A proven fertility boost has been demonstrated on the farm of Ben Ridgeway near Clonakilty, Co. Cork, where he milks 230 crossbred, spring calving cows.

For the past three years, production has averaged between 500 and 520kg of milk solids across the herd.

This level of performance is achieved from exceptionally high-quality grazed grass, silage and approximately 800kg of meals per cow.

The herd is managed in order to secure the highest possible levels of milk output from grazed grass.

Cow and heifer fertility is extremely high at the present time, but that wasn’t always the case.

According to Ben: "Up to four years ago, fertility had been an issue within the herd.

“I knew there was a fundamental issue impacting on the cows. So, working with my vet, the decision was taken to have a high proportion of the animals blood sampled and their trace element levels accurately assessed.

“In a number of cases the concentrations detected were verging on clinical deficiency levels.”

“The decision was then taken to bolus the cows to readdress the trace element deficiency. It was agreed that the Tracesure Cattle XL best suited our needs."

He continued: "We went ahead on that basis and have never looked back. Fertility levels within the herd immediately improved.

“Delivering the trace elements that cows and heifer need prior to calving ensures that calves are born with lots of vigour, colostrum quality is excellent and metabolic problems; including retained cleanings, milk fevers and ketosis; have been kept to an absolute minimum.

“Tracesure boluses can be easily placed in the animal’s rumen, and they remain active for a full, six-month period.”

Ben works closely with his veterinarian, Howard Kenny, from Faxbridge Veterinary in Clonakilty.

It was their close collaboration that led to the confirmation of the trace element challenge on the Ridgeway farm in the first place.

“But it’s a case of knowing the facts. In Ben’s case several of the cows were blood sampled and a forage analysis was carried out and subsequently analysed.

“It was on analysing the information from both of these tests that we identified copper and selenium deficiencies in the cows along with the possibility of cobalt and iodine deficiencies due to low levels in the forage analysis," Howard explained.

Howard is strongly urging dairy farmers to contact their veterinary surgeons and have a similar process followed where cases of poor herd fertility and issues around calving time have arisen.

“Once it was identified that a trace element deficiency could be potentially impacting the performance of the cows, using a bolus to address the problem was decided as the course of action to take. 

“Ben has been using the Tracesure boluses for the past four years. Their use along with other management changes have led to a boost in herd fertility and in the general heath of the cows and calves on the farm," he continued.

Trace element deficiencies are widespread across all Irish soil types.

Commercial manager (Ireland) at Animax, Mark O'Brien, said:

“Almost all forage is short in one or more essential trace elements to satisfy the immune, digestive and reproductive needs of highly productive, lactating dairy cows.

“Tracesure boluses work to deliver the required balance of trace mineral over a full, six-month period.”

Making all of this work is a combination of two unique technologies.

Tracesure boluses feature unique patented diffusion technology for a controlled release and low risk of premature passing.

In practical terms, this means that rumen fluid is allowed to enter the blouses and displace the trace minerals into the rumen.

The diffusion gradient created allows the trace elements to be released over time in a wholly controlled manner.

Significantly, Tracesure boluses also retain their full size over time. This prevents the premature passing of the bolus from the rumen.

In contrast, dissolving or eroding boluses will break up over time. This process increases the risk of regurgitation.

In addition, any reduction in size of the bolus may enhance the rate at which trace elements are dispersed into the rumen.

“Tracesure boluses now feature grooves coated with natural beeswax, providing a partial barrier that regulates release.

“However, the wax remains in the grooves up to two months, in order to further ensure a consistent and safe release by regulating the surface area exposed to rumen fluid," O'Brien explained.

“Specifically where copper is concerned, Tracesure boluses contain copper oxide needles that are manufactured to a pharmaceutical standard by Animax”

“The reality is trace mineral deficiencies constitute a challenge on every dairy and livestock farm.

“Members of the Animax team are available to advise on how best the Tracesure boluses can be used to help deliver optimal levels of production and animal health standards," he added.

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