Target feeding challenges to maximise rumen function and health
Tackling the issues that commonly disrupt rumen function will maximise milk from forage, digestive health and margins this winter. Key to this will be targeting problems effectively.
Roy Eastlake, Biotal National Technical Manager, says maintaining good rumen health is a major challenge on many farms.
He explains once rumen function is disrupted, the efficiency of digestion, particularly fibre, decreases. Fewer nutrients are available resulting in lower yields and increased costs per litre. A number of conditions lead to reduced rumen efficiency with acidosis probably the most common.
“Many factors predispose cows to acidosis including increased feeding of concentrates, especially those with high levels of rapidly fermentable starch and sugars. Mycotoxins are another problem which will reduce performance on many farms.
“The key is to identify potential issues and take the most effective steps to reduce the consequences. As each problem affects the rumen microflora differently, farmers need products specifically formulated to target that problem.”
The Biotal SC yeast farm pack range comprises of four products designed to target specific challenges including acidosis, mycotoxins and stress induced problems.
It is based on the rumen specific live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM 1-1077 which has been shown in extensive trials to improve fibre digestion and rumen efficiency.
“A proven rumen specific live yeast is central to developing a stable rumen environment. By adding other ingredients we can increase the effectiveness with which key problems are tackled.
“If the challenge is reducing the problems caused by toxins, we can supply live yeast in combination with yeast cell wall to better protect the entire digestive tract.
“With acidosis the efficiency of live yeast under low pH can be enhanced by adding dead yeast which provides the rumen microflora with readily available nutrients such as amino acids and B-vitamins for rapid growth.
“The trick to getting cows performing this winter will be to assess the challenge which might compromise rumen health and digestion and select proven supplements designed to target this challenge.”
