CalverMaxx offers farmers the ability to fill forage nutrient gaps ahead of the autumn calving season

CalverMaxx offers farmers the ability to fill forage nutrient gaps ahead of the autumn calving season

With a decline in forage quality ahead of the autumn calving season, supplementation is critical to fulfilling pre-calving nutritional requirements

Beef and dairy farmers preparing for the autumn calving season will likely need to provide cattle with additional supplementation as forage stocks decline, says Dr Alison Bond, nutritionist for Rumenco.

“We’re reaching the time of year when there is a natural decline in forage availability and quality. However, this year has been further compounded by growing conditions,” explains Dr Bond.

Industry reports show poor growing conditions in the spring and early summer resulted in first cuts of silage having sugar values nearly 72% lower and lignin values 11% higher compared to 2021. High levels of lignin cause significant decreases in the nutritional value of forage. While damp weather conditions have boosted mid to late summer grass growth well above the four-year average, quality remains low and is starting to have an immediate season taper in availability.

“The challenge for autumn calvers is to meet pre-calving nutritional requirements when they are at the highest, while forage stocks and quality take a nose dive,” explains Dr Bond. “If silages are less digestible then we could see lower dry matter intakes in the run-up to calving as the silage won’t pass through the rumen as quickly. This is a problem as we want to maximise dry matter intakes in the final weeks of pregnancy to minimise the risk of metabolic problems.”

This is especially challenging in the final weeks of pregnancy when cows are under considerable metabolic stress as the udder prepares for lactation, colostrum production begins and rapid foetal development is taking place.

Overcoming nutritional challenges with CalverMaxx

To stretch forage stocks for a more economical feeding system, Dr Bond recommends cattle producers start supplementing with a product like CalverMaxx in the final six weeks of pregnancy.

Specially formulated to support the health and performance of pre-calving cows and heifers, CalverMaxx is a palatable, high-sugar product that provides a readily available source of energy to support calf growth, colostrum production and future cow fertility. The high sugar content provides rumen support by feeding rumen microbes to boost rumen function, which in return will optimise available nutrients in every mouthful of forage consumed.

“For cattle on a forage-based diet, CalverMaxx will deliver essential vitamins and minerals while also supporting rumen function without leading to excessive weight gain,” explains Dr Bond. “Daily intakes are 200-300g, which is not enough for cows to become over-conditioned in late pregnancy.”

According to Dr Bond, a multipurpose nutrient and rumen support supplement like CalverMaxx will yield a return on investment. This is paid through supporting healthier calvings, healthier calves and future fertility.

This is achieved from high levels of iodine and copper, including a protected source of copper, to support calf development and return to oestrus. It also has optimal levels of selenium and vitamin E, including a protected source of selenium, to support colostrum quality, calf vigour, and immunity.

“Not only are there economic benefits from the ability to stretch forage stocks in a year like this but there are also short and long-term benefits in managing metabolic disease risk and optimising colostrum production,” concludes Dr Bond.