USING MINERALS TO GET AHEAD OF HEAT STRESS
As temperatures rise, our cows face the challenge of maintaining production and health while battling the heat. Heat stress doesn’t just affect cows’ comfort – it directly impacts milk yield, reproduction, and overall well-being. One of the most effective ways to prevent the worst effects of heat stress is ensuring cows have the right balance […]
HOW FEEDING THE CORRECT MINERALS DURING PREGNANCY BOOSTS COW AND CALF HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY
Raising strong, healthy cows isn’t just about the day-to-day feed and setting up future generations for success. Because calves rely on nutrients from their mother during fetal development, mineral intake during a cow’s pregnancy is one of the most important factors in achieving this goal. Known as ‘fetal programming,’ the idea is that a calf’s […]
BUILDING REPRODUCTIVE RESILIENCE THROUGH MINERAL SUPPLEMENTATION
Dairy cow productivity is usually focused on daily milk yields, however, reproduction is an important aspect when it comes to performance longevity. Cows that get in-calf quickly and stay in-calf are far more productive than those that don’t. One often overlooked factor is mineral supplementation to support reproductive health. New Zealand soil is naturally deficient […]
MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR POST-CALVING RECOVERY
Post-calving recovery is extremely important and we need to ensure our cows are transitioning smoothly from giving birth into milk production. Providing the right nutritional support through various vitamin and mineral supplements can boost their recovery and overall health. Post-calving recovery – trace minerals and vitamins Trace minerals and vitamins help to maintain a cow’s […]
PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF SUBCLINICAL KETOSIS
Subclinical ketosis (SCK) is a significant health challenge in our dairy herds, primarily occurring in early lactation when cows experience a severe negative energy balance. Characterised by elevated ketone body levels and without overt clinical signs, SCK can negatively impact milk production and reproductive performance, and increase the risk of other metabolic disorders. Understanding the […]
MINERAL SUPPLEMENTATION FOR OVER-CONDITIONED DAIRY COWS
Over-conditioned cows, those with excess body condition (BCS > 6.0), present unique challenges, especially as they approach calving. Our pasture-based systems combined with a relatively good summer mean we’re encountering a lot of these cows on farm. While adequate nutrition is crucial for dairy cows, excessive body condition can lead to significant health and production […]
THE VITAL ROLE OF LIVER HEALTH IN OPTIMISING DAIRY COW PERFORMANCE IN NEW ZEALAND
Among the organs crucial to a cow’s overall health and productivity, the liver stands out as a powerhouse of metabolic activity and immune function. We often liken it to the engine in a high-performance vehicle – you can have all the bells and whistles, but if you’re not taking care of the engine, you certainly […]
DOWNER COWS AND THE PHOSPHORUS CONNECTION
Written by Chris Balemi, Agvance Nutrition Founder and Managing Director We all recognise the symptoms of a classic down cow – dull eyes, sleepy, head down, poor responsiveness. However, we’re seeing more down cows that are bright in the eye, highly responsive, and trying to get on their feet but unable to do so. […]
UNDERSTANDING SUBCLINICAL KETOSIS IN NEW ZEALAND’S DAIRY COWS
Sections in this article: Exploring the metabolic process and factors leading to ketosis Serious impacts of subclinical ketosis Prevalence of subclinical ketosis in NZ dairy herds Symptoms of subclinical ketosis Strategies around prevention Role of macro minerals and trace elements in prevention The liver – the key to energy How can we support our farmers? […]
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF TRACE ELEMENTS THE TRANSITIONING DAIRY COW
Transition is a pivotal phase in a dairy cow’s production cycle. During this period, cows undergo significant physiological changes, including increased metabolic demands and adjustments in nutrient requirements. A balanced diet, including macro minerals and essential trace elements, during transition is essential for optimal health, milk production, and reproductive performance later in the spring. While […]