Matthew Bastian, Ruminant Sales Representative, Central NSW At this point in 2021, cereal crops are looking the best they have for the last few years. Once the headers leave the paddock, mixed farming producers will need to start looking at …
Thinking with your gut? The role of microbes in ruminants
Most mammals have little ability to digest fibre. Ruminants (e.g. Sheep, Cattle) are the exception to this rule due to their relationship with various micro-organisms in their digestive tract. The foregut of ruminants houses an ecosystem of micro-organisms that breakdown …
The impact of hoof health and lameness in livestock
Poor hoof health can have a significant and direct impact on livestock profitability. If hoof problems are not treated promptly, lameness in stock can occur quickly. This results in economic loss, poor performance and is considered a welfare concern. Any …
Reducing the challenge of storage mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are known to present a dynamic risk to feed quality The challenge initially starts in the field with Fusarium toxins such as the trichothecenes, zearalenone and fumonisin, or the Aspergillus species like aflatoxin. However, even if the feedstuff is …
New ruminant meta-analysis from Alltech addresses protein challenges, carbon footprint and profitability
[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – The tightening of global protein supplies is creating uncertainty for producers and the feed industry alike as to where this year’s protein supply will come from. Add to that the ever-increasing pressure on producers to meet the …
The missing link in healthy calf rearing
The mantra with rearing healthy calves is well established (Moran 2002, p. 117,199); Keep calves warm, dry and sheltered Maximise acquired immunity through colostrum and vaccination Minimise exposure to pathogens until calves develop their own immunity Dairy farmers appreciate the …
The impact of mycotoxins on animal health
Author: Dr. Alexandra Weaver, Alltech Mycotoxin Management Mycotoxins are a common concern for feed quality and animal safety worldwide. Mycotoxins can exert their effects on animals in many ways: change feeding behavior, reduce growth and efficiency, alter intestinal structure or …
Maximising dry feed and stubble using Optisync™; A new player in rumen efficiency
Unlike with previous years, the 2020/2021 summer season is looking to provide ample opportunities to graze a bulk of dry feed and pasture. As a plant matures, the crude protein, energy and digestibility levels of the plant decline and the …
Managing a “La Niña” event and the subsequent grain quality issues
Author: Tina Grech, Senior Nutritionist, Alltech Lienert Australia As many people would know, a La Niña event has been declared in Australia in 2020. The last major La Niña occurrences were in the summers of 2010/11 and 2011/12, and they …
Lifting milk production in subtropical dairy cows
THE continuing drought in subtropical dairy regions continues to provide challenges in the nutritional management of dairy cows. Grain prices are coming down which will make formulating increased starch levels more attractive to meet the energy requirements of cows during …