Fonterra’s Fat Evaluation Index (FEI) may encourage farmers away from straight palm kernel extract (PKE) to other straights, layered loads or blends. The huge popularity of PKE in New Zealand suggests that if levels are reduced, either something will have to fill the gap or national milk production levels will fall. Lower input/lower output systems […]

The element sodium (Na) is essential for all animals. It functions as a major extracellular cation and is essential for maintaining osmotic pressure in the body as well as water regulation. It is essential for transporting nutrients around the body and removing waste from cells. It is also involved in nerve impulse transmission and muscle […]

Falling pasture quality over the coming months can dramatically affect the performance of milking animals and young stock, but countermeasures are available. Spring calving cows should be “in their groove” by November – they will have peaked in production and now be gradually easing back while regaining condition as best they can. Carefully reared calves […]

In terms of reproductive performance, if conservative by nature or restrained by budgets it might be worth starting with the little things and working up the food chain rather than concluding the big cost items are beyond reach and do nothing. Essential trace minerals are reactive elements that are required in tiny amounts that get […]