Protect Your Livestock with Our Proven Nutrition Blocks

Grass is a very important resource for livestock farmers, becoming the most cost-effective feed source on the farm when managed efficiently. However, spring grazing poses several challenges that require careful consideration before ‘letting livestock loose’.

As the wet weather continues and soil temperature starts to climb, rates of grass growth will increase substantially in the coming weeks.

This can bring challenges with fibre and oil content. Low fibre grass increases the rate of passage through the rumen, reducing absorption time. At the same time, high oil levels reduce the hydrophilic nature of fibre particles in the rumen, therefore bacteria cannot attach as easily to the fibre surface, depressing the digestion. This can result in a drop in rumen pH, increasing the risk of acidosis, as well as reduced butterfat levels from a reduction in acetate production. It is therefore good practice to monitor milk yield and constituents. A fall in butterfat and/or protein of >0.3% in one week is a warning sign for poor rumen function and could indicate Sub Acute Rumen Acidosis (SARA).

Spring grass is also frequently linked with high levels of crude protein. This is primarily rumen degradable protein (RDP). Rumen microbes are unable to utilise these high levels of RDP often found in spring grass, particularly if there is a shortage of fermentable energy in the diet. Consequently, excess RDP is broken down into ammonia in the rumen, and then absorbed into the blood stream and converted to urea in the liver. Elevated blood urea nitrogen level from excessive crude protein, can lead to decreased body condition score, diminished fertility, and impact on hoof health.

Factors influencing the availability of dietary magnesium vary considerably including magnesium levels in the soil and grass; high potassium levels disrupt the uptake of magnesium and high ammonia levels inhibit magnesium absorption. The amount and concentration of magnesium in the body is dependent upon absorption mainly from the rumen which varies from 15-30%, which is why a daily supply of magnesium is vital.

Protecting against parasites

Parasites pose significant challenges to productivity and animal welfare, but with the right strategies, their impact can be reduced.

There are many types of parasite. Some are external (ectoparasites), such as lice, ticks, mosquitoes or flies. Those that live and settle on the animal. Others can be found internally (endoparasites), such as coccidia, strongyles and lungworm.

The current weather patterns are extending the risk period for external parasites in particular ticks and flies. Tick activity has started earlier than expected whilst Blowfly populations are typically greatest during the summer months, the risk period can start from March through to December in some lowland areas.

Blowfly strike has a serious impact on the welfare of sheep, as well as having a major impact on productivity through weight loss, decreased milk production and fleece damage.

Internal parasites can cause internal damage, leading to digestive problems, reduced nutrient absorption and internal bleeding. In the most serious cases, this can lead to death. More generally, parasites weaken the animals’ immune systems, making them more vulnerable to other diseases and less productive. The result is weight loss, stunted growth and reduced milk production. All of which incur a significant loss of income.

Typically when grazing, large numbers of larvae are ingested. These then settle in the digestive tract and reproduce. The eggs are then excreted, and returned to the grass, repeating the cycle.

There are various ways of limiting infestation. These include pasture rotation and mixed species grazing, reducing stocking rates per hectare, swapping fields for grazing to silage and vice versa. Weather conditions play a big part, however this is unpredictable and therefore uncontrollable.

While eggs are excreted all year round, the development of larvae outdoors is linked to temperature and weather conditions. Dry weather and particularly low or high temperatures can slow the cycle down.

A high parasite burden can present itself in a number of ways:

• VISIBLE SIGNS: weight loss, sudden changes in behaviour, frequent diarrhoea, respiratory or skin problems.
• PERFORMANCE SIGNS: decreases in production and/or poor fertility.

Ceteia Protect is a unique garlic and herb block suitable for cattle, sheep, horses, and goats, designed to help manage levels of internal parasites and external pests, while reducing the risk of infestation.

The V-Phyt core technology comprises a blend of herbal extracts with vermifuge properties, which can address common intestinal challenges and provide an unfavourable environment for parasites.

For further information or support, please contact your local Technical Specialist or email william.andrew@uk.timacagro.com.