Autumn has finally decided to arrive and give us some relief from the drier months so we’re able to start getting some cover ahead of the herd – before it gets too cold and wet.
Therefore, now’s the best time to look at trace element testing to ensure that the herd levels are where they need to be and how to supplement them over the coming months ahead.
Autumn herds are well underway with some who’ve already finished calving, and you want these cows to produce to the best of their ability and thrive after calving to ensure success in production and the wellbeing of the cows themselves.
With some spring herds already dry due to lack of pasture or earlier calving, and more cows being dried off each day, these cows are also heavily pregnant with growing calves and are putting everything they need into growing their offspring. In doing so, they’ll deplete their own resources to do this. While it’s important to be getting some time off-farm over the dry period it’s highly important to ensure trace element levels are sufficient to last through the dry period or set up ongoing supplementation if needed.
Trace element profiles are dynamic and seasonal, so they change frequently. Just because your herd wasn’t deficient last year, doesn’t mean it’ll be the same this year. At the end of the zinc season, it’s important to check the copper status of your herd – the status of selenium and magnesium can be checked at the same time.
The size of your herd will change the quantity of liver biopsies and blood samples required, so contact your vet to organise and chat about the trace element testing.
What to do once you’ve tested?
Once you have the results, your vet and TSR can discuss with you the best options for your herd, your farm set up, and your budget. If you’re able to, supplementation through feed (in feed troughs, on the pad, mixer wagon, or in-shed feed) is the best option. Since this isn’t always possible, there’s also the option of water-based trace element supplementation that can be put in through inline dispensers. This is also a viable option during the dry season when cows aren’t being taken to the pad or shed for feeding.
If a severe deficiency is detected, you can also use short term mineral boluses or injections. These can help to fix a deficiency short term and bring the levels up and out of the danger zone. Once this is completed, the feed or water dosing needs to be continued at a rate that’ll avoid a deficiency occurring. Only then can the cows truly thrive and produce to the best of their ability and convert feed more efficiently.
This in turn will provide you with the building blocks to a successful season in animal health, production, reproduction, and profitability. After all, if you look after your cows, they’ll look after you (and your pocket).
Call your vet to get trace elements testing booked in for your herd and continue on the road to success.
