Visited a farm in County Derry where selenium deficiency resulted in 30% of the calves born either dead or death within minutes after birth. Subsequent analysis showed that selenium deficiency was the main cause. The client discovered that new EU regulations have restricted the amount of Vitamin E, Iodine and selenium supplementations in diets for cows. Subsequently, the client treated all animals to increase selenium and vitamin E supplementation. The incidence of mortality among calves born dropped dramatically. This issue needs to addressed by the Industry as a costly feature for high mortality rates in calves.
Dr.Dan @ www.cows365.com