Hi-Lac Precalver Meal

A unique high lactose concentrate meal for feeding dry cows.

• Hi-Lac Precalver effectively conditions the rumen an independent trial at Cranfield University showed an increase in milk value of £70.00 per cow compared with a traditional diet and the cows lost less weight in early lactation.
• Hi-Lac Precalver contains the correct mineral level to minimise the risk of milk fever at calving. Low levels of calcium are combined with a high magnesium content.
• Hi-Lac Precalver contains high trace element and mineral levels. Specific organic trace elements are included for better availability. Sel Plex50 The highly available selenium has been shown to reduce cell counts.

Hi-Lac Pre Calver is a concentrate for feeding to dry cows and heifers during the period before calving. It has been formulated to meet the specific nutritional criteria of the dry dairy cow and has been independently tested to prove its effectiveness. Heygates have a unique patented manufacturing process which allows higher levels of lactose to be included than can be achieved by any other manufacturer.

The key points to remember when managing dry cows:

1. Attention must be given to cow condition (condition score of 2.5 to 3 at drying off.)
2. The vitamin and trace element status of the cow should be maintained in late lactation and during the dry period.
3. The mineral balance immediately precalving should minimise the risk of milk fever at calving.
4. Rations fed during the period immediately pre calving should stimulate rumen function (conditioning) and enable a smooth transition into the lactating period.

If all these requirements are met then a cow or heifer will calve without major deficiencies and have good stocks of all nutrients which are stored in the body. The increased demands of milk production can therefore be met.

Feeding Recommendations
About three to four weeks before calving Hi Lac Precalver should be introduced at 2.5kg per cow/heifer per day. Feed with silage which should be restricted to 6.5kg Dry Matter daily. If the protein and energy levels in the silage are of average value the protein provided by Hi Lac will be adequate. However, if either the silage is of low protein content, or maize silage is also fed, some additional protein supplementation may be necessary. This may be achieved simply by replacing a small proportion of Hi Lac with Hi Pro Soya to achieve the correct overall protein content to facilitate rumen function. Straw should also be offered ad libitum at all times to ensure intake capacity is maintained.

Cows should be dried off in the right condition (condition score 2.5 to 3). Assuming a normal dry period of 56 days, then the first 28 days may be used to adjust over conditioned cows slightly if separate grouping is practical. Appetite should be maintained by feeding forage of a lower quality rather than a lower quantity. Those low in condition may be introduced to the group which are being conditioned for calving at an earlier stage.

Rumen Conditioning
The key feature of Hi-Lac Precalver is that most of the energy is provided by lactose. When fed at the recommended level this provides 750g of lactose daily. Lactose has been shown to have a much slower and more controlled fermentation within the rumen compared with any other sugar or starch. As a result rumen microbial activity is enhanced which provides the rumen conditioning required when feeding the precalving cow. A highly conditioned rumen will allow feed intake to rise immediately after calving and the stores of nutrients are maintained. This is likely to have significant influences on performance, health and fertility of the herd.

Supplementation
Mineral levels in Hi-Lac Precalver are set at levels designed to minimise the risk of milk fever at calving. Calcium is maintained at a very low level whereas Magnesium at 1.25% ensures each cow receives her daily requirement. Trace element and vitamin levels have been given particular attention. Certain elements either known to be deficient in forages or having further benefits when fed above requirements have been supplemented generously. Of particular note are the levels of Selenium, Copper, Zinc, Iodine and vitamin E at up to four times that of a normal dairy compound. In addition, a proportion of the Selenium is included in the organic form, Selplex 50, and Copper and Zinc in the form of Bioplexes. These sources have a much higher availability than the inorganic traditional form.

Independent Results
In order to investigate the correct supplement to feed precalving cows Hi Lac Preclaver has been independently tested by Cranfield University on their Shuttleworth Farm. A comparison was made between high protein (UDP), low protein and starch and sugar to condition the cow for lactation. In addition the level of trace element supplementation was also investigated.

For more information on Hi-Lac Precalver please contact Liz Russell from Greenlands Nutrition on 01772 860096 or email her here.

Greenlands Nutrition, Pasture View, Barton Cross Park, Barton, Preston, PR3 5AX
Tel 01772 860096, Fax 01772 866077, Mobile 07791 451135
email sales@greenlandsnutrition.co.uk