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Health Care

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Optimising Cattle and Deer Health: Why Injectable Trace Elements Are Key

When it comes to trace element supplementation for cattle and deer, we are becoming aware that at key times, production benefits can be gained for supplementing animals even if trace element testing identifies sufficient levels. When animals are identified as having deficient levels of trace elements it is well known that supplementation will result in increased growth rates, milk production, disease incidence and improved reproductive outcomes.

MULTIMIN® is an injectable source of zinc, copper, selenium and manganese. It safely and rapidly boosts the levels of these trace elements in cattle and deer, and is best administered prior to high demand periods.

Multiple  New Zealand studies with MULTIMIN® show that supplementing even “sufficient” animals with trace elements results in production benefits including, reduced disease (e.g. clinical mastitis in cattle), and improved performance (e.g. improved six weeks in calf rate, more days in milk and lower empty rates). For bulls supplemented with MULTIMIN®  has shown improved semen quality, quantity and form. During periods of stress, the requirement for trace elements for immune and metabolic function increases. During these high-demand periods, such as mating and fawning and calving trace element requirements rapidly increase, and even well-supplemented herds can dip into a temporary trace element deficiency. This can often  lead to a drop in production, growth, and reproductive performance, and can compromise the immune system response.

When trace element deficiency has been diagnosed on your farm,  talk to your vet about what trace element supplementation is best for you. 

Introducing MULTIMIN®: Your Solution for Trace Element Optimisation

MULTIMIN® is an injectable trace mineral for cattle and deer, providing a safe and rapid boost of essential zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese. It is best administered before periods of high-demand to help prevent deficiencies and optimise productivity outcomes.  Unlike oral trace element supplementation, injectable trace elements are rapidly and fully absorbed and available for use in the body.

MULTIMIN® has also been shown in New Zealand conditions to assist with the reduction in disease and reduce the number of deaths in youngstock. When administered on Day 1 of life. In calves, MULTIMIN® approximately halved the number deaths and halved the incidence of scours in calves between 3 and 35 days of age when compared to a control group that did not receive MULTIMIN®.

What Are High-Demand Periods for Trace Elements?

High-demand periods are times when your animals' need for trace elements spikes, often coinciding with reduced feed intake. Even well-supplemented stock can temporarily become deficient. This is because these trace elements are critical for immunity, reproduction, and growth. Examples of these high-demand periods include:

  • Pre-calving
  • The transition period
  • Mating
  • Weaning
  • Transport
  • Velveting and yarding
  • Periods of rapid growth

Periods of rapid growth

Using an injectable trace element for cattle and deer provides a rapid, targeted, and sustained increase in trace element levels, making it the ideal solution to prepare your animals for periods of stress and increased trace element demand.

Beyond Growth: The Hidden Benefits of Trace Element Supplementation

While we’ve traditionally focused on improving growth rates and milk production, we now know that trace elements play a vital role in multiple body systems. A new focus is on improved reproductive performance  and immunity benefits in cattle and deer. With local research in New Zealand, we can confidently show the positive effects of MULTIMIN® on health and reproductive performance on NZ farms.

Why Zinc and Manganese Matter for immunity and reproductive performance?

You might know about the importance of selenium and copper, but zinc and manganese are just as critical. These are the four most vital trace elements for both immunity and reproductive performance , especially during mating  and periods of stress. Each element has many specific roles, some of which include:

  • Copper and zinc work together to protect cells from damage.
  • Manganese protects the developing egg.
  • Zinc helps produce a healthy uterine lining and egg quality.
  • Selenium has multiple immune roles, including protecting a growing embryo.
  • Together, these four elements in MULTIMIN® offer comprehensive support.

Proven in New Zealand Conditions

MULTIMIN® has been scientifically researched and proven in New Zealand, with studies dating back to 2007. This research has shown improved reproductive performance in heifers and cows, enhanced immunity, and better calf health and survival. It has also been extensively researched around the world, giving you confidence in its effectiveness. MULTIMIN® for healthy calves and improved herd performance is a proven strategy.

How to use MULTIMIN®

MULTIMIN® is administered to cattle and deer by subcutaneous injection according to dosage recommendations. There are no milk or meat withholding periods when used as directed.

Dosage:

  • Calves (up to 1 year): 1 ml/50 kg.
  • Cattle (1-2 years): 1 ml/75 kg.
  • Cattle (over 2 years): 1 ml/100 kg.
  • Deer: 1 ml/100 kg.

If you're wondering "When to inject MULTIMIN® in cattle?” or “How to treat trace element deficiency in deer?”, administering it before high-demand periods is the key. Talk to your vet to discuss the best time to use MULTIMIN® for pre-calving stress or before mating.

To learn more about MULTIMIN® visit performanceready.co.nz or ask your vet.

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