Effective urea supplementation can result in an increase in appetite for dry feed of up to 50%, resulting in faster digestion of dry grass and faster throughput (rate of passage) of feed. This means cattle will eat more dry grass.

The nutritional value of all grasses in northern Australia declines following the growing season. As grasses mature and seed, their feed value declines. The nutrients in the grass also become less accessible to cattle and sheep as grasses become harder to digest as they mature.

As a result of this decline in pasture quality and digestibility, cattle lose weight at an increasing rate as the dry season progresses. In a grazing sense, little can be done to improve the digestibility of mature grass however, urea is proven to be an extremely cost-effective method to increase the rate at which digestion occurs.

The rate at which digestion occurs in ruminant animals is governed by the number and type of microflora present in the rumen and a large healthy population of microflora results in faster digestion of feed and an added source of microbial protein for the animal.

With approximately 70% of soils in northern Australia phosphorus deficient, many cattle grazing pastures need an additional source of phosphorus, particularly during the wet season when energy and protein levels are at their peak.

Phosphorus is involved in almost every metabolic reaction in ruminants, including:

• formation of bones & teeth
• structural component of skeletal tissues
• absorption of carbohydrates such as glucose through intestinal tissues
• transport of fatty acids throughout the body
• metabolism of energy
• milk production
• facilitation of fat, carbohydrate & protein utilisation
• improving the efficiency of feed utilisation, energy transfer reactions, normal milk secretion and buffering of body fluids

Rumen microflora require phosphorus to digest pasture. A deficiency of phosphorus in the diet:

• suppresses appetite, resulting in rapid reduction in feed intake
• can lead to reduced milk production
• bone fragility leading to bone breakages
• a severe loss of productivity gains (from P deficiency during late lactation, early pregnancy, calving & growing stock)

Soils and pasture through Australia experience trace varying mineral deficiencies. Essential trace minerals are required for growth, production and fertility. Often trace minerals dificiencies can be the under lying cause of health issues and poor production.

These are six trace minerals that DIT AgTech can supplement:

Manganese – Manganese deficiencies cause fertility issues and can also be detected by abnormalities in young calves and lambs. Manganese supplements assist with reproduction, fertility, skeletal development and growth.

Selenium & Copper – Assist in growth and the repair of tissues as well as converting carbohydrates into energy. Selenium and Copper both help with the blood and tissue health of the animal, particularly in young livestock. 

Zinc – Zinc assists in the health of the animal’s coat and hooves in addition to optimising wound healing. The immune system also relies heavily on zinc to protect livestock for disease and virus.

Cobalt – Cobalt deficient livestock will suffer from a loss of appetite, weight loss and a pale coat.

Iodine – Iodine deficiency will cause a decreased metabolic rate in ruminants. Fertility, immune defence and muscle function also benefit from the supplement of Iodine.

Stress in livestock can often result in poorer health and production. Providing a supplement designed to reduce stress can:

• Limit impacts on appetite, weight, transport shrinkage
• Speed up recovery periods
• Provide a safer working environment for both stock and people

DIT AgTech’s uCALM range contains minerals and nutrients that can limit the impact of stress on livestock. Formulations from our uCALM range are often used when transporting livestock and weaning, but can provide effect relief during any period of stress.

Formulations within our uCALM range contain:

• Magnesium to reduce the production of stress hormones
• Electrolytes which can improve water retention and absorption
• Urea phosphate to simulate the rumen and keep microbes active whilst feed is unavailable
• DIT AgTech’s Trace Mineral formulation