Trace Element Supplementation
When it comes to trace element deficiencies, the focus has shifted from improving growth rates and milk production, to the gains in fertility and immunity that can be achieved. There are high demand periods when trace element requirements rapidly increase, where even well-supplemented herds dip into deficiency. This often leads to disease and drops in production, growth or fertility.
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.
What's a high demand period?
There are times when the requirements for trace elements rapidly increase, often coinciding with reduced feed intake. When this occurs even well-supplemented stock can temporarily dip into a slight deficiency. Because trace elements have essential roles in immunity, reproduction and growth, these high demand periods often lead to higher levels of disease, and sometimes short-term drops in production, growth or fertility. Calving/fawning, mating, weaning, transport, velveting or early life are all examples of periods where trace element demand increases. Injectable trace elements provide rapid, targeted and sustained increases, so are more suitable for use prior to high demand periods.
Isn't supplementing trace elements normally associated with improving growth rates and milk production?
While we’ve traditionally focussed on improving growth rates and milk production through supplementation, we now understand that trace elements have roles throughout multiple body systems, and are more important than previously thought. The focus is now on the less obvious (but equally important) gains in fertility and immunity that can be achieved. Most importantly, we have the confidence of local research with MULTIMIN®, to put numbers behind how much of an effect on health and fertility can be expected on NZ farms.
I know I need selenium and copper, but why would I include zinc and manganese?
These are the four trace elements that are most critical for both immunity and fertility, and are used in large quantities during reproduction and when the body is under stress and the immune system is working harder. There are highly specific roles within the immune and reproductive systems for all four of these trace elements. For example, copper and zinc work together in enzymes to protect cells from damage, manganese protects the developing egg within the ovary, zinc helps to produce a healthy uterine lining and selenium has multiple immune roles including helping to protect a growing embryo.
Has MULTIMIN® been researched in New Zealand?
MULTIMIN® has been scientifically proven in New Zealand conditions, with initial research conducted in 2007, and the most recent in 2020. This research has demonstrated improved heifer and cow reproductive performance and and immunity, and enhanced calf health and survival. MULTIMIN® has also been extensively researched around the world, including in Australia, the US and Europe.
How do I use MULTIMIN®?
MULTIMIN® should be administered to cattle and deer by subcutaneous injection online, at the dosage recommendations. No milk or meat withholding periods are required when used as directed.
- 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.
To learn more about MULTIMIN® visit performanceready.co.nz or ask your vet.
