds a mineral blend on the customizer program based on herd requirement and performance

Custom mineral blends produced | Agvance Nutrition New Zealand
Optimum mineral supplementation | Agvance Nutrition New Zealand
Customizer stores history | Agvance Nutrition New Zealand

A custom blend of minerals is produced, to address your herds requirements

Production flows from a healthier animal, receiving optimum mineral supplementation

Customizer program stores the history of your blends in the database for you to reference easily in the future

Have more questions or ready to order?

Your Agvance Consultant can help you set up a loose lick plan that matches your system and the time of year. Get in touch today. Ready to order? Simply head to My Account, log in or register, and complete your order online.

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