Friday, March 29, 2024

Bolus delivers trace elements

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Elemental glass boluses are an effective way to deliver elemental selenium (Se), cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu) to the rumen of dairy and beef cattle for up to six months.
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The boluses, imported from England by Rurtech, are made of compressed glass and as the glass dissolves the elements are released into the rumen, where they are really needed, Rurtech general manager Ian Carr said.

Se is a common deficiency in New Zealand, and in particular in Canterbury, Carr said, which causes poor immunity and increased levels of infection like mastitis and pneumonia as well as retained membranes and endometritis.

Co is used by rumen microbes to synthesise vitamin B12, important for enzymes associated with energy and protein metabolism. B12 crosses the placenta from the cow to the calf’s liver where it is stored and used for the first weeks of its life. Deficient animals have a loss of appetite and corresponding low growth rates.

Cu is another common trace element deficiency and what was thought to be causing loss of pigment in hair and giving a ginger tinge to animals’ coats. Research has now shown the ginger tinge is due to thiomolybdate toxicity (insoluble complexes of molybdenum, sulphur and iron) which interferes with the animals’ uptake of Cu by binding with Cu ions in the rumen. Thiomolbydate toxicity also reduces feed conversion efficiency and interferes with onset of puberty and oestrus and increases embryo loss through progesterone reduction.

Having Cu constantly available in the rumen from a bolus provides sacrificial copper to bind to thiomolybdates and ensure they are passed out of the body rather than absorbed to exert their toxic effect, plus enough Cu ions left to be absorbed by the animal and  prevent deficiency.

Elemental boluses are for use in ruminating cattle weighing over 100kg. The expected period of protection is four to six months – six months in pasture fed conditions, less when supplements or concentrates are fed because the rumen is more acidic and the bolus dissolves more quickly.

Administering to dairy cows at drying off will protect through mating, Carr said. He suggests treating in the late autumn/early winter period to ensure stock are well covered during their development and that fertility of cows is not compromised at the onset of the breeding season.

The Elemental Bolus is available from veterinary practices.

For more information call Ian Carr, Rurtech, on 0800 787 832 or visit www.rurtech.com.

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