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SOMATIC CELL COUNTS
Counting somatic cells benefits the consumer, farmer and the cow. If consumers were told that the milk they were about to drink contained somatic cells, they might not want to drink it at all! The word 'somatic' makes it sound as if something is wrong. However, farmers know better. They know that the somatic cells in the milk are not at all sick but are white blood cells, a vital part of the cow's immune system. Just as the milk is part of a living organism, so are the somatic cells -it is mother natures way of securing milk for the generation of cows. The number of somatic cells in milk, the so called somatic cell count (SCC), speaks clearly about the state of the cows immune system in general and her udder in particular. You could be losing up to 1p per litre on your milk price, if SCC are too high. High numbers indicate that the immune system is in a state of alert. Opportunistic bacterial infections typically occur when the resistance of the animal is compromised. In the UK, anything above 200-250,000 really hits the pocket in terms of lost bonuses and once you get above 400,000 the severe penalties can be as much as two thirds the milk price. In studies of dry cows around the world, it has been found that the cells of the immune system can often be suppressed before calving. This is due to the cow nurturing the unborn calf and often the cow is not being provided with adequate vitamins and minerals in her feed, therefore has low resistance to infection. The mammary gland just before calving is often highly susceptible to new infections therefore leading to mastitis. At the onset of infection, white blood cells will normally move rapidly from the blood into the mammary gland. It is so important to pay particular attention to dry cow nutrition and ensure that the correct levels of vitamins and minerals are being fed to the cows. We recommend using our Vitalick Precalver GP Buckets along with quality feed. Cows with immune systems that malfunction, respond more slowly to infection. Any delay or breakdown in sending white blood cells to the infection, lets bacteria multiply in the infected quarter. In the case of mastitis caused by E. Coli bacteria, which multiply very quickly, this is a big disadvantage, as cows with slow immune systems have more bacteria to fight and are much more likely to have more severe mastitis. Cows turned out to grass still need vitamin and mineral supplementation. We highly recommend our Vitalick Cattle GP Buckets for use in the field. Therefore dairy farmers can benefit from knowing the SCC for their cows. Good herdsman practises, teat dipping, disinfecting teat ends before drying off, cleanliness and attention to detail in general will all help lower SCC. Knowing the SCC enables the farmer to increase not only yield level and health in the herd, but also milk quality and thereby profitability. Many thanks to the International Dairy Topics publication, Positive Action Publications Ltd. To subscribe to the International Dairy Topics magazine please e-mail: info@positiveaction.co.uk or visit their website: www.positiveaction.co.uk
SOMATIC CELL COUNTS
Counting somatic cells benefits the consumer, farmer and the cow. If consumers were told that the milk they were about to drink contained somatic cells, they might not want to...
WHY IS MILK SO IMPORTANT?
Milk is the best source of calcium and is also rich in phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, which will help the body absorb and use calcium more effectively. Vitamin D is also essential for the efficient utilisation of calcium. Many other foods contain calcium, but milk and dairy products are the most concentrated, convenient sources. Its tough to get enough calcium from natural foods, if you eliminate milk from your diet. You'd have to eat 3 servings (180g) of spinach, 20 servings (1600g) of iceberg lettuce, 9 boiled eggs or 5 large servings (550g) of broccoli to get the 300mg of calcium found in one 250ml glass of semi skimmed milk!
WHY IS MILK SO IMPORTANT?
Milk is the best source of calcium and is also rich in phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, which will help the body absorb and use calcium more effectively. Vitamin D is...
MAY 05 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: IMPORTANCE OF FORAGE... C16'S - WHAT ARE THEY?... MYCOTOXINS... PLANNING FOR THE WINTER... A BIT OF FUN... SPRING AND SUMMER RATIONS We all know how important milk quality is and how it can easily affect your profits. Spring and summer are times of the year when both butterfats and proteins can be low and we have already discussed these during the last 2 issues of the newsletter. We now have our new range of spring and summer compounds to compliment the forages and to help maintain both quality and yield. We have a few slight adjustments to last years' range but on the whole, because they were so successful last year, the basic FIXED FORMULATIONS are still in place. We don't deal in 'least cost' formulations, as we believe this is not the way forward and we don't wish to be part of it. We have a range available to suit every need from 16% to 18% crude protein with varying degrees of energy levels and energy sources. For a full list of available compounds browse our website or alternatively ring the office or your agent. We are convinced we have the right ration for you - why not ring to find out? EXCEL 16 NUTS Many of you will have read the article in British Dairying in March and possibly the article in the recent Holstein Journal. Both were discussing the use of raw materials in summer compounds and the required protein levels. One article suggests that only two companies have the right product. It's a pity the writers have limited knowledge of the industry especially in the Cheshire area, where GP Feeds have already been doing this for the last 2 years! Two years ago we launched our EXCEL 16 range of summer compounds. Have a look at the article in British Dairying and check it against our EXCEL 16. Low overall crude protein at 16% to balance high protein grass Protein sources from high DUP materials such as Soya and Sopralin NO protein from highly rumen degradable sources such as Rapemeal or Maize Distillers Variety of starch sources, including limited Wheat inclusion and the addition of high levels of slow rumen fermentable starch as in Processed B Maize Low levels of unsaturated fats but includes Palm Kernal and Megalac High levels of Sugarbeet to promote buterate production for enhanced butterfats plus other products containing high pectin levels. High energy with good levels of starches to maintain milk yields of over 30 litres As mentioned in the article, these products are not cheap because of the price of quality raw materials, but for an extra cost per tonne, which equates to only 0.4 litres for a payback in milk regardless of the other benefits of milk quality, health and fertility, and we are sure you can achieve this. As discussed in the last newsletter GP Feeds focus on Feed Formulation that are ahead of the game, enabling you to use these benefits to promote farm profits. MYCOTOXINS Following on from our article about mycotoxins in last month's newsletter, we have had a lot of farmers phoning in to make further enquiries about the product Mycosorb. We wrote this article about a Wiltshire farmer whose herd was experiencing, lameness, sore hocks, reduced yield and scouring. Having called his vet and various consultants, the conclusion was reached that the problems could well be caused by the present of mycotoxins. MOLASSES PRICE INCREASE. As you are probably aware, molasses prices have continued to rise, driven by the demand for molasses in the production of industrial ethanol. The fact that the Pakistani crop is significantly smaller than the previous year coupled with more molasses going into domestic ethanol production has significantly reduced exportable quantities. The situation in the Far East and Thailand remains similar to Pakistan. We will keep you informed over the next few months of any developments. WHY NOT ADVERTISE IN OUR NEWSLETTER? Our Newsletter goes out to over 1000 Farmers in Cheshire, Shropshire, Derbyshire and North Wales each month. If you have something to sell or advertise then we would like to hear from you! We are offering the back page of our newsletter for advertisements and will allow you to advertise for FREE in JUNE'S NEWSLETTER ISSUE. The advertisements can be no longer than 25 words, and this should include your telephone number and price of the article. Advertise for something you would like to buy or sell something like: farm machinery, a litter of pups, a diversification project, a farm sale, a situation vacant etc, etc. Just ring us and we'll put it in the newsletter! PHONE SARAH / RACHEL ON: 01948 661602 (Normal charge will be 50p per word, in future issues) (Advertisements will be included on a first come, first serve basis) QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR QUALITY PRODUCTION WE FORMULATE OUR OWN RANGE OF DAIRY, CALF, BEEF AND SHEEP COMPOUNDS WHICH ARE BASED ON A FIXED FORMULATION AND FIXED PRICE. THESE ARE FORMULATED TO STRICT NUTRITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS. WE ALSO SUPPLY BLENDS MADE TO YOUR OWN SPECIFICATION(S) WHICH SUIT OUT OF PARLOUR FEEDING AND CAN BE MADE TO MATCH DIFFERENT FORAGES AS YOU GO THROUGH THE FEEDING YEAR. DON'T FORGET THAT WE ALSO SUPPLY MINERALS! PLEASE RING : 01948 661602 WE WILL BE VERY PLEASED TO HELP.
MAY 05 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: IMPORTANCE OF FORAGE... C16'S - WHAT ARE THEY?... MYCOTOXINS... PLANNING FOR THE WINTER... A BIT OF FUN... SPRING AND SUMMER RATIONS We all know how important...
DRY COW MANAGEMENT
The four primary goals for feeding the dry cow from dry off to three weeks prior to calving: To maintain optimum dietary fibre content To limit energy intake To avoid overfeeding protein To meet mineral and vitamin requirements The control of calcium and phosphorus is important for the prevention of milk fever. Additionally, potassium levels greater than 1.5% of the ration dry matter may interfere with magnesium absorption and calcium mobilization, also resulting in milk fever, as well as retained placentas. Many minerals on the market today, unfortunately do not contain the correct levels of vitamins and minerals needed by the modern dairy cow, but ours do! Please ring us and we will check your minerals for you. During the dry period, cows should be maintained in good body condition. The condition of the cow as she nears the dry off period is the best index of how to manage her as she makes the transition from the lactating to non-lactating group. At dry off, cows should have a body condition score of about 3.5 on a scale of 1 (very thin) and 5 (extremely fat). Thin cows will need to be fed enough to restore their body flesh, plus build up some body reserves. Ideally, cows should not need to gain more than .25 to .50 body condition score during the dry period. Lactating cows utilize energy 25% more efficiently for body gain than do dry cows. Therefore, the ideal time is to put on additional condition, if needed, is during late lactation. Cows allowed to fatten in excess during the dry period are more subject to displaced abomasums, udder oedema, ketosis and other general health problems than dry cows maintained in adequate body condition. Alternatively, cows entering the dry period in excess condition should not be put on a diet. Research has shown that feeding cows to lose weight during the dry period can lead to fatty livers, ketosis and other disorders. Proper dry cow management is critical. Decisions made during this period will have a tremendous impact on milk production and health during the next lactation. A sound dry cow programme should be designed to accomplish the following objectives: Properly nourish the developing calf Maintain optimum body condition Prepare the mammary gland for the next lactation Minimise digestive, metabolic and infectious diseases. The goal of the dry period is to attain a balance between the gains in production and profit from extending lactation, with any losses in production and profit in the following lactation as a result of fewer days dry. The optimum length of the dry period may vary from one cow to another. General recommendations are that a 45-60 day dry period is associated with highest lactation yield. Short dry periods do not allow for adequate udder involution and longer dry periods can result in over conditioned cows. Cows are especially susceptible to new intra-mammary infections during the first week following drying off and during the week prior to calving. The national mastitis council suggests treating all quarters on all cows at dry off time, with an approved dry cow treatment product. A teat dip should be used on cows after treatment and animals should be observed daily for a week or until the mammary gland has begun to involute and is not secreting milk. Above are the major management skills needed, Excel Pre-Calver Rolls is the product needed:- Up to date formulation providing adequate vitamins and minerals for today's cows Contains a range of protein sources to meet DUP and amino acid requirements Help to reduce metabolic problems at calving Stimulates dry matter intakes and milk production post calving Easy and economical to feed to all dry groups without the need for a feeder wagon Recommended feed rate of 2.5kg per day for three weeks before calving across a range of forage types Can be used at low levels to meet requirements of cows in the early stages of the dry period Reduced levels of sodium and potassium to help reduce udder oedema Contains high levels of starch to condition the rumen and stimulate reproductive activity Available in bulk, tote bags or 25kg bags Reference / Further Reading Aims of the early dry period... Excel Dry Cow Minerals... Excel Dry Cow Rolls...
DRY COW MANAGEMENT
The four primary goals for feeding the dry cow from dry off to three weeks prior to calving: To maintain optimum dietary fibre content To limit energy intake To avoid...
MYCOTOXINS: WHAT ARE THEY?
Mycotoxins are produced from moulds and fungi. This problem can occur in any stored feeds, such as silages or moist feeds or importantly, on the growing crop in the field. Under stress conditions, including heat or cold, moisture, flooding or drought, moulds produce mycotoxins. Although the presence of mould does not necessarily mean you have mycotoxins and just because you can't see anything, doesn't mean you are safe either. The presence of mycotoxins could result in: reduced dry matter intake, reduced yield, poor fertility, abortions, poor growth of youngstock and scouring, lameness and sore hocks. There was a letter recently published in the farming press from a dairy farmer in Wiltshire about his use of a product called MYCOSORB. He was experiencing, within his herd, lameness, sore hocks, reduced yield and scouring. Having called in his vet and various other consultants the conclusion was reached that the possibilities of mycotoxins causing the problems (although no moulds could be seen) was the root of the problem. Within 4 days of introducing the product MYCOSORB his yields had increased by 4½ litres and the other associated problems started to go away. Now, a few months later, he says that his herd has never looked better and the problems have disappeared. Mycosorb farm pack is a patented yeast cell wall extract for inclusion in the daily feed. It is rich in Glucans that are known to bind mycotoxins. It has a vast surface area, so not much is needed. Heat stable and natural Broad spectrum action, over a range of mycotoxins Has Organic approval PLEASE RING US ON 01948 661602 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
MYCOTOXINS: WHAT ARE THEY?
Mycotoxins are produced from moulds and fungi. This problem can occur in any stored feeds, such as silages or moist feeds or importantly, on the growing crop in the field....
SILAGE ADDITIVES
"I couldn't see any benefits." "You may as well put water on the silage for what good it does." "Additives are only muck and magic." "Just another product eating into our profit margin." "If the weather is good at silage time you don't need an additive." These and many more reasons are the ones that are often used as a reason for not buying and using any form of silage additive. Everyone is entitled to their own individual point of view and we perhaps agree with some of the feelings particularly about some products on the market place. Independent trial work (particularly by Llysfasi College at Ruthin and in trials in Ireland) confirmed that not all silage additives provide what they state. We believe that ECOSYL PRODUCTS have the only products on the market that have independent trial work behind them proving and guaranteeing what they state. Better fermentation, milk yield increases, better palatability, better liveweight gains, less wastage have all been independently proved on many many occasions. We have every confidence in promoting Ecosyl Products and fully recommend them. However 9 basic rules must be followed when making silage or else no matter what the state of grass being ensiled its full advantages and potential will never be realised. Silage Making Tips - The Nine Basic Rules Pit must be rolled between loads Ensile in layers to eliminate air pockets Have additional "rolling" tractor if sufficient space Use new silage sheets every year Side sheets are a must Weight sheets down all over the surface Seal the front with care when finished Tell your contractor what you want, not the other way round - you're the one who is paying! Watch out for mole hill contamination Reference / Further Reading So what is good silage?... Ecosyl silage additives... Ecosyl Applicators... Grass Silage Analysis Reports an Explanation... Calculating Silage Stocks... ADD-F NC ClampFilm Regulation of Silage Additives in the EU
SILAGE ADDITIVES
"I couldn't see any benefits." "You may as well put water on the silage for what good it does." "Additives are only muck and magic." "Just another product eating into...