Help for stressed cows
The most costly problems on dairy farms are linked to oxidative stress, say two visiting animal health experts.
A one-day free seminar on selenium next month in Hamilton will present data on boosting animal health and productivity, says the organiser, BEC Feed Solutions.
Professor Peter Surai and Dr Kevin Liu will present global R&D on selenium nutrition and supplementation, on October 28 at the Hamilton airport conference centre.
“They will talk about the importance of selenium as an antioxidant in modern intensive animal production,” says event organiser Trina Parker, country manager of BEC Feed Solutions.
“They will also talk about different sources of selenium for ruminant (dairy, beef, sheep and goats) and monogastric animals (pigs, layer hens, broilers, horses and pets).”
Parker says the seminar is a New Zealand-first, presenting the latest global developments in selenium supplementation.
“It’s well known that NZ has low-selenium soils, and because it’s not essential for plant growth this vital mineral is often overlooked,” Parker says.
“We’re keen to raise awareness of the fact selenium is vital to animal health and production and so supplementation is essential. The link to human nutrition of optimised selenium in animal products is an area waiting to be explored.”
The event is in two parts: 10am -12 noon, selenium in ruminant production and nutrition; and 1-3pm, selenium in monogastric production and nutrition.
Parker claims that new research indicates selenium supplements now available in NZ are not as bio-available to animals as initially believed.
“This is a major concern for NZ animal production, particularly in the dairy sector where selenium options have until now been limited to sodium selenite/selenate and selenium yeast.
The company will soon two organic selenium products in NZ. Easy application is a notable feature of the products, particularly the liquid organic selenium option, which enables water application.
Selisseo 2% Se is the only pure source of seleno-hydroxy-methionine, Parker says.
“It is quite new and different for NZ producers, combining purity, reliability, stability and ease of use with 100% efficiency.”
• To register: www.becfeedsolutions.co.nz/news or telephone 0800 BEC 001.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand's trade interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely.
New Zealand's red meat sector says it is disappointed by the United States' decision to impose tariffs on New Zealand exports.
OPINION: Farmers nationwide will be rubbing their hands with glee at the latest news from the Government about the RMA reforms.
Holstein Friesian NZ and Link Livestock have agreed on a strategic partnership to provide HFNZ members with comprehensive services from one of New Zealand's most respected dairy men.
Rural retailer Farmlands has launched a new casual clothing range available across 42 stores nationwide and through its online store.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…