How trace cocktail hits right spot

16 June 2000

How trace cocktail hits right spot

BEEF cattle fed trace elements to balance the silage based on grass analysis show improved feed conversion efficiency in a company trial.

Erindale says its Micromix Essential cocktail of trace elements is formulated to complement grass when it is analysed before cutting in the field. It contains a tailored blend of cobalt, copper, iodine, selenium and zinc.

The product is then sprayed on grass at five litres/ha with a conventional sprayer before mowing. Trial results show this is effective in getting the elements into the plant, and they do not leach after silage is made, adds the company.

Balanced content

The result is each mouthful contains a balanced mineral content, saving on more expensive mineral supplements, it claims.

Feeding trials on James Mayfairs Kelso farm show that in one year 20-month old beef heifers fed treated silage ate a third less than those fed untreated silage, yet achieved a similar weight gain. Both silages were fed with a traditional mineral because the untreated silage was found to be mineral deficient.

Last year, weaned heifers fed treated silage ate the same amount of silage as those fed an untreated crop, but weight gain increased by 29%, says Erindale.

It adds that the product will be marketed through Dalgety, and will cost less than 60p/t of silage. Further developments could lead to products for grazing and for application at silage harvest.