²ÝÁñÉçÇø

Partner Insight: Reducing mastitis rates in dairy herds by 23%

Correctly managing the trace mineral status of dairy animals at points of stress, including the weaning and transition periods, is critical to herd productivity and profitability. Kate Ingram, Veterinary Advisor at Virbac, gives expert advice on how dairy farms can achieve this.

clock • 1 min read
Partner Insight: Reducing mastitis rates in dairy herds by 23%

Trace minerals such as copper, selenium, manganese and zinc are essential for life. Achieving optimal dairy herd performance relies on these being supplied correctly at all stages in the lifecycle, from a newborn calf to the oldest cow in the herd.

For a milking cow, the transition period is the biggest stress point, a time when she has a very high demand for trace minerals to meet not only her own requirements but those of her unborn calf. However that need comes when her intakes of trace minerals are reducing because she mostly sources these from her feed yet, when heavily pregnant, a cow consumes less dry matter. 

High demand continues as she starts making colostrum, calves and starts lactating, says Vet Kate.

"There are a lot of different processes that require trace minerals and, for a dairy cow, many of these are happening around that transition period,'' she says.

This is why trace mineral supplementation is so important, playing a vital role in immune function, cow fertility, colostrum and general production.

To find out more visit:

More on Virbac DB

Partner Insight: How Multiminâ„¢ is combating deficiencies in beef herds

Partner Insight: How Multiminâ„¢ is combating deficiencies in beef herds

Ian Cure, of LLM Farm Vets explains how correcting trace element deficiencies by adopting a new method of supplementation has had a major impact on cow and calf health in the beef suckler herd at Myerscough college farm.

Virbac
clock 17 May 2024 • 1 min read
Partner Insight: A closer look at the science behind optimising your herd health

Partner Insight: A closer look at the science behind optimising your herd health

Like a car in need of a top up of oil to ensure optimum performance and a reduced risk of engine damage, cattle trace mineral status also requires effective management.

Virbac
clock 17 May 2024 • 1 min read
Partner Insight: Reducing mastitis rates in dairy herds by 23%

Partner Insight: Reducing mastitis rates in dairy herds by 23%

Correctly managing the trace mineral status of dairy animals at points of stress, including the weaning and transition periods, is critical to herd productivity and profitability. Kate Ingram, Veterinary Advisor at Virbac, gives expert advice on how dairy farms can achieve this.

Virbac
clock 17 May 2024 • 1 min read