Cereal pastures are an excellent source of feed for both dry and lactating stock when managed correctly.
Like with any change in the diet, it is critical to ensure appropriate transition feeding protocols are followed when introducing stock to new pastures to reduce the risk of metabolic disorders.
Of significant importance at this time of year is Magnesium, an essential mineral required for grazing animals due to the increased risk of Grass Tetany, which occurs predominately in cereal pastures due to:
- high Potassium which causes reduced plant uptake of Magnesium;
- high Nitrogen which sees reduced Magnesium absorption in the rumen;
- low fibre causes reduced retention of feed therefore lower absorption of Magnesium; and
- low Sodium levels - Magnesium absorption is a sodium linked process in the rumen.
"Supplementation with MidMag whilst stock graze cereal pastures will assist in balancing the essential nutrients required to reduce the risk of Grass Tetany and overcome mineral deficiencies," an Alltech Lienert spokesman said.
Late gestation and early lactation are critical times for stock, both sheep and cattle.
With energy demands increasing exponentially late in gestation, coinciding with reduced intake capacity, this sees stock requiring more nutrient dense feeds to meet demands.
As well as the increased requirement for energy, stock mineral demand increases, both in late gestation and certainly in early lactation.
"High Potassium levels in green feed and supplementary feed available at this time of year interferes with the mobilisation of Calcium and Magnesium from bone reserves of our pregnant animals," the spokesman said.
"Daily requirements of Calcium and Magnesium cannot be met from green feed and supplementary feeds alone in late gestation and early lactation.
"Magnesium along with Vitamin D and Phosphorus help improve the efficiency of Calcium use, providing for a stronger, more viable lamb and ultimately improving animal performance
"Magnesium and Calcium play vital roles in muscle function and can assist during the birthing process while Magnesium can also aid in reducing stress."
"We recommend supplementation with MidMag six weeks prior to lambing and through the lambing period to ensure a sufficient mineral status for the animal to overcome deficiencies.
"Supplementation with MidMag will provide a full profile of macro and micro minerals, including a blend of our Bioplex minerals, that may help minimise the incidence of deficiencies and maximise the overall health status of the animal."
- Details: Visit alltechlienert.com.au
