We’ve been making great progress with our customers on responsible mineral supply for their milking cows and dry cows, but an area which still needs attention is the youngstock. The minerals calves and heifers receive can have a major influence on their future performance in the dairy herd. Getting this right early helps ensure they enter their first lactation as healthy, productive cows. Many traditional youngstock minerals are oversupplying minerals, which, out-with the issues on health & performance, is also financially costly.

Copper oversupply

It is a well-known but concerning fact that dairy cows in the UK are regularly oversupplied with copper. Copper is stored in the liver and builds up over months without obvious warning signs. This can have fatal consequences, often brought on by a stress event such as movements, group changes or a sudden diet change. Stress causes the copper to be released from the liver which breaks down blood cells, leading to anaemia, weakness and death.

Young calves are especially vulnerable. Pre-ruminant calves absorb copper at a rate of up to 70% compared with just 4-5% in adult cattle. This means even a modest oversupply can quickly become a problem.

Copper is known to be essential for immunity, growth and fertility, but more is not always better. It is imperative that supply of all vitamins and minerals is reviewed by taking into account all sources. Factors like feeding youngstock the milking cow refusals can lead to oversupply and the risk of chronic copper toxicity before the heifers have even entered the milking herd.

Grampian Super Rearer + Biotin

Our youngstock-specific mineral, Grampian Super Rearer + Biotin, has been fully reviewed in line with typical youngstock rations and the new NASEM guidelines for vitamin and mineral supply. We have focussed on high quality mineral sources and optimal supply to support healthy growth and development. Your Harbro Dairy Specialist will be able to advise on the correct feeding rate for your system, taking into account all other mineral inputs on farm.

GRAMPIAN SUPER REARER + BIOTIN

A high specification mineral designed to meet the requirements of growing heifers destined for the milking herd.

Formulated to support mammary development and frame growth to prepare heifers for bulling.
• Helps promote immunity and protects cells against oxidative stress including Rumi Defence
• Promotes keratin formation for sound feet with Biotin
• Boosts cow health and immunity with Sel-Plex
• Maintains hoof health and immunity with zinc as Zn-Tek
• Improves immune status and supports fertility with copper as Cu-Tek
• Maximises rumen function and aids growth targetswith vitamin B12.

Speak to your Harbro Dairy Specialist to discuss correct feeding rates for your system, taking into account all other mineral inputs on farm.