Dairy Business Centre
June 2020 Newsletter 

In this months Newsletter: 

Difference between Loose Lick & Lick Blocks

When choosing a source of mineral supplementation for your stock there are few things that need to be considered.
  • Type of minerals
  • Dose rate and what level of minerals each dose rate provides
  • Qualty and type – is it at the correct ratios
  • Harvest Cost
  • Bonus features such as being waterproof

DBC Loose Licks provide the ad-lib availability of minerals for cows that “crave” and require them. The advantage of a Loose-Lick in comparison to a lick block is to give cows the ability to “self-medicate” their mineral requirements without the need of added flavourings such as molasses or excess salt.

Using Loose Licks means harvest cost is significantly less than when using blocks. Due to DBC Loose Licks having a higher mineral concentration per serving, the animal is able to receive their daily recommended dose rate in 1- 2 mouthfuls, unlike blocks, where stock spend a lot of time licking the block to get a small amount of their daily minerals or in most cases licking the block due to its palatability. Excessive licking of blocks have also resulted in stock forming blisters and sores on their tongues which makes eating difficult and can risk oral infections.

All DBC Loose Licks are formulated to have the correct ratio of essential macro and micro minerals for maximum mineral adsorption and are waterproof to prevent wastage. The formulation of a number of lick blocks that we have analysed, do not have the correct ratio of macro minerals for stock to absorb and have significantly lower levels of trace minerals. This means cows will need to consume more of the block to achieve the same result as DBC’s  Loose Licks.

DBC Dairy Loose Lick the morning after 10mls of rain. Still in a powder consistency, water has not mixed with the Loose Lick so there is little to no wastage. R1 Jersey calves are still able to consume and receive their daily minerals.

Product of the Month! 

DBC GET-SET-COW

Get-Set-Cow is a Lead Feed supplementation pellet specifically formulated to help prepare pre-calving dairy cows for lactation. Containing anionic salts, Calcium, Magnesium, grain, protein, trace minerals and Rumensin for improved energy utilisation. All this in one pellet, which removes the need to dust minerals, removes the slow transitioning period of cows consuming grain and sets cows and staff up for an easier transition and smoother calving.

Benefits of using Get-Set-Cow Lead Feed… 
  • Lifted energy levels
  • Reduced calving problems
  • Prepares cows for milking diet
  • Allows the cow to achieve peak production within 21 days
  • Minimises metabolic problems at calving and during the colostrum period
  • Cows are happier and healthier
  • Reduced vet visits
  • Allows staff more productive time spent on other tasks

The transition from late pregnancy to lactation is a high risk period due to cows having problems maintaining blood Calcium levels during calving . This can lead to metabolic issues such as milk fever. High Potassium levels in pasture can also limit Calcium and Magnesium absorption, therefore, it is a good idea to restrict grass 14 days pre-calving as this can aid in alleviating these problems.

Introducing Get-Set-Cow lead feed enables farmers to reduce the feeding of grass in the pre-calving/springer period. This prepares the cow and rumen for the change into a milking cow diet, resulting in increased feed intake, leading to increased milk production and reduced early lactation weight loss. 

Click here to learn more

What’s Being Seen in the Field?

The end of season is here for many spring calving herds in the South Island. Remember the dry period is the time for your herd to have a break, grow a calf and rebuild their mineral stores in preparation for the new season.Things to check:

  • Ensure cows have enough feed to get through winter.
  • Body Condition Score – cows should leave the platform at optimal BCS and that should be maintained over winter.
  • NOW is the time to add appropriate minerals to the system. This includes Macro minerals such as Phosphorous and Calcium – ensure these are at the correct ratios for maximum absorption! Loose Licks are a great option during winter.
  • Young stock need minerals to grow. R1’s are at a critical growth stage of development and R2’s are pregnant and still growing. The best form of mineral supplementation for heifers at grazing are Loose Lick options. This always ensures consistent mineral consumption when compared to mineral injectables and lick blocks.
  • Plan for spring – now is a good time to organise transition diets for springers, calf feed and mineral supplementation for both the milking herd and young stock.

Is Your Calf Feed Sorted For Next Season?

Check out DBC’S MAXIMIZE & UNLEASH Calf Pellets

MAXIMIZE and UNLEASH are high quality, concentrated feed pellets made right here in Canterbury. Our calf pellets are specifically designed to maximise skeletal growth and lean muscle mass development whist providing the calf with necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals. MAXIMIZE and UNLEASH assists in strengthening the calf’s immunity and general health of your calf herd.

Clients using MAXIMIZE calf pellets claimed to have used less calf feed and achieved target weights an average of two weeks earlier than expected! 

Designed to only contain nutrients the calf can utilise for growth. 

Calves are the foundation of the future herd and if they are not given the best start they will not perform to their full potential when they enter the milking herd.

Click the link below to learn more about DBC calf pellets

dairybusiness.co.nz

Gypsy Day 

To everyone who is moving stock or moving farms, be safe out on the roads this moving day. We hope you have all had a successful end to the season and wish you luck for next season whatever your venture may lead to.

For those moving properties remember to get in touch with one of the DBC team to update your details.

Market Update

The DBC arrow traffic light system is a good indication on the direction the market price is moving and when the time is right to buy.
We feel that PKE is still able to fall a further $10-15/T. Get in touch with your local rep to learn more about the commodity markets movements.

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Dairy Business Centre is an essential supplier for our primary producers and we are open and operating during this time!

If you have any questions, concerns or just needing someone to talk please give us a call. If you have any questions regarding COVID19 please phone Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or click the link below to the government’s dedicated website.

COVID19.govt.nz