Most of manures…
NEW PRODUCTS
Calcium boluses to combat milk fever
THE first calcium bolus for cattle to be marketed in the UK and Ireland has been launched by Agrimin.
Bovikalc has been available in Europe for three years and is designed to be a preventative treatment against milk fever, particularly in older cows. However, boluses can be used after a calcium injection in severe milk fever cases to prevent a relapse, says the company.
Each bolus is said to provide a consistent supply of calcium over about 12 hours. Preventative treatment consists of three doses starting at the first sign of calving, another immediately after calving and finally one the next day, explains Agrimins James McCulloch.
In trials, cows with a previous history of milk fever were given Bovikalc and a similar group given a placebo. The frequency of milk fever in the treated group was said to be 14.6%, compared with 54.8% in the placebo group.
Boluses are available in packs of four and cost £14/pack, with a free applicator included (01652-688046, fax 01652-688049).
Orbit semen has top family history
SEMEN from the UK bred and only available son of the Cow of the Century at Dairy Scot in 1999, Excalibar Saucy Skychief, is being marketed by Foundation Sires.
Longfordhall Outside Orbit has yet to be proven. His dam was also Supreme Champion Holstein at both the Holstein Show and Dairy Scot in 2000. At this years Holstein Show she was Reserve Champion Senior Cow (pictured with owner Liz Wolfenden, far right).
Orbit is sired by Comestar Outside, a Prelude son of Comestar LOr Black, says the company. His predicted performance is +437kg of milk, +12kg of fat, +8.7kg of protein and a type merit score of +2.02. He has a predicted PIN of £19 and PLI of £28. Semen is available at £8/dose (01425-475916, fax 01425-485146).
Most of manures…
A FREE booklet to help organic producers make the best use of nutrients in manures has been published by ADAS and Elm Farm Research Centre.
Managing Manures on Organic Farms gives an easy to understand guide to typical nutrient contents of manures, the likelihood of nutrient losses and best practices to avoid such losses, say the booklets authors.
Other topics covered include the environmental impact of manure use, nutrient availability to crops, nutrient planning and useful contact addresses.
Copies are available from ADAS Gleadthorpe (01623-844331, 01623-844472).