Martin Tumility, who farms with his father Charlie close to Katesbridge in Co. Down, has found the Crystalyx Garlyx feed blocks invaluable in protecting their livestock from flies and biting insects while grazing.

A focal point of the Tumility business is the procurement of elite quality, springing beef-breeding heifers and subsequently selling them at point of calving.

Martin said: ” We use a selection of top quality continental sexed semen, with the objective of having the heifers calve down with their own heifer calves during the late autumn/early winter period.

"Our aim is to bring forward in-calf heifers with elite breeding potential. We host an annual sale of stock in Markethill towards the end of October, which continues to grow in popularity.”

Crucial to the success of this business model is the initial procurement of springing heifers that meet Martin’s very discerning quality criteria. And acquisitions of this calibre come at a significant cost.

Martin added: “Getting the animals successfully in calf at the right time represents another significant investment.”

All the in-calf heifers are grazed throughout the spring and summer months.

However, this approach brings with it the threat of summer mastitis.

“We have had heifers losing a quarter while at grass in the past. And this has reduced their value significantly," Martin explained.

"Our response has been to put Crystalyx Garlyx feed blocks out with the stock throughout the grazing season.

"I source the Garlyx blocks required from my local Fane Valley store in Banbridge.”

Crystalyx regional representative, David Morgan, was a recent visitor to the Tumilty farm.

He confirmed that the 2025 fly season is already under way, adding: “With the flies comes the enhanced risk of pre-calving cows and in-calf heifers becoming predisposed to summer mastitis.

"However, the good news is that Crystalyx Garlyx represents a natural way of protecting cattle and sheep from biting insects.

Morgan explained how the Crystalyx Garlyx feed blocks work to protect livestock.

“The natural, high-sulphur compounds in garlic act as an insect repellent, which wards off flies and other biting insects.

"The tubs and buckets can be conveniently put out in fields and paddocks with stock throughout the grazing season.”

Crystalyx Garlyx is ideally provided to livestock – cattle and sheep – at those times when flies and biting insects are extremely prevalent.

If livestock are stressed and or irritated, then they are less likely to graze, therefore becoming less productive.

Garlyx acts to make livestock’s skin less attractive to biting insects. In such instances, they are less likely to bother livestock.

The natural garlic contained in Garlyx is consumed by livestock with every lick, and over the days that follow, the garlic passes through the animal and is secreted out from pores in the skin.

This then produces an invisible barrier around livestock, which flies and other biting insects find repellent.

Crystalyx Garlyx also contains a full complement of vitamins, minerals and trace elements to balance the deficiencies in summer grass.

The high levels of zinc contained in the product also help to maintain skin integrity and strength in order to further guard against biting insects.

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