A common thread in discussions with dairy farmers this spring has been the unusually high number of animals suffering calcium/magnesium related metabolic disorders. That’s a large financial hit prior to the season getting underway, because for every animal exhibiting clinical signs it is calculated that there are a further seven animals suffering but not requiring treatment.
Those animals, regardless of the effectiveness of treatment, will produce fewer kilograms of milk solids this season than had they not suffered. When the cost of vet visits along with the time spent by owners and operators are factored in, the final figure is often disturbingly large. Because the problem is widespread and in many cases getting worse for many it has become normalised. It doesn’t have to be.
There are farmers who treat very few animals, don’t expect issues, seldom lose an animal, and when that does occur there were always other contributing factors.
As with all things in farming there are multiple factors at play. Calcium and magnesium interact within the animal, and the requirement of each element varies with age of the animal. Weather has a large part to play with the overriding requirement being available energy which fluctuates in response to direct sunlight and associated warmth. Consecutive days of cold wet weather in spring significantly increases animal energy requirement at the same time soluble sugar levels in pasture are dropping. In foul weather animals may huddle together with a reduction in feed intake. Combined with a lengthy walk to the shed more animals requiring attention can be expected. There are a number of steps that can be taken which will largely eliminate the stress and frustrations felt by those responsible for the well-being of what are valuable animals.
Golden Bay dolomite has long been known as general health improver, whether applied through standard ground spread equipment and/or made available in a bin for animals to lick as they require.The reason vets and farm advisors have not embraced this approach is primarily due to it containing both magnesium and calcium, so price comparisons are hard to make.
However, it is the marked improvement in overall animal health during spring that is its greatest value. Right now, it is also the cheapest magnesium fertiliser available to farmers. The argument that it comes from Golden Bay and therefore has a high freight component ignores the fact that commonly used magnesium oxide products come from a far greater distance. Were magnesium oxide products genuinely effective fertilisers the incidence of calcium/magnesium metabolic disorders would be decreasing.
On properties where dolomite has been applied annually at around 200kg/ha soil test magnesium steadily increase along with improved animal resilience and performance. Dolomite may be applied at any time during the year with the positive effects lasting at least twelve months and the effect almost immediate due to the fineness of grinding. It is a proven soil conditioner with land damaged behind wires in wet weather steadily becoming more friable without further intervention. Clover seed can be added at the time of spreading ensuring performance of the newest cultivars is available. It is the most effect first step in relegating springtime metabolic disorders to the occasional and seldom major category.
For more information call Peter on 088 436 566 or 027 495 0041.
