Q. We have been calving the sucklers now since early April but there are still quite a few to calve. What can I do to tighten this up next year?
A. It may take more than a year to tighten things up fully, but a small improvement each year will help. This is exactly what our Quick Serve range of products are formulated to do. Feed either the granular or tub version for 42 days, split 3 weeks before the bull is introduced and 3 weeks during. Quick Serve contains natural stimulants which will jolt the cow into season and then magnify everything in the oestrus cycle. Cows will display heightened sexual activity which should help them conceive. Once the recommended quantity of Quick Serve is used, revert to a good quality mineral to help the embryo attach successfully.
Q. We are looking at making 2nd cut silage soon and want to get as much feed value in it as possible to reduce feed costs next winter. What can we use?
A. A silage additive such as one from the Biophage range will help you retain feed value in the grass. £1 spent now will result in either larger savings in the winter as more performance will be taken from silage or increased output for better returns. It is worth remembering though that good quality silage can only be made from good quality grass so grassland management is very important.
Q. The ewes go to the tup in August and last year we gave them a tupping bucket. They ate the buckets very quickly but we just had an average percentage. How can I improve that this year?
A. Ewes will often binge if their bodies require a boost at a critical and stressful time, such as tupping. For best results you should plan ahead and not look for a quick fix when the rams go in. If you can support condition now, then their nutrient status come tupping will be even better. An ideal solution is to offer Tub SF (Sheep’s Feet) for the next 8 weeks. This will maintain body levels of vital nutrients and ensure sound feet, then move onto Tub TUP.
Q. I usually calve a large batch of cows in July and August. As the cows are out, the less help they need the better. What is the best thing to feed?
A. From 6-8 weeks pre-calving offer TUB EC (Easi Calver) which is exactly right for this. The cows will help themselves and ingest the elements that are designed to help ease the calving process. The result should be a stress free, wet calving where calves are up quickly. Opt for TUB EC+FLY to give all the benefits of EC but with Repel-Ex™ included to help reduce summer fly irritation.
DENIS BRINICOMBE GROUP
Registered Office: Fordton Industrial Estate, Crediton, Devon, UK EX17 3BZ
tel: 01363 775 115 | fax: 01363 772 114 | enquiries@brinicombe.co.uk
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