• APR / MAY 2021
Protect TMR
DAIRY 61
National Survey Commissioned to Gain Insight on Dry Cow Management performance as temperatures rise
As the UK weather warms up , dairy and beef farmers are being encouraged to protect the performance of total mixed rations ( TMRs ) with the use of an efficient preservative .
“ WITH feed prices continuing to escalate , it is important to ensure cows gain full value from the feed put in front of them and this means maximising the dry matter intake of the TMR . Unfortunately , though , TMR spoilage can be a real risk in the spring and summer months due to the warmer temperatures ,” warns Jacob Lakin from Azelis Animal Nutrition .
Mr Lakin explains that cattle are very sensitive to TMR spoilage . “ The proliferation of damaging micro-organisms can significantly reduce the palatability of the TMR and , if this happens , intakes can quickly drop . Using an effective TMR preservative will help keep the ration fresh and prevent the feed becoming unpalatable ,” he says .
As the ambient temperature rises , yeasts and moulds in forages and other feed products within a TMR will grow more quickly when exposed to oxygen .
“ This ration spoilage reduces the nutrient value and also adversely affects palatability , which in combination can lead to a significant depressive effect on performance , production and health . For example , in lactating cows , milk yield and solids may be negatively impacted at a time when butterfats tend to dip anyway , particularly if cows are turned out onto lush spring grass ,” points out Mr Lakin .
However , he says that adding specific organic acid blends to the TMR can help to prevent TMR spoilage from yeasts and moulds .
“ Use of the appropriate organic acids and their salts , such as those within ProMyr™ TMR from Azelis Animal Nutrition , are proven to be effective at inhibiting growth of moulds and yeasts . This will help * to offset any potential unwanted drop in TMR intake and ensure cows extract full nutritional value and performance from the ration put in front of them this spring .”
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A national survey on understanding dry cow management practices has been commissioned by MSD Animal Health .
Open to all dairy farmers and farm vets , the aim is to develop an understanding into current udder health issues , with a particular focus on selective dry cow therapy procedures .
Andrew Biggs BVSc FRCVS , from The Vale Veterinary Group Tiverton , says the survey will provide crucial insight into what farmers and vets think the concerns are when it comes to udder health on farms today .
“ Adhering to best practice and following clear robust protocols at drying off are essential components in managing udder health on-farm ,” he explains . “ Mastitis remains one of the major financial and animal
health issues facing dairy businesses despite decades of research .
“ Data shows that intramammary infections ( IMIs ) present at dry-off or those acquired during the dry period are associated with increased risk of clinical mastitis within the next lactation1 . Therefore , farmers and vets need to be proficient in optimising not only the process of drying cows off but also the management of cows during the crucial transition from lactation through the dry period to their next lactation ”
He says the results from these surveys will provide valuable information on
where the sticking points are on-farm and give an insight into whether farmers and vets identify the same issues when it comes to dry cow management .
“ Once the insights from farmers and vets who are dealing with this on a daily basis have been analysed the available resources and support tools can be re-evaluated to help ensure best-practice protocols are applied across UK dairy farms .”
All completions will be entered into a prize draw to win branded merchandise .
The farmer and vet surveys are available online at https :// www . msd-animal-health-hub . co . uk / mastitis-survey ? utm _ source = Pressrelease & utm _ medium = Press & utm _ campaign = Mastitis % 20 Survey
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For more information or to request a brochure call Alex on 07828532868
Cattle are very sensitive to feed spoilage when temperatures rise , but any unwanted drop in dry matter intakes can be offset by the use of a proven TMR preservative .
Head Office Unit 19 Stainton Grove Ind Est DL12 8UJ Tel : 01833 625361