New dry cow diet could slash costs

Feeding a dietary cation anion balanced ration is no longer difficult after a new all-in-one feed is launched.

Advanced HealthyCalver Nuts by Advanced Sourcing captures the benefits of its proven DCAB system in an easy-to-use all-in-one feed.

The formulation includes anionic salts to achieve a partial DCAB status, as well as higher levels of major vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E.

All these are known to be critical to enhance a cow’s immune system and give the best results at calving. The financial benefits can amount to thousands says Advance Sourcings’Chris Laycock.

“Since launching our range of DCAB dry cow feeds we have seen exceptional on-farm results, with virtually no retained cleansings or milk fevers, quick calvings and cows in optimum condition at calving, enabling high milk yield and good ongoing fertility.

“The financial benefits can amount to many thousands of pounds a year as well as producing an easier, less stressful life for everyone involved in looking after the cows.”

Traditional DCAB rations can be difficult to feed, particularly to small groups of cows or in warm weather or where cows have to be fed outside at grass, as they need to be well mixed and kept stable to avoid palatability and heating issues, says Mr Laycock.

“The introduction of Advanced HeakthyCalver nuts is significant as it enables farmers to take advantage of the DCAB-style approach where they may not have been able to before.”

The 14mm nuts come in 25kg bags on a one-tonne pallet, making it easier to handle and feed.

Shropshire milk producer, Neale Sadler, who has been trialling the product on his 75-cow herd says he was attracted to the DCAB ration in the dry period, but previously hadn’t used it because it wasn’t practical.

“Because of the relatively small groups of dry cows we have at any one time traditionally it was not practical to use a DCAB mix, HealthyCalver solves this problem and I’m pleased with the results we are achieving. It is easy to feed and since we have been suing it we have seen virtually no milk fever or retained cleansings and have had no major calving problems.”