Beef production

Description

Beef production has two sources of animals from both  the suckler herd and the dairy herd. The rearing systems for both can be quite different. Within these systems the method of production can also be quite extensive and intensive or mixture of both with cattle grazed for long periods outdoors and then finished indoors on high concentrate rations.
 
For either system, animal health and the nutrition of the animal is important in order to make profit. Reducing and preventing disease and nutritional disorders are key in improving output and margins. All aspects have to be taken into considerations including feed type/quality, water, air quality, space, respiratory disease, feed change stress, lameness etc. Iomlán Animal Science provide solutions and plans for finishing cattle of all types to suit the animals and the goals of the farm. This may mean putting a programme together for bucket reared calves or finishing bulls under 16 months.
 

Options

We look at what is needed on a farm after we first look at the feed quality and a farm visit. This way can assess the situation and farm goals and formulate an accurate plan.
 We look at diseases and disorders which currently are a problem and look at ways to prevent and eradicate these.
Some of the more common concerns we come across include:
  • Ruminal Acidosis
  • Mineral & Vitamin deficiency
  • Laminitis
  • Scouring
  • Poor feed efficiency
  • Poor growth/thrive
Our plans may include using the correct minerals & vitamins such as our Beef/heifer minerals, Levabon Rumen E or Brabús which can be seen below for improved feed efficiency and performance.
We also have solutions for mycotoxin related problems in the form of the Mycofix range.
More details on these are in the links below.
 
We also take a closer look at ruminal acidosis and the causes and symtoms.
For further information please contact via email or phonecall.
 
 

Ruminal Acidosis

Description

Rumen acidosis is a metabolic disease of cattle. Like most metabolic diseases it is important to remember that for every cow that shows clinical signs, there will be several more which are affected sub-clinically.
 
Acidosis is said to occur when the pH of the rumen falls to less than 5.5 (normal is 6.5 to 7.0). In many cases the pH can fall even lower. The fall in pH has two effects. Firstly, the rumen stops moving and rumination is reduced. This depresses appetite and production. Saliva production is reduced, saliva is a natural buffer which contains sodium bicarbonate which neutralizes the acid produced in the rumen, without this the level of acid increases.
 
Well-developed rumen papillae are needed to work quickly to remove organic acids out of the rumen. Insufficiently developed papillae by poor calf rearing can cause problems. Also, local inflammations or cell wall thickening (due to worms, mycotoxins, endotoxins, ...) of the papillae contribute to a poorer absorption of the organic acids. During the dry period the number of papillae and their length decrease in amount and size. This also results in a poorer absorption capacity during lactation.
 
Secondly, the change in acidity changes the rumen flora, with acid-producing bacteria taking over. They produce more acid, making the acidosis worse. The increased acid is then absorbed through the rumen wall, causing metabolic acidosis, which in severe cases can lead to shock and death.

Causes

The primary cause of acidosis is feeding a high level of rapidly digestible carbohydrates e.g. rolled barley, sugar beet. It should not be forgotten that leafy grass is highly digestible and can high levels of sugar which can cause ruminal acidosis. With quotas lifted, many farmers have opted to produce more from their cows. This has meant higher levels of high energy concentrates are been fed. This has increased the risk of ruminal acidosis which can have a big impact on farm output and profitability. 

Symptoms and consequences

Acute acidosis often results in death, although illness and liver abscesses may be seen before hand. Cattle may become depressed, go off feed, have an elevated heart rate or diarrhoea.

  • Reduced feed intake
  • Poor body condition and weight loss
  • Unexplained diarrhoea
  • Temperature
  • Pulse rate and respiratory rate may rise
  • Lethargy
  • Laminitis
  • Increased endotoxin production
  • Liver abscesses 

 

Brabús

Brabús is a complex product specially formulated to suit modern day dairy cows, beef finishing and growing cattle who are vulnerable to ruminal problems by helping to maintain a stable rumen pH.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

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Beef/Heifer minerals

panagro-jongvee-vleesvee-website

This formulation is designed specifically to support muscle growth and feeds for optimal rumen development in young ruminants.The Beef/Heifer mixture helps optimal growth, healthy calves and a good quality colostrum.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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Neofenol

Neofenol is a feeding and milk (replacer) application for calves and lambs. The active substances are matrix encapsulated and ensure a healthy gut flora and increased immunity.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

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Levabon

Levabon Rumen E is an autolysed yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which is spray-dried in order to preserve the biological value of the cell wall carbohydrates, peptides, essential amino acids and vitamins B.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

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Ruminant

Ruminant is a prebiotic digestive enhancer specially formulated for sheep and cattle. Ruminant contains a concentrated blend of enzymes and secondary metabolites. Ruminant aids in maintaining efficient rumen function through periods of stress such as weaning, transport and feed changes.                                                                                               

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