This months linked article's:
WHY YEAST?
Yeast products for ruminants have been around for many years, their mode of function and the benefits to the host animal been well understood by nutrionists and others. But one asks the question do all farmers really know what they stand to gain by incorporating yeast into their diets?
The principle yeast used is "Saccharomyces Cerevisiae", of which there are many slight variants, but essentially their mode of action is similar, though some are definitely more effective than others. The rumen is essentially a massive fermentation vessel, wherein the primary activity is performed by rumen bacteria which break down fibre, thus releasing energy, and from sources of readily degradable protein produce Microbial Protein which is then absorbed and utilised in the lower gut.
This all sounds good, but the problem with this is that feeding concentrates, whether as straights, blends or compounds, which generally contain significant amounts of readily and quickly fermentable starch, actually depresses rumen ph, which is negative to optimum fibre digestion. Thus each time a cow, or beef animal takes on board starchy feed, ph goes down and effective fibre digestion and thus energy release is reduced.
So what can the farmer do? Adding efficient yeast products has the effect of raising rumen pH, i.e. keeping it nearer to an optimal 6. In response to this fibrolytic bacteria actually increase in number and as a consequence make more and better use of the fibre in the diet, thus releasing more of the available energy then would otherwise occur. It also has the effect of increasing Microbial Protein supply.
One of the first signs that animals are responding, is to look at the dung. Usually there is quite a significant amount of undigested fibre in the faeces, but after as little as five or six days, dung will begin to look visually more `creamy`, a sure indication that fibre is been broken down better. The whole process may take up to 3 weeks before optimum efficiency is observed and maintained, but it is truly cost effective.
Another situation where yeast would be highly recommended is where acidic silage, maize or grass, is been fed, as this will also have a negative effect on rumen bacteria efficiency and numbers. This is an area where if allowed to continue can readily lead to Acidosis, much reduced appetite, reduced output and weight loss. Under such circumstances fertility will suffer too.
Yield response does vary, dependent on diet construction, but typically is between 1 to 2 litres extra milk per day in early lactation, and a 10 to 15% increase in liveweight gain in beef cattle.
On today's market there are broadly three kinds of yeasts available, 1. Dead Yeast, 2. Part dead and alive, 3. Totally Live. That which GP Feeds supply is in the most effective category, i.e. LIVE.
GP Feeds supply a top quality, LIVE yeast product called RA 25. This is fed at 25 gms per day, (NB. there is no benefit in feeding more), usually fed via a TMR or sprinkled onto silages where no additional concentrates are been fed. Additionally it is one of the few yeasts which can be incorporated into compound feeds, and is proven to withstand the effect of pelleting, where both high pressure and temperatures operate. Many products are fed at between 50 to 100 gms per animal, but the bulk of this is merely filler or carrier and has no direct benefit to the host animal.
At a cost of around 5 pence per cow per day, it is clear that with a 1 to 2 litre response it is highly cost effective, in addition to the many health benefits associated with a healthy rumen.
So as we enter the winter, most farmers will have their diets in place, but are you `missing a trick` that could not only improve performance but have the additional benefits, long term, of improving animal health, as a consequence of optimising rumen function.
GP for Great Products
MYCOTOXINS
Are you experiencing problems? It could well be Mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are produced naturally from all types of mould, there are hundreds of different known Mycotoxins. Mycotoxins affect animals is a variety of ways and since there are many types, identifying and diagnosing is often very difficult.
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Conditions for Mycotoxin production
Mould is highly adaptable and will develop on any growing or stored feedstuffs in a wide variety of conditions. Mould will produce Mycotoxins under a wide range of conditions and therefore, the challenge should be considered ever-present:
Plant stress
Soil infertility, insect damage, extremes of temperature or moisture. Harvest stress - late harvest, crop too dry, slow clamp filling. Storage stress - wet grain, poor clamp consolidation, poor fermentation. Feed-out problems - poor hygiene, spoilage at face, poor face management.
Control or eradication of toxin's is not as easy task, but a product that can help is Mycosorb - a natural feed supplements based on the inner cell walls from specifically selected yeast.
How does it work
When Mycosorb is fed, Mycotoxins present in the gut of the animal are absorbed by the yeast sugars and are excreted with the faeces, thereby maintain the health of the animal. Mycosorb has been extensively trialled and is effective against the vast majority of known problem-causing Mycotoxins.
Response
Mycosorb becomes effective as soon as fed and animal responses are typically seen from 3 days to 3 weeks after inclusion, depending on the type and severity of the Mycotoxins challenge.
Feeding
Can be fed as part of a TMR or direct into the trough. To be fed at 100g per head per day for the first 7 days, then reduce to 50g per head per day thereafter.
48 Hour delivery service available if required.
Call the office today on 01948 661602 to place your order
If you are looking to feed both Yeast & Mycotoxin inhibitor
we have a combined Yeast/ Mycotoxin product called Mycobind.
This is highly effective in addressing the situation(s) described above,
and is efficient in controlling and overcoming the well known problems
where Mycotoxins are present, be it in silage (usually of higher dry
matter), maize or wholecrop, or from cereal sources. At around 9 pence
per cow per day, it is highly competitive with other products, most
of which only address a single situation!
STOCK FEEDS
Stockfeed CarrotsHighly palatable. Ideal for ruminants to enhance forage intakes, but contain below average protein levels (9.5%). They have a dry matter of 11 - 13% and an ME of 12.3 - 12.8 MJ/Kg DM. They are a good source of beta carotene. As they are high in beta carotene prolonged use at high levels can colour milk fat in dairy cows or carcass fat in beef cattle. Beware of soil contamination. They have usually been washed and do not store for more than 14 days in normal conditions. If storing outside, try to prevent frost damage by clamping or covering with straw. Typical inclusion 10 - 15 kg/day for dairy cows and 5kg per 100kg bodyweight for all cattle.
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FodderbeetCan produce more dry matter / acre than cereal grains. A sugar rich energy feed for ruminants but the composition can vary. Soil contamination must be avoided to prevent digestive upsets as should excessive feeding. The digestive upsets are due to excessive sugar in the rumen and / or mineral imbalance. Chopping enhances intakes and ruminants relish the root due to its succulence and sugar.
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Stockfeed Potatoes - limited supplyGrown for human food consumption, with excess and substandard potatoes sold as stockfeed. When available they make an ideal supplement to forage. Contains good energy and excellent starch levels. The protein level is 10 -11%, with half of this being in the form of non-protein nitrogen compounds. Potatoes are a poor source of minerals.
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CHRISTMAS ORDERING
To guarantee delivery, can we please ask you to make sure your Christmas and New Years requirements (through to Friday 7th January) are in the office by:
TUESDAY 7th DECEMBER
We will as usual be in touch with all our customers nearer the time.
Please be aware there will be:
Limited deliveries on:
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No deliveries on:
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Normal deliverys will resume on Thursday 6th January 2011
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
FALLING OVER A WEEKEND MEAN 4 CONSECUTIVE DAYS ARE NONE DELIVERY DAYS.
QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR QUALITY PRODUCTION
Contact
Gareth or Rachel (Office)
01948 661602 Fax 01948 871776