In this months Newsletter: 

• Cost of Down Cows
• Product of the Month – Transition Feed
• Maximize Calf Feed 
• What’s Being Seen in the Field 
• MILK-Maker High Energy Feed Pellet! 
• Commodity Market Update
• Contact Us

Down Cows – How much are they really costing you? 

“Down cow” is a term used for cows who are suffering from metabolic issues such as Milk Fever. Milk Fever or Hypocalcaemia, is a result of low blood calcium levels not meeting the requirements of the cow post calving.  This can lead to down cows, nervous trembling, and appetite suppression, all of which impacts the cows milk production for the remainder of the season. The high risk period for these issues occur between late pregnancy and early lactation AKA the transition phase.

How much is a down cow actually costing you? 

A DairyNZ study showed herds with as little as  2% down cows are:
5% Clinical
33% Subclinical
Costing a total of $80.00 per cow for the entire herd
The Canterbury average herd size  of 700 cows  will cost $56,000

During this transition period, the absorption of Calcium from the cows diet and bones is under extreme hormonal pressure. Calcium can also be limited by the effects of other minerals such as Phosphorous. Calcium has a tight relationship with Phosphorous and needs to be supplemented appropriately to be utilised effectively by the cow, as calcium is being drawn from the cows stores to prepare for lactation. During the colostrum production period, the cows calcium requirements increase by 400% per day!

To meet the cows Calcium requirements absorption and re-absorption of Calcium to the bones must occur. Limiting the amount of available calcium to the cow during the immediate post calving phase will result in lowered blood Calcium concentration and then Milk Fever.

How do we find the balance? 

The transition period two weeks pre-calving can be a stressful time for the cow. With cows often coming back from winter grazing suffering from, low energy levels, lack of minerals, problems from sudden changes in diet and the need to maintain condition.

It is important to shift your Springers mineral status into a negative DCAD (Dietary Anion Cation Difference) state. This is done by providing sufficient anionic salts, balancing the diet with appropriate feed volumes, as feeds contain anions and cations minerals, eg, avoid feeding high volumes of pasture due to high Potassium levels making negative DCAD challenging to achieve. Remember during this phase we are preparing the cow not only for calving but for her lactating season ahead.

Once calved ensure to have Calcium readily available to meet the 400% increase in demand.

The easiest and best option to supplement Springers is through a lead feed supplementation such as DBC’s Get-Set-Cow, however, appropriate dusting, mineral mixes through the wagon can all achieve a negative DCAD if formulated correctly.

The transition phase 2-3 weeks pre-calving will determine the individual cows ability to perform for the rest of the season. It is important to give her the best start by getting her transition right. This saves time, energy and money.

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. 

Go in the draw to *WIN* a two night get away for two adults at Novotel Lakeside Queenstown !!
DBC wants to recognise the hard work farmers do during the busiest time of the year and reward those hard workers with some Rest and Relaxation !!

The Prize:
Two nights accommodation for two adults at the Novotel Lakeside Queenstown
Includes breakfast and entrance to the Garden Onsen Outdoor Hot Pools! Valued over $1000!
Prize be used during September.

To Enter:
Purchase minimum 5T of GET-SET-COW Lead Feed
Like this post on the DBC facebook page and like Dairy Business Centre NZ ! Its that simple!
Winner will be drawn Early September

Maximize Calf Pellets

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

When compared to the protein and amino acid composition of other calf feeds; DBC MAXIMIZE tested at 94% bio-availability, compared to DDG based calf feeds at 22%.

Clients using MAXIMIZE calf pellets commented they 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.

What’s Being Seen in the Field

Calves – Ensure every calf is receiving gold colostrum within the first 2-4hrs of life to kick start their immunity and set them up to grow fast and healthy.

Are your colostrom and milking herd feed and minerals organised?

Body Condition Score – cows should be coming home to the platform in a BCS of 5. Do note stock that have been grazing high sugar feeds such as Fodder Beet may suffer from rapid weight loss when entering lactation. Beware of ketotic cows. Transition SLOWLY off fodder beet.

Remember young stock need Phosphorous and Calcium to grow strong, healthy bones.

Young stock need minerals to grow. R1’s/R2’s are at critical growth stage of development. Heifers need to be hitting target weights and have appropriate mineral supplementation preparing them for mating this coming spring. 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.

Calving is a busy and stressful time of year. Remember to take care of yourself and your staff during this time.

MILK-Maker is a high energy feed pellet containing grain and a full range of macro and trace minerals designed to optimise milk production and meet your profit targets.

With grain prices rising and the difficulty in finding quality grain this season, don’t let your cows and production fall behind, feed MILK-Maker! MILK-Maker is an “all-in-one” high energy pellet and also contains a full range of macro and trace minerals to support the cow through lactation, mating and pregnancy, improving animal health.

MILK-Maker is a range of grain based, energy dense (high ME) feed designed to maximize production through lactation. MILK-Maker has been specifically formulated to be used in conjunction with high quality pasture and other on farm supplementation in order to increase appetite and enhance milk production.

Get in touch with your DBC rep to learn more about MILK-Maker!

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.

PKE
The PKE price still hasn’t softened meaning pricing is still higher than ideal. PKE pricing at origin is still higher than normal, for this time of year, and prices are also being impacted by international freight prices which are extremely unpredictable at present.

Protein
Soya Meal spot price has fallen back over recent weeks. Traders and fund managers are playing the weather market. It is anticipated that very warm/dry heat will remain in the mid-west for the next 10 days, which will have an effect on crops. Expect this market to remain volatile for the next 4 weeks, but with a downward trend.

Because Soya Meal is the main driver of protein prices globally, this has influenced the price of Canola and Maize DDG price. However, due to poor harvests, Canola price has risen, and the DDG pricing is remaining steady for now. The maize DDG price is also influenced by the corn prices in the U.S.

Grains
Due to the predicted increase in milk pay out, grain prices locally have risen sharply. This isn’t helped by the February harvest, which yielded only average crops, and below average crops in South Canterbury. The supply seems to be tight and those growers who have parcels still available are in no hurry to sell.

For those who typically feed barely on the spot market, it is encouraged to reevaluate your system as there is little to no quality barely available until the new harvest this coming summer.

If grains such as wheat and/or barley are a part of your business then it is strongly advised to contract your required tonnages sooner rather than later.

For more information on the market or to contract commodities please get in touch with your DBC rep about feed options we can provide to help you through these times.