How to manage minerals in suckler cows pre-calving

摘要

Farmers should be thinking about feeding micronutrients at least six weeks pre-calving to combat any deficiencies in the diet.The exact level of supplementation should be based on the extent of any shortfall and possible dietary interactions, says nutritionist Debby Brown of Dugdale Nutrition.Where the ration is mostly forage, such as in a spring calving herd, that is where deficiencies are most likely to occur.She says: "If the soil cannot supply sufficient trace elements to the plants the animals are eating, a deficiency will occur."Ms Brown says the starting point in identifying any micronutrient issues is to: Conduct a forage mineral analysis so you know what is going into the cow. This will highlight any deficiencies.