Suckler CowTechnical Guide

Supporting health through nutrition to maximise production profitability

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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

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Min

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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 | enquiries@brinicombe.co.uk

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