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Suckler CowTechnical Guide
Supporting health through nutrition to maximise production profitability
| brinicombe.co.uk 1
Achieving the best potential results from the suckler herd is reliant on getting the most calves weaned from the cows and heifers that have mated.
It costs between £450 - £800 to keep a suckler cow for a year, so it is crucial that she produces a viable calf every year (AHDB, 2014). Nutrition, health and good management influence fertility. Feeding makes a particularly important contribution to fertility, calving ease and calf performance.
Careful management of body condition is vital to allow cows to utilise cheaper grazed grass & other home grown feeds when available, without compromising performance during the rest of the season.
Ensuring that all the below points are considered are vital to optimising suckler cow performance.
Brinicombe Agri
SolutionsStockManagement
NutritionBreeds/Genetics
Disease Prevention
Checkpoints for Success
Successful Suckler Management
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Breed/Genetics Breed affects management. Hardy native breeds suit an out-wintering system which is a low cost option. Continental breeds suit a housed winter.Genetic merit can be improved through sire and bull selection.
Disease Prevention Avoidance of diseases (common problems such as worm burden and pneumonia) is crucial to ensure maximum growth and production potential.Even sub-clinical problems can reduce performance so a proactive approach to herd health management is required.
Stock Management Evaluating BCS is a vital tool for suckler producers to help enhance health, welfare and fertility, while minimising calving difficulties and production costs. BCS should be examined throughout the year and particularly during the last three to four months of pregnancy.
Nutrition Optimising nutrition leads to: Increased number and weight of calves weaned; Increased age at weaning leading to increased herd output; Reduced calving period; Reduced time between cows calving & conception; Fewer empty cows; Reduced calf mortality & production losses from infectious diseases.
Brinicombe Agri Solutions Our solutions help alongside the consideration of the above points helping to achieve a profitable and successful calf rearing.
Checkpoints for Success
The following pages are a guide to where our solutions can work in your system to support your suckler herd.
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Suckler Cow Solutions TableThe table below is designed to highlight which product best suits the situation depending on the priority of the risk.
Key:+ Will have an effect ++ Includes key features for the situation+++ Designed for the situation, very effective ++++ Market leader for situation
An
aid
to t
he
prev
entio
n of
sta
gger
s
Fert
ility
Milk
pro
duct
ion
Bod
y co
nditi
on s
core
Coa
t co
nditi
on
Sup
port
s a
heal
thy
imm
une
syst
em
Bal
ance
d di
et
Min
eral
sta
tus
Quick Serve Tubby ++ ++++ + + ++ ++ ++ +++
Cow Caps +++ + ++ ++ ++ ++
Suckler Licking Stone Tubby +++ ++ ++ + ++ +++ ++ +++
Fly Tubby ++ + ++ + ++ +++ ++ +++
Easi-Cow Liquid +++ + ++ +++ + ++ +++ ++
MFD 65 Plus Yeast + +++ +++ + + +++ ++
StokBlok Suckler Cow ++ ++ ++ +++ + ++ +++ +++
StokBlok Mag Plus +++ + ++ + + ++ ++ +++
LMF Hi Phos + Copper + ++ ++ + + ++ ++ +++
Zintec Organic Suckler ++ ++ ++ + + ++ ++ +++
Cow Complete Chelated ++ ++ ++ +++ ++ ++ +++
Hi-Trace Zintec Bucket + ++ ++ + ++ ++ ++ +++
Easi-Mag Liquid ++++ + ++ + ++ ++ ++
High Mag Cattle Tubby +++ + ++ + + ++ ++ +++
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Tightens calving period Easier management from a pronounced, prolonged heat period
Energy utilisation Energy is a key requirement to fertility
Supports a healthy immune system Optimises production and performance
Quick Serve Tubby Enhancing fertility for easier stock management
Weight: 14kg / 22kg tub
Feeding rate: 14kg tub per 5 cows for 6 weeks (approx. intake of 66g/hd/day)
22kg tub per 10 cows for 6 weeks (approx. intake 66g/hd/day)
Suitability: Any cows or heifers when bulling is sluggish or calving needs tightening
Top Tip: Always check that the level of stockmanship is of the highest order, no disease etc and that cattle are on a rising plane of nutrition. If all of these criteria are met then Quick Serve Tubby will give the cow the best chance of a successful conception.
To provide an additional boost of essential nutrients pre-bulling use Cow Caps. They are easy to administer and provide key nutrients to create the desirable conditions in the body for conception.
Features Benefits
Contains Orvec StimulusHelps pronounce and prolong the heat period
which reduces the risk of silent heats.
High levels of phosphorus and chelated copper Aids fertility and milk yield.
High levels of manganese and zinc from a chelated source
Helps improve conception rates, develop reproductive organs and create the correct pH
in the reproductive tract.
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Suckler Licking Stone TubbyDual action Tubby for both cows and their calves
Enhances rumen function and development Improves growth rates and forage digestion
Muscle developmentPromotes growth and frame
Supports a healthy immune system Optimises production and performance
Weight: 25kg tub
Feeding rate: 1 tub per 10 cows for 4 weeks (approx. intake 85g/hd/day)
Suitability: Suckler and store cattle
Cows with calves at foot for year round supplementation
Top Tip: Ideal supplementation for cows running with young stock at foot – it has a beneficial action for both stock types.
If flies are a particular problem use the Fly Tubby. It is designed to reduce the nuisance of biting flies while balancing any deficiencies at grazing.
Features Benefits
Contains live active yeastHelps improve calf growth rates and improve
forage digestion for all stock.
High levels of chelated copperHelps promote calf growth, condition and fertility
in suckler cows.
Contains magnesium and vitamin D3Aids the prevention of staggers (during low –
medium risk periods).
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Easi-Cow Liquid Feed Formulated liquid feed to improve rumen efficiency while complimenting winter conditions
Forage utilisation Ensures digestion and compliments poorer quality forage
Aid to the prevention of staggers Magnesium supply with vitamin D3 to increase mobilisation
Improves rumen function Protein and energy balance to promote digestion
Weight: Litres
Feeding rate: 0.5-0.7litres/hd/day
Suitability: Suckler cows on poor forage
Do not feed to sheep or horses
Do not feed to ruminants less than 3 months of age
Top Tip: Easi-Cow Liquid Feed is ideal for suckler cows on poor quality grazing or when more fibre forms a large part of the diet. Suitable for out-wintered cows. For spring staggers problems outside ALWAYS use Easi-Mag liquid due to the protein level in Easi-Cow (this limits intakes when grass quality is high).
Masterblend 65 + Yeast is a protein concentrate blended with both natural protein and urea. It compliments silage fed beef or suckler cows and can be top dressed or used within tonne mixes.
Features Benefits
High proteins and sugars combined with high magnesium
Utilises forage more efficiently. Ideal for out-wintered suckler cows at risk of magnesium
problems.
Source of chelated copperHighly bio-available form of copper, aiding fertility
and coat condition.
Contains trace elements & vitaminsImproves performance. Also provides a source
of nutrition for rumen bugs to thrive and multiply.
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StokBlok Suckler CowA great balancer bucket for suckler cows out-wintered on rough grazing
Energy rich Bypass supply of energy to improve DLWG
Improves rumen functionProtein and energy balance to promote digestion
Aids the prevention of staggers Magnesium supply with vitamin D3 to increase mobilisation
Top Tip: StokBlok Suckler Cow is an easy way of feeding outlying stock when liquid feed is not an option. This is an ideal block when protein, energy and magnesium are required.
When the risk of grass staggers is particularly high, use StokBlok Mag Plus. The average suckler cow’s requirement is 15-18g of magnesium per day. StokBlok Mag Plus will supply this at intakes of 150g/hd/day.
Features Benefits
Contains urea and soya as the protein source
Urea is essential for forage digesting bacteria in the rumen to maximise benefits of home grown
feeds while soya provides a bypass protein source.
Contains megalac protected fat
Supplies additional energy to meet nutritional requirements. Feeds the animal directly and does not disrupt rumen function and forage
digestion.
High iodine, selenium and vitamin EGood for the cow & calf health and optimising
production potential of suckled calves.
Weight: 25kg / 100kg
Feeding rate: 100-350g/hd/day depending on BW and forage quality
Suitability: Suckler cows
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LMF Hi Phos + CopperAn all-round bucket with emphasis on phosphorus levels for cattle
Promotes fertilityFirst step in achieving the highest potential of youngstock
Helps support a healthy immune system Optimises production and performance
Low labour option Convenient way to supply nutrients and balance deficiencies
Top Tip: For mixed grazing situations where phosphorus deficiency is an area of concern there is also the Hi Phos Bucket which contains no copper.
Organic system? The Zintec Organic Suckler Bucket helps provide the essential minerals and trace elements that may be missing from an organic ration. High in magnesium, phosphorus and calcium which is necessary for suckler cows throughout the year, but particularly for the cow and calf at foot.
Features Benefits
Good levels of phosphorus and vitamin D3 Helps fertility in all breeding cattle. Helps
address any phosphorus deficiencies.
Contains cobaltEssential for vitamin B12 synthesis which drives
energy and production.
Balanced level of macro elements
Good for production requirements of the cow while she is producing milk for her young, trying
to get back in calf as well as providing the necessary components in the diet for the calf to
build a good strong frame.
Weight: 25kg
Feeding rate: 100-150kg/hd/day
Suitability: All breeding cattle to improve fertility
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Cow Complete Chelated Protected minerals to balance trace element deficiencies and antagonists
Helps support a healthy immune system Optimises production and performance
Aids productionMaintaining milk output and fertility
Protected trace elementsSupports wellbeing
Weight: 25kg bag
Feeding rate: 100-150g/hd/day depending on BW
Suitability: Dairy and suckler cows – particularly those facing stubborn trace element problems
Top Tip: Ideal for cattle on maize or wholecrop based diets. Also of particular benefit if feed contains antagonists such as molybdenum.
Chelated trace elements are also included in buckets. Zintec Hi-Trace Cattle Bucket is a low labour option to provide stock with the nutrients they need to balance any deficiencies and/or antagonists.
Features Benefits
High levels of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium
Helps to maintain production and enhance fertility.
Chelated manganese & vitamin A Helps improve conception rates due to better
reproductive organ function.
Iodine, cobalt and vitamin B12 Will boost energy metabolism for improved
fertility.
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Easi-Mag LiquidA liquid feed to reduce the risk of magnesium deficiency
Aids the prevention of staggers Source of magnesium during high risk periods
Instant energy supply Helps cattle at times of elevated need
Free access & palatable Peace of mind with reliable intakes
Weight: Litres
Feeding rate: 0.5 - 0.75litre/hd/day
Feed off the ball for the best results
Suitability: All cows at risk of staggers (Use mixed grazing version for sheep or mixed grazing situations).
Top Tip: Feed Easi-Mag Liquid off the ball and ensure plenty of access point, ideally one ball per 10 head of cattle. This is ideal as a magnesium source during this high risk period due to its 24 hour availability. The combination of magnesium chloride and an instant energy source makes this liquid one of the most effective aids against the condition of staggers.
If liquid feed is not a suitable option, use the High Mag Cattle Tubby. A high magnesium bucket with a full range of macros, trace elements and vitamins to combat against any other deficiencies in grass at this time.
Features Benefits
Magnesium from a chloride source A low pH so it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.
26% sugar as sucrose Instant energy at times of need and aid palatability of
liquid.
High iodine and selenium levelsTo overcome soil deficiencies and supports thyroxine
levels to help energy production and performance.
1973
1982
Company formed
Celebrating over 40 years in business
0800 374 325 | [email protected]
www.brinicombe.co.uk
Relocated to Crediton office and factory
1987 First Tubby produced
1991
1996
1997
2002
2009
2005
2013
2008
2017
Created Mineral Clinic
Launched Stokblok
Built 5th factory at Crediton
Acquired Chapman & Frearson and FSL Bells
ProSolve launched
Launched Brinicombe Equine
Acquired Zintec
Acquired Lachlan MacGregor Feeds
Exporting to over 20 countries
Like us on f Follow us on l @DenisBrinicombe
Fordton Industrial Estate, Crediton, Devon, UK EX17 3BZ