Milks 150 cows in the Maitiri Valley near Murchison

As a one man operation Darrell decided he and his cows would be better off if milked once a day.   “I’m less stressed now and so are the cows.  I also have less animal health problems due to the cows being in better condition, and can spend more time observing them so am able to prevent problems before they arise.”

Darrell has always adopted a preventative approach to animal health and has used Nutritech’s free access Danmix Hi-Mag E™ for five years, as water supplementation is not an option, due to the mix of hill country and flats.  “Hi-Mag E™ suits my operation as I can offer it to the dry cows in troughs then continue to feed it in the shed throughout the season.” 

Hi-Mag E™ contains magnesium, trace minerals and vitamins which help simulate calcium mobilization from the bones at the start of lactation.  “It’s certainly paid off for me because I didn’t have any cases of milk fever and somatic cell counts are always fairly low.  I think the combination of Hi-Mag E™ and once a day milking has been good for the cows, and I know I’m enjoying life a bit more!”