We are frequently asked by publications to help provide insight into essential and prevalent issues. These include animal nutrition features written by our technical specialists. Practical advice that works made available to you. Sit back and have a read.
Heifers are the future of the herd and whilst they are often referred to as the most important animals on the farm, it can sometimes be a case of “out of sight, out of mind”. However, it is important to keep them top of mind, even if they are not seen every day. Our calves […]
With feed prices at their highest and most volatile we have seen them in some time it is imperative, now more than ever, that farm businesses recognize the value of silages and home-grown feed. This value comes from both security of supply as well as the economic value of quality silage relative to other feed […]
An innovative approach to transition management proves just the trick to restoring freshly-calved cows to full health and production, says Canterbury farmer Kieran McDonald. Kieran McDonald, who contract milks for Peter and Kirsty Schouten on one of their high producing herds in Eyrewell, Canterbury and has been using NutriMin®Springer Cow Balancer in his herd for […]
There are three aspects of silage quality to consider when selecting silages for dry cows – nutritional quality, fermentation quality, and hygienic quality Nutritional quality The three key nutritional parameters are energy, protein, and fibre. While generally the higher the energy and protein the better for milking cows, this isn’t necessarily so for dry cows. […]
Lallemand Inc. is a global manufacturer and distributor of yeasts and bacterial products for both human and animal nutrition with more than 2,500 yeast strains in their collection. In fact, if you drink wine in NZ there is a 50% chance you have consumed a wine made using a Lallemand specific yeast strain. The Lallemand […]
After 10 years in the making, New Zealand farmers and contractors have finally had the opportunity to try new bacterial forage inoculant technology. Feedback on the new L. Hilgardii bacteria has been overwhelmingly positive, with the unique combination of bacteria and enzymes in MAGNIVA® Platinum having a noticeable effect on silage quality, palatability and temperature. […]
Last season New Zealand farmers and contractors had the opportunity to try the new live bacterial forage inoculant, MAGNIVA® Platinum. Feedback on the new Lactobacillus hilgardii bacteria has been overwhelmingly positive, with the unique combination of bacteria and enzymes in MAGNIVA® Platinum having a noticeable effect on silage quality, palatability and temperature. According to Manawatu […]
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by certain types of fungi (moulds), which increase in the presence of oxygen in the hot, humid months of the year. These fungi produce mycotoxins under certain conditions, which can be harmful to animal health and productivity. It’s important to note that not all fungi produce mycotoxins, and the presence […]
About this time of year, farmers may notice several behavioural issues with their stock, along with declines in performance. This can occur with both cows in milk and with replacement heifers. Typical symptoms are grouping together, mainly where shade is available, instead of spreading out across the paddock and around water troughs. Peeling of the […]
Time of harvest In a typical year, the timing of harvest for maize silage is based on the milk line in the kernel and the dry matter (DM) of the whole plant. Two-thirds milk line (when the kernel’s outer two-thirds is starchy and the inner third milky) and 33-35% whole plant DM is the harvesting […]
